1
The Almonte and District High School (ADHS) Senior Thunderbolts are used to victory. Over the years our town has proved their dominance on the football field time and again, with numerous Lanark County Championships. This year was a little different. This team was a force to reckon with.The Thunderbolts had a terrific season finishing second, behind Perth, in the overall standings with a record of 6 wins and 1 loss.
2
The Thunderbolts defeated the Arnprior Redmen by a score of 29-6 to win the semi-finals and advance to the final. On November fifth the Thunderbolts travelled to Perth to meet the Blue Devils and were again victorious 35-12.Their next opponents on the road to glory were the Ganonoque Trojans in a game to decide the Upper Canada/Renfrew District School Board Championship. The Thunderbolts crushed the Trojans by a score of 48-9. This garnered them a place in the National Capital Bowl qualifying game.
3
Almonte fans invade Arnprior for a lively game.October, 2003
Arnprior, Ontario
4
Dustin James, #32, and the rest of the Thunderbolt defence line up against a tough Arnprior offence.October, 2003
Arnprior, Ontario
5
Running back Matt Rice adds a few more yards to his impressive season numbers.October, 2003
Arnprior, Ontario
6
On Saturday November fifteenth the Thunderbolts lined up against the St. Peter's Knights of Orleans. The huge Almonte crowd on hand at Minto Field in Nepean cheered loudly as the Thunderbolts got on the board early, scoring on a 15-yard screen pass from quarterback Don Hickey to tailback Matt Rice.Both teams played hard-hitting defence for the remainder of the first half, refusing to allow either team's offence to gain any momentum. In the second half the defence would again prove to be the deciding factor. After a excellent drive the thunderbolts were shut out on the Knights' 38-yard line. Matt Metcalfe kicked the ball deep into the Knights' end zone making a return impossible and giving the thunderbolts an extra point to make the score 8-0.
The Knights would rally for a touchdown. The Knights coaching staff made the safe decision in going for the one point conversion rather than attempting the riskier two point play. The defense of both teams again came up huge and the game would end a close 8-7 in favour of the Thunderbolts.
7
Fullback Simon Binder takes the ball a little closer to the goal line.15 November 2003
Minto Field, Nepean
8
Mat Metcalfe attempts a field goal at the National Capital Bowl semi final game in Nepean.15 November 2003
Minto Field, Nepean
9
The victory meant the Thunderbolts would face the winner of the Kingston- Peterborough qualifying game in the National Capital Bowl to be played in the Skydome, in one of six such bowl games featuring teams from around the province.The Thunderbolts met the Crestwood High School Mustangs of Peterborough November 21 in Toronto at the Skydome. The Thunderbolts showed their spirit and determination in the opening minutes of the game. They marched down the field to score a field goal on their first possession. On their second drive, Konrad Binder made a spectacular thirty yard touchdown catch to give the Bolts the go ahead.
The team never looked back. They crippled the Mustangs’ offence with four interceptions and a huge sack that took them out of field goal range. Even when starting quarterback Don Hickey and stellar running back Matt Rice were sidelined with injury, the team stepped it up a notch showing their grit and toughness. Up and comers Travis Vaughn and Andrew Rytwinski filled in brilliantly.
10
Matt Rice charges upfield for another couple of yards.21 November 2003
Skydome, Toronto
11
The huge ADHS Thunderbolt defence stuffs another Crestwood Mustang offensive drive.21 November 2003
Skydome, Toronto
12
The victorious ADHS Thunderbolts hoist the Cup after defeating Peterborough's Crestwood Mustangs.21 November 2003
Skydome, Toronto
13
The 2003 National Capital Bowl Champions, ADHS Thunderbolts pose with the cup.21 November 2003
Skydome, Toronto
14
The Bolts’ awesome defence were true to form that day and denied Crestwood every opportunity.“The play of the game came with the Thunderbolts up by a score of 10-2. They called a fake punt, followed by a throw from Matt Metcalfe to Shane Cormier who ran to the Mustangs’ three yard line.” The Bolts scored two plays later to seal their victory.
This was the first time in ADHS history the team has reached that level of competition. The victory was epic. With the win the team earned itself a place in ADHS and Almonte’s history books. Congratulations players, coaching staff and management!
 |
 |
 |
 |