Panthers cap off perfect season with Bol d'Or

In their previous at Gerry Datillio Sports Field in Laval the Panthers, down by one point in a true cliff-hanger game, beat out the Aigles de l’école secondaire Amitié with just seconds remaining on the clock. That game marked the end of a perfect season and playoff run – the Laval Liberty Panthers now held a perfect record – 10 wins and 0 losses.

This year the Juvenile AA Bol d’Or was held in L’Assomption bringing together the Centaures de la Courviloise and the undefeated Panthers. On Sunday November 18th, the two teams went head to head for the coveted Provincial Championship under a bright blue sky.

Down by 14 points but undaunted by the problems posed by the Centaures’ strong offensive line, the Panthers, under the leadership of Coach Steve Alexandre stormed back with three successful touchdowns from Andrew Grant, James Colley, and Jimmy Mouhteros, ending the first half and any domination by the Centaures. As the players left the field at the half, the score read Panthers 28 – Centaures 21.

In the 4th Quarter the Centaures moved the length of field (almost) before the Panther defense stopped them on a 4th and 4, thus ending their last drive for the equalizer.

With the Panthers now in possession of the ball and 48 seconds on the clock, the players chose to do what they have always done – play hard until the final whistle. Coach Alexandre sent in Jimmy Mouhteros to take the final snap for the team and lead the team to a jubilant celebration. This being Jimmy’s last game as a Panther, it was a fitting end to a glorious high school career for the promising young man and talented football player. The new Bol d’Or Provincial Champions swarmed the field drowned in a wave of applause from the many parents, students and staff that had travelled to see this spectacular event unfold.

"The Panthers worked hard all summer to prepare for this day. Students ran ‘two-a-days’ (two practices a day) every day for two weeks straight during training camp. All this was done during the dog days of summer," the coach proudly explained.

“Everyone showed up,” according to the coach, and “no one complained”. During the playoff season, leading up to this final game, all the players gave extra effort after school and at Saturday morning practices. Coach Steve stated that “Everyone was there. All the extra time put in made the difference”.

Laval Liberty Principal Eric Ruggi, the biggest fan and supporter of the Panthers, said “I always believed in them. I always believed that they would win every game – even when they were down in points – I always believed that they would win the championship”. And that they did!

The Laval Liberty Panthers made history this year by winning every single game and proving that Dynasty is Destiny! By Monday morning all the students were back in classes at school, and back in the gym starting training for next season.