The varsity squad secured a home playoff game with a 31-17 victory over London, knocking the Falcons out of playoff contention in the process.

However, the junior Spears lost to London 24-17 in overtime and did not qualify for the post-season.

In the varsity tilt, the Spears trailed 14-10 at halftime with a five-yard rushing touchdown and a 27-yard field goal by Michael Fortino accounting for Niagara's scoring.

The Spears jumped out to a 17-14 lead early in the third quarter on Barry's one-yard rushing touchdown but London kicker Eric Richardson's 26-yard field goal tied the score 17-17 early in the fourth quarter.

Barry's third touchdown of the day, a two-yard plunge, gave the Spears the lead and Niagara quarterback Nick Coutu connected with Jon Quagliariello on a 28-yard touchdown pass to cement the victory.

The Varsity Spears remain undefeated at home, having won 21 straight games at West Park since entering the League in 2005. Niagara will host a first-round playoff game against the Essex Ravens at West Park Saturday at 4 p.m.

"We were a little slow getting started today. We've always handled adversity well, and halftime adjustments have saved us more than once this year," said Spears' head coach Dave Howe.

"We've always been a good second-half team, but that's a risky approach come playoff time. There's simply too much at stake.

"Essex will be out for revenge this week (after losing to Niagara 35-15 in Essex July 12) and they always play a very tough, physical game. We're going to need four strong quarters and keep the mistakes to a minimum."

In the junior game, Jordan Kewll's 10-yard rushing touchdown in the opening quarter gave the Spears an early 7-0 lead.

A 37-yard field goal from Falcons kicker Jason Carroll closed the gap to 7-3 at halftime and London took a 10-7 lead in the third quarter when Preston Higgins intercepted punter Justin Hipperson's pass after a mishandled snap and scampered 20 yards into the end zone.

The Falcons extended the lead to 17-7 in the fourth quarter on a six-yard rushing major by Mike Ullerick, but a 66-yard rushing touchdown by Kewll brought the Spears back to within three and a late Mitchell McMullen field goal from 12 yards out tied the game and forced overtime.

On the Falcons' first overtime possession, Ullerick scored his second touchdown of the game on an eight-yard run.

On the ensuing Spears possession, quarterback Matt Woehl's third-down pass was intercepted to seal the win for the Falcons.

"I was really proud of these guys," said Spears' head coach Brian Duguay.

"No one really gave us much of a chance against a 6-1 team, but our team really played their hearts out today. They've got nothing to hang their heads about.

"Today really showed the true calibre of talent on our club and I don't think it's reflected in our record (2-4-2).

"We were a really young club this year and it showed -- we'll have a lot of returning players next year."