Sturgeon Bantams Stretch Win Streak to Three
June 20, 2010

 
    The Sarnia Sturgeon bantams improved their record to 3-1 Sunday at Norm Perry Park with a 32-6 victory over the Forest City Thunderbirds in a game that was closer than the final score indicates.

    The Thunderbirds hit the scoreboard first, on a major by hard running fullback Sean Vogan.  On their ensuing drive the Sturgeon countered with a touchdown of their own as a result of an end run by Mitchell Smiley.  The balance of the Sturgeon attack proved a thorn in the side for the Thunderbird defense all game.  Mitchell Smiley and Hayden MacLean were effective on runs outside, the Parete twins, Marco and Alex, pounded the ball between the tackles and quarterback Josh Elsley had pass completions in clutch situations.  The Thunderbird defence hung tough and battled gamely, stopping the Sturgeon three times inside their 20 in the second quarter.  Before the half was completed, Smiley and MacLean had added additional touchdowns and Marco Parete booted a convert to stake the Sturgeon to a 20-6 lead at the break. 

    The Thunderbirds took the second half kickoff and moved the ball down the field on an eight minute drive.  Vogan and Braedon Sinclair ran effectively on this Forest City drive that eventually stalled deep in Sturgeon territory.   A 68 yard pass from Elsley to MacLean on the Sturgeon ensuing possession put the game out of reach but the Thunderbirds battled to the final whistle.  Marco Parete closed out the scoring for the home side.   Johnny Ramos and Mathew Simic held their ground as stalwarts on the Sturgeon "D" and Jessy Kocins had many punishing hits for the Thunderbirds.

     The Sturgeon travel to Oakville next Sunday for a return engagement with the Titans whom they hosted in their home opener last weekend.