The U14 Jr. Gryphons returned home as champions on Saturday, having claimed the inaugural Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL) Sandy Ruckstuhl Cup title in a 34-20 win against the Forest City Thunderbirds.
Guelph and Forest City were tied 7-7 after the first quarter, with the Thunderbirds pulling ahead 14-13 by the half. Not ready to settle for second-best, the Jr. Gryphons ratcheted up the action and were on top 27-14 by the end of the third. Another touchdown by both teams in the final quarter secured the championship for the U14 Jr Gryphons.
The game MVP award went to the quarterback and team captain P.J. Fera who threw three touchdown passes and ran another himself. Offensive MVP was awarded to wide received Peyton Cummings, who had two amazing touchdown receptions.
Guelph finished the regular season with a 5-1 record, followed by wins against the Niagara Generals (29-6) and North Bay Bulldogs (17-12) to set up the championship final in London, Ont.
The U18 Jr. Gryphons also made it to the championship game, falling in a nail-biter 29-28 to the Chatham Cougars.
The OSFL formerly operated at the Ontario Varsity Football Conference.
