Saints football opens season in dominant fashion

September 28, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

Three games, three wins so far for one of the top preparatory school football programs in the country.
The St. Andrew’s College Saints rolled their way through the St. Margeurite D’Youville Panthers and the Lucas Vikings in preseason play, before spoiling the St. Michael’s College homecoming on Saturday in the first game of the CISAA regular season.
In the first game on Yuill Field in mid-September, running back Adre Simmonds proved his offensive worth early by racking up four touchdowns in a dominating 59 – 26 win over the Panthers.
Quarterback Ben Schmidt threw for three TDs, while defensively Walter Karabin had a game to remember by recording a “pick six”, returning an interception for a touchdown.
A greater challenge lay ahead for the Saints in the Lucas Vikings, multi-time provincial champions from London. Walter and Wells Karabin combined for three TDS in a 27 – 14 win on Yuill Field, while Quest Rodin picked up his first career interception.
With both teams bringing an undefeated preseason to the table on Saturday, the Saints went head-to-head with St. Michael’s College in the latter’s homecoming game. Simmonds led the way offensively for the Saints with over 300 yards gained, as well as four TDs.
Schmidt added another major with a quarterback sneak, for a final score of 38 – 20 for the Saints.
The perfect start is no surprise for the Saints football program, a perennial powerhouse in independent league football. However, it was a disappointing end to the 2015 season, falling in a semifinal thriller to Upper Canada College, who went on to defeat Trinity College School in the CISAA final for their third-straight championship.
The Saints are now in preparation for their own homecoming game, this Saturday at Yuill Field on campus. They will host Upper Canada College, who defeated Trinity College School on opening day 44 – 26.
In junior CISAA action, the under-16 Saints fell to St. Mike’s 39 – 20 in their season opener played prior to the senior game.
For schedules, visit www.sac.on.ca.