The U16 Quinte Skyhawks football club is flying into the 2024 Ontario Summer Football League playoffs thanks in large part to their Prince Edward County players.

Team Manager Jamie Guinchard said the Skyhawks have had an outstanding season so far and are looking to build on their successes. A number of players on the Skyhawks roster helped lead the U14 club to its first Ontario Cup championship last summer. They want to replicate that provincial championship run in 2024.

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On the offensive side of the ball, Sophiasburgh’s Niko Papadopoulos is a team captain and one of the squad’s most reliable running backs, with eight touchdowns this season. Quinte has one of the OFSL’s best offences and wideout Jacob Zielski is a factor in the Skyhawk attack.

Linebackers Austin Raycroft and Seth Lowery are defence captains. The manager noted Mr. Lowery brings aggression that is hard to match and the Ameliasburgh native has come up with several big plays this season. Meanwhile, Mr. Raycroft usually leads the Skyhawks in tackles and other defensive categories by the sound of the final gun. “Austin plays big, hits hard and can take over a game.”

Cornerback Spencer Henshaw has a pair of picks this season and is charged with keeping opposing wide receivers at bay. His biggest play of the year came in the final regular season contest against York and served as the catalyst for the Skyhawk victory.

Kieran Craig was the OFSL Player of the Week in Quinte’s win over the Sabercats back in Week 7, making a dozen tackles including three for a loss, picking up a sack and making a game sealing interception.

Finally, Ben Brunette plays with passion on the defensive line and has provided valuable contributions to the club’s special teams.

The 7-1 Skyhawks are poised to host the Peel Panthers in Round One of the OSFL Championships on Saturday at Mary Ann Sills Park in Belleville. Kick off is at 1 p.m. Check out the Skyhawks website for further details.

Forming a team

A 34-21 loss to the Toronto Jr. Argonauts in Week 3 was the only loss this season — but Mr. Guinchard figures the team didn’t really come together until Week 7, in Sault Ste Marie for a duel with the Sabercats.

“That was our first trip to the Soo and the first time we travelled overnight as a team,” he said. “It was on that trip that I saw the team really gel and come together.”

The Skyhawks came away with a 21-10 win and followed that up with their most impressive victory of the campaign. Kicker Connor Kokonas booted a game winning field goal in the late stages of a home game to knock off the previously undefeated York Lions 17-14.

“With three of the captains coming from the county, we’ve definitely relied on their leadership this season and we are hoping it continues into the playoffs,” said Mr. Guinchard.