Jim Purves returning a missed field goal 102 yards for a touchdown. July 9, 2016 (submitted photo)Jim Purves returning a missed field goal 102 yards for a touchdown. July 9, 2016 (submitted photo)
Sarnia

Imperials Eyeing First Place Finish

The Sarnia Imperials (6-1) can lock up first overall in the Northern Football Conference with a win in Sudbury (3-4) Saturday night.

Something will have to give this weekend, as the Imperials are unbeaten on the road, while the Spartans have yet to lose at home this summer.

Head Coach Jake Cherski says they'll have a full squad heading up north.

"We've been showing up with anywhere from 40 to 50 guys on the road. When that bus keeps emptying with more players, we bring that red army on the road and no one in the league is use to seeing it"

"Sudbury is likely use to seeing 20 to 30 guys on the visiting team, so if we are basically double that, it's going to lead to great things."

The GTA All-Stars still have a shot at finishing first overall, but only if they beat the Sault Steelers and Sarnia falls to Sudbury, both games are Saturday night.

Sarnia comes into the contest riding a three game wining streak, while Sudbury is coming of a week nine win over the Steelers.

Coming off a bye week, Cherski says the guys are pushing for a first overall finish, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

"They're very excited about it, getting to play in front of friends and family. It means so much to them to have those games at home, you feed off the crowd."

"It's just way more fun to play at home, and win at home, then it is on the road."

The Imperials already know their first round playoff opponent, they will host Oakville (1-7) on August 6 at Norm Perry Park.

Cherski says winning a second straight West Division title will continue to help build the program.

"We're pretty proud of that accomplishment, especially being able to move from 36 registered last year to upwards of 57 for this season," says Cherski. "Now we can pick and chose what our weaknesses and strengths are and we can recruit according to what we need to keep pushing through at a winning pace."

Kick off to the season finale will be 7:30 from the James Jerome Sports Complex in Sudbury.

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