Both teams have had undeniable success in every league they’ve played in, and have been, for the most part, bitter rivals in every single one of those leagues. Both clubs are coming off of strong NCAFA campaigns, with all teams at each level having a winning record except one division for both sides. Both Cumberland & Myers have had success in recent variations of summer varsity leagues in the past, with both teams regularly dominating the east division of the OVFL at both the junior varsity and varsity levels. Both teams will have to rely on their recruiting pitches to get the best talent in the Ottawa area.
Head coaches for Myers, Christian Nalli for varsity, Ralph Siciliano for junior varsity, and Tony Canonico for bantam are tasked with going head to head in a recruiting battle against head coaches Julien Dasilva (varsity), Mike Schmidt (junior varsity), and Nate Dunlop (bantam) of the Cumberland Panthers. Coach Nalli from Myers says
“The practice week has a different feel, intensity is up, it’s just a completely different vibe in what we used to refer to as “Black & Blue week.” Because you knew it was going to be a physical game and everyone was going to go above and beyond that week and you saw it with all the parents, families and supporters as well”. |
Referring to the intense rivalry between the two teams. Both clubs have a solid foundation of home grown talent from their NCAFA teams, given both bantam squads records this past NCAFA season. But with only the Panthers fielding a midget team in NCAFA this past year, the recruiting battle is off and running for Ottawa's best talent. Coach Schmidt of the Panthers says
“The Panthers-Riders have a deep, rich history of providing top tier provincial football to players here in Ottawa. After these past 2 years of unknowns I couldn’t be more thrilled than to finally get ready to hit the field in 2022. The rivalry between our clubs goes way back and I’m excited to showcase our players and coaches on the provincial stage”. |
“We as a team are looking forward to the high level of competition. I’m sure a lot of the other teams will agree also just to get back to what we know as normal, getting back on the field and playing football in front of family, friends and fans. Enjoying life again as we did before the pandemic. Looking forward to OSFL 2022!”
With coach Schmidt agreeing saying |
“We have high expectations for the season. We are very determined to make a big splash in the new OSFL and show the province why the Panthers are the premier youth football club in Ottawa and the province”. |