The Dave Nelson Early Bird (EB) is always a gamble for teams. Squads always roll the dice on competiton and weather, you just never know what to expect from either. The EB has notoriously been a goldmine for teams looking to capitalize on chemistry issues due to routine turnover, as off-season movement is a given in TFO.
There were more than a few surprises at the EB, and no shortage of mixed weather, but thankfully the HQ offered a large tent and plenty of hot tasty food, I'm looking at you back bacon burgers! Read the below recap and view pictures and video to find out more about the EB, which was chaired, as usual, by Don Gerry. Great tournament Don, big thanks to you and your volunteer crew!
Pictures and Video
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Picture Gallery
Early Bird Video
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Men's AA
Defending four-time National champions, The Burlington Spartans, kicked off the Trillium Tour season looking every bit their top dog status. In rainy round-robin conditions, the Spartans dominated the Enforcers 35 to 0, before holding off the Hamilton Dolphins 29 to 20. They continued their one-sided ways against the Toronto Trojans, slightly more than doubling them to advance to the semi-finals.
Waiting for the Spartans was worse weather and a group of eager young legs making a TFO splash, literally and figuratively--the St Catherine’s Grasshoppers.
The Grasshoppers were a force in tier two last season, but didn’t finish the Tour due to scholastic obligations. Proving they were worth the hype, the Grasshoppers opened 2011 with a 30 to 28 win over the accomplished Steelers before upsetting the Canadian A champion Hamilton Chargers in preliminary play-offs.
Thanks to solid rushing, a stingy defence and firm footing, the Spartans shut down the Grasshoppers 22 to 0 in awful conditions, advancing to the finals.
Our other semi-final showdown saw another upset, as the Hamilton Dolphins outlasted the Kitchener Gaels 20 to 12 in their second championship appearance.
With water up to our ankles, this was undoubtedly one of the sloppiest championship contests ever. Somehow, however, the Spartans scored three touchdowns. With the Dolphins managing only one, the Spartans ended the Early Bird with 50 points and a second place ranking in the Province. Congratulations guys!
Women's AA
The Ottawa Devils, much like the Burlington Spartans, looked every bit the defending elite Canadian champions at the Early Bird. Shrugging off rainy weather, they opened their round-robin and preliminary match-ups undefeated, earning large one-sided scores.
Their 2010 rivals, Montreal’s Fleur De Lys (FDL), emulated their swagger, controlling their opponents throughout Saturday’s non-elimination action.
With the weather becoming increasingly poor, the Devils still managed to post large offensive numbers, outscoring the London Rebels 31 to 0.This victory resulted in a meeting with the Fleur De Lys, who had shut-down the Toronto Rockets 13 to 0 to get into the finals.
This could have been an exciting rematch like their national championship showdown last season, but bad weather hampered both teams. The Devils, however, dug deep to take the title, once again demonstrating why they are the best team in the country. Congratulations to both teams for being troopers out there!
Men's A
The Toronto Trojans had a very slow start to their 2011 Trillium Tour season. Posting a 1 and 2 record after Saturday’s contests, including a 30 to 14 preliminary decision to the Burlington Spartans, the Trojans wouldn’t find their stride until late in the A play-offs.
After squeaking by the Mississauga Gridiron in the quarter-finals, the Trojans turned up their offense to win back-to-back one-sided scores, including an 18 to 0 championship decision over the Piranhas in some of the worst weather conditions I’ve ever witnessed. Congratulations on your title Trojans!
Women's A
The Toronto Shock retooled their squad in the off-season, welcoming back coach Kevin Dawkins, and changing their name back to the Storm.
This fresh coat of paint didn’t pay huge dividends in tier one play, however, as they struggled early on, but their positive attitude allowed them to rebound in play-off action where they compiled consecutive victories to earn the A title. Congratulations Storm!
The Scarborough Steelers rose through the ranks last season to become bona fide A competitors. They also flirted with AA competition, play-off speaking. It therefore would not be a stretch to say that at the Early Bird their back-to-back losses to the Grasshoppers and 360’s were upsets, forcing them to drop directly into BB competition.
Thanks to savvy defensive schemes and an offense that finally overcame the elements, the Steelers strung together three consecutive victories to earn the BB title. Congratulations on your strong finish gentlemen!
Women's BB
The Toronto Wolverines had a career year in 2010. Not only did they earn their first elite title, they were a consistent threat at the top level, solidifying their spot as one of the best teams in the Province.
The Early bird this season was a step back, however, as the Wolverines found themselves competing for the BB title. Fighting the tribulations of an 0 and 2 start, the Wolverines also had to contend with non-football friendly weather. Proving that they belong in the higher levels, the Wolverines earned back-to-back one-sided scores before narrowly defeating the veteran Scarborough Lady Raiders in a close 12 to 7 championship result. Congratulations Wolverines!
Men's B
I didn’t know a thing about the Hamilton Hooligans heading into and out of the Early Bird tournament. All I knew about this group is that they were pre-ranked in the middle of tier 2, and stuck in a pool with some tough competition. While the Scarborough Raiders and Hustlin’ Owls welcomed the Hooligans with two straight losses, the Hooligans held their own.
Dropping into B quarter-finals after a close preliminary loss, the Hoooligans tasted victory for the first time all weekend. Enjoying the taste so much, the Hooligans dug their forks into it two more times to earn the B championship. Welcome to the Tour gentlemen!
Women's B
The Landell Thunder and Ottawa Fury opened their Trillium Tour season with 0 and 3 starts. While the Thunder picked up steam in play-off eliminations, the Fury’s play faltered further. Despite poor weather and losing their quarterback to injury, they were able to squeak into the finals. Perhaps luck is a poor word choice, as the Fury were outmatched in even worse conditions, dropping a 12 to 0 loss to a very game Thunder opponent, making for a very long drive home. Congratulations Thunder and congratulations Fury for toughing it out!
Men's CC
Despite the rough weather, the Toronto Dirty Birdz put up some decent numbers. With a respectable 1 and 1 round-robin record, the Birdz slid into CC play-offs where they scored plenty of points.
After earning a one-sided 37 to 6 semi-final victory over the Burlington Mandingos, the weather finally caught up to the high flying Birdz. Scoring only 14 points in the championship game, the Birdz leaned on their defense in a 13points-against-effort, resulting in the CC title. Congratulations Birdz!
Men's C
The veteran Kingston Stingers opened their season with consecutive round-robin wins, before dropping their final pool game in a close 13 to 7 decision.
Getting back on track in elimination play, the Stingers bested their previous day, stringing together three unanswered victories to earn the C title. Congratulations guys!
Men's DD
The Kitchener Stingers, unlike their Kingston counterparts of the same name, opened their round-robin with consecutive losses, only to wrap up pool play with a win. Much like the Kingston crew, however, the Kitchener Stingers stepped things up in the play-offs, posting two consecutive wins over the Mississauga Bulldogs and Ottawa Invictus to take the title. Congratulations guys!
