The Sarnia Imperials advanced to the Northern Football Conference semifinals with a convincing 56-0 win over the Oakville Longhorns at Norm Perry Park Saturday night.
Sarnia scored early and often, proving why they were the top team in the NFC through the regular season.
Head Coach Jake Cherski says they could feel the support from the home fans.
"They were very loud, aggresive, I love it. I think it kind of sets the tempo and upsets the other team, the more cow bells the better."
Oakville couldn't muster any offence of their own against a strong Sarnia defense. The D contributed with a pick six, and returned a fumble for a touchdown, giving the home side a 34-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
Oakville's quarterback was injured with about three minutes remaining in the first half. Teams broke for halftime early as an ambulance had to be called to help the player off the field.
Not much changed in the second half, with the Imperials continuing their impressive play.
Tempers flared up with about 10 minutes left in the game. With the Imps leading 56-0, the referees decided to call the game.
Advancing to the NFC semifinals, Sarnia hosts the Tri City Outlaws, a team they beat twice during the regular season.
"I like to pretend they added five extra guys, so we'll go hard at practice this week and we'll be ready for them," says Cherski.
Kick off for the NFC semifinals is 7pm Saturday, August 13 at Norm Perry Park.
Sarnia Imperial vs Oakville (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Jake Jeffrey)
Imperials defense celebrating a first half touchdown against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Imperials pressure the Oakville QB. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Imperials kick off in the second quarter against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia's defense tries to hold the line on fourth and inches. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Tempers flare in the 4th quarter against Oakville, refs decided to call the game. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Tempers flare in the 4th quarter against Oakville, refs decided to call the game. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
New mascot of the Sanria Imperials, King Perry the First. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials in playoff action against Oakville. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
The sign in front of Norm Perry Park. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
Sarnia Imperials Head Coach Jake Cherski. August 6, 2016. Photo by Jake Jeffrey (www.blackburnnews.com)
