Niagara Nitros Impress at Battle of the Border Tournament in Welland
WELLAND, ON — The Niagara Nitros made a powerful statement this past weekend at the Battle of the Border tournament, hosted at Young's Sportsplex in Welland, Ontario. With three teams entered across the U14, U15, and U18 divisions, the Nitros faced off against elite competition from across Canada and the United States — and didn’t disappoint.
U14 Team Claims Championship in Dominant Fashion
The U14 Nitros stole the spotlight, rolling through the tournament and finishing with a commanding win in the final. During the playoff rounds, the team posted 84 points for and allowed just 23 against, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball when it mattered most.
Leading the charge were quarterback Ezra Ivory and two-way standout Gabriel Murray, who were both named MVPs. Ivory commanded the offense with confidence and consistency, while Murray delivered game-changing plays on both sides of the ball. The pair lit up the scoreboard and proved once again that this team is among the top U14 squads in the country.
“They continue to dominate on any field. As long as there’s a football out there, these boys will find a way to win,” said Matthew Hill, who also noted plans to expand their 7-on-7 opportunities.
U18s Battle to the Finals Despite Adversity
The Nitros’ U18 team showed true grit, battling through injuries and a short bench to reach the tournament final. There, they faced a powerhouse squad from Indiana, ultimately falling on the final play after a tight back-and-forth game that came down to a convert attempt.
Quarterback Noah Walters was flawless all weekend, leading his team to scores on every drive with MVP-level efficiency. At wide receiver, Trent Dobson put on a clinic — likely reeling in over 20 catches in the final alone and making life difficult for every defender in his path.
“This team just finds a way. Whether it’s 5v5 flag, 7-on-7, or touch, they deliver when it matters. We’re super proud of this group.”
U15 Team Shows Grit and Promise
Despite competing with a short roster of just eight or nine players, many of whom were new to the 7-on-7 format, the U15 Nitros fought their way into the quarterfinals before being eliminated. Even in their defeat, they showcased immense potential and promise for the future.
Even in their defeat, they showcased immense potential and promise for the future, with players like Hudson Grant, Brett Wall, and Owen Saunders making standout plays and demonstrating true playmaking ability. Under the leadership of coaches Mack and Sean, this young group is already on the rise.
“There’s a lot of promise in this group, ” Hill said. “We’re excited to watch them grow under strong coaching and guidance.”