Bantams Valiant In Opening Game Defeat
May 29, 2010

The Sarnia Sturgeon Bantams played their first game in franchise existence on Saturday when they visited the Twin-City Predators on the artificial turf of Seagram Stadium in Kitchener.  The hometown Predators were heavily favoured but the Sturgeon came out full of emotion and scored on their opening possession.  Hayden MacLean capped the drive with a touchdown on a 22 yard sweep.  In a scenario that played out the entire first half, the Predators answered with a touchdown of their own on the ensuing possession.

When the first half concluded, the Sturgeon had added a pair of touchdowns by Nick Paquette, a 70 yard touchdown run by Mitchell Smiley and another major by MacLean.   The Predators led 32-31 at the half.  Additional touchdowns by Smiley and Maclean had the Sturgeon in the lead for most of the second half.  The Predators took the lead with just over a minute left in the game and hung on for a 51-45 victory over the gallant Sturgeon, who played in the extreme heat with only 26 players.
 
The defence was led by Erich Maxfield with a pair of sacks, Jared Lippiatt with a fumble recovery and the solid play of Johnny Ramos.  MacLean rushed for 190 yards, Smiley scampered for 170 yards and Paquette raced for 110.
 
The Sturgeon visit Hamilton next Sunday and play their home opener against the Oakville Titans at Germain Park Saturday June 12 at 1 p.m.