Saturday July 30 the Niagara Junior Spears traveled to Essex for their wild card game.

Essex open the game with 21 unanswer points.

The Niagara Junior Spears fought back lead by Mackenzie Jones with runs of 32 and 28 yards making it 21 -14 before Essex scored but missed the point after.

Mackenzie Jones then replied making it 27 to 21 with a 3 yard touchdown.

Essex then replied with a touchdown and converting on two point attempt making it 35 to 21.

Mario Villamizar connected to Adam Evans with a 21 yd touchdown pass, making it 35 to 28.

Essex was forced to punt which Niagara was unable to get it out of the end zone giving Essex a 36 to 28 lead.

The Niagara Junior Spears took possession of the ball on their own 20 yard line with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The Junior Spears marched the length of the field and with 13 seconds left in the game Mario Villamizar connected with Corey Verkuyl with a 10 yard touchdown pass making it 36 to 34.

The Junior Spears had to go for two to tie the game, which was not completed.

The Junior Spears attempted an onside kick and was unable to recover the ball.

Final score was 36 to 34 for Essex.

The Junior Spears defence played a strong game except for the first quarter.

Mackenzie Jones 23 carries for 166 yards, 3 TD

Dylan Smyth 13 carries for 82 yards

Mario Villamizar 8 for 21 for 103 yards , 2 TD passes

Adam Evans 3 reception for 48 yards, 1 TD

Corey Verkuyl 3 reception 20 yards, 1 TD

Connor Warnock 8 assist , 3 solo tackles, blocked point after

Connor Haday 10 assist,2 solo tackles

Adam Masur 6 assist, 2 solo tackles

Eli Sacco 4 assist, 1 solo tackle, fumble recovery