The Panthers Set the Bar High

Adrian Boskovic

It was both a memorable and successful 2009 season for Lawrence Park’s junior and senior football teams. The juniors were a team that refused to lose. They had an undefeated 9-0 record with 140 points for, and 76 points against. With incredible talent in every position, they were unstoppable. All 52 players came into the season with not a single win in high school football.

The seniors battled it out with only 24 players and took anything they could get throughout the season. They had an unsuccessful season in tier 1 and a disappointing loss in the regional quarterfinals game against the Central Tech Blues. Their season in tier 1 ended with a 3-4 record and 220 points for and 160 points against. However, luckily, the senior team had one more chance to prove that they are champions – this was at the tier 2 Toronto City Championships.

The seniors had their first tier 2 game against Sir John A. Macdonald in the quarterfinals. The field was muddy and slippery at LP with the occasional snowfall, hail, rain, and strong winds; however, this was not a factor that was about to slow down the mighty Panthers. They won 20-17 after a tough fought battle. The tier 2 city semi-finals were held at Birchmount Stadium. The football gods must have been watching because the day was a blessing – the sun was shining, the winds were light, and it was a perfect opportunity to use Simon Nassar’s arm. The Marc Garneau Cougars went into the game very confident that they would trample the Panthers with their new and healthy running back. The Panthers made some adjustments on the defence and won the game 49-14.This win sent them to the City Finals where they battled it out against the Agincourt Lancers, who have a very dominant football squad and running game.

The juniors started their playoffs against East York for the Tier 1 South Region Semi-Finals. The game was played on home turf. The stands were packed full of fans from both East York and Lawrence Park – even the rain didn’t scare them off! The Panthers dominated effortlessly and took the game 15-0, which assured them to continue to the South Region Finals and play against the Northern Red Knights, the football powerhouse. The South Region Finals were held at Centennial Park where the Panthers gave it their all. The conditions were great. All that was standing in their way were the Red Knights. After a very close game, the Panthers managed to squeeze out a win; the final score being 15-14. After claiming first in the South Region, they were off to the City Semi-Finals where they would face the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Blue Devils at Centennial Park. The Blue Devils weren’t taken lightly in their region, but they didn’t stand a chance against the Panthers. The Panthers shut them out 27-0.

The day had come. The day that would decide who is the best football team in Toronto. The Panthers were set to face the most dominant team they had played against to date – the Senator O’Connor Chiefs. The day was foggy and hazy in Toronto, and Ester Sinner Stadium had a glowing aura around it from the reflection of the stadium lights onto the fog. November 19, 2009, was a historic day for Lawrence Park football.  The juniors claimed the city championship for the first time since 1975. On top of that, they went from worst with a 0 and 6 record in 2008 to first with a 9 and 0 record. The Chiefs were dominated 36-0. Later that day seniors claimed their second tier 2 city championship since 2005 against the Agincourt Lancers. The final score was 18-16. Both teams set the bar high.

This day, and the extraordinary accomplishment, will be in every player’s memories for the rest of their lives. Special thanks to all the people that made this possible – the coaches, the Buffalo Bills, and Mrs. DeGrasse.

A team's best successes come after their disappointments. Great job, Panthers! History was made!