For me this journey started out as bit of a joke with my daughter Avery who attends grade 12 at Parkside Collegiate in St.Thomas.
I said, “I see Parkside is playing my Laurier Rams this Thursday, October 6th, calling it the FALL BRAWL. Let's go and see the Rams school you guys.”
What transpired that night has turned into a journey none of us will soon forget. From a slight misunderstanding between the Alumni and the fantastic Laurier coaching staff (sharing game pants lol…I know right) to the founding of the Rams for Life Alumni Association being formed.
From that 1st play a 60-yard bomb for a TOUCHDOWN!!!!!! WOW I was out of my seat and have not sat down since, this team is special. This team is special in so many ways; they are fundamentally the best high school football team I’ve seen, and I played on two of the best on the undefeated 85 and 86 championship seasons. Not only have they got the best QB around, but his weapons compliment his abilities. The defense, well let’s just say, if they hit you, you know it.
Many in attendance that night knew we were about to embark on a season to remember; this team went 5-0 in regular season, 3-0 in the playoffs beating the South Lions for the TRAA Title then defeating the STA Flames to capture the WOSSAA Title. Next up was OFSSAA Vs the perennial powerhouse Huron Heights Warriors touted as the #1 team in the Nation, how could we possibly match up with these guys, they hadn’t lost a in a couple years, no league would have them they were just that good.
Let me just say what I and many others in attendance on November 29, 2022, was nothing short of the best display of championship football we had ever witnessed. Let me first congratulate the Warriors, you are, were deserving of that distinction. From the opening first drives the Warriors knew they were in for the fight of their lives. Both teams battled hard, we were up going into the 4th quarter, but a sense of uneasiness was looming, the Warriors battled back to tie it late 12-12 and were driving deep in our end, was this their strategy all along, hang with us and snatch victory from us on the last drive. We stopped them and they punted on 3rd down deep into the end zone a rouge would win the game for them, but wait we kicked it back to them and recovered the ball on the 30 only for the refs to declare the Warriors had regained possession (Canadian rules). Was this how we were going to lose this hard fought battle, I and many others felt the end was near….but wait #99 Logan Hunt forces a fumble and recovers it with less than 2 minutes to play, Laurier’s DJ Fonti calm and cool takes over and leads the Rams down the field to the 22 yard line with only seconds remaining there’s only time for one play, Coach K calls for the punt team. The ball is snapped and it’s a great punt 10-15 yards deep into the end zone, if they get it out, we go to overtime, but wait #87 Tyler Coderre swarms the ball carrier just inside the end zone, the ball carrier struggling to reach the goal line, then it happened support comes in #52 Jayden Bragg lowers the boom……time expires RAMS WIN RAMS WIN HOLY SHIT WHAT HAVE WE JUST WITNESSED.
Well to put in simply we witnessed greatness, we witnessed a team that persevered all season, sometimes emotions got the best of them, but on this day, emotions were kept in check and a complete 48 minutes were played by the greatest team in Laurier’s 55-year history. Legends were made that day; we will all talk about this game for many years to come. These men have made us all very proud, they have sparked enough interest that we have formed an Alumni Association to support all Rams present and future, to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed.
In closing congratulations to the entire coaching staff and team, never forget what you have accomplished this year. You are all truly Champions. Remember the Rams.
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