Power 5 football expands
The Ontario Power 5 Football League — which debuted in the summer of 2024 — has brought aboard a fifth team ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Burlington Longhorns will line up on the football field with the Sault Steelers, Sudbury Spartans, Tri City Outlaws and the reigning champion Sarnia Imperials for the 2025 summer season. The Imperials upended the Spartans to win the first ever OP5FL playoff championship after the Steelers had finished first in regular season play.
“We are incredibly excited to launch the Burlington Longhorns and join the Ontario Power 5 Football League,” relayed part owner Phil Constantini. “Our vision is to create a dynamic and competitive football team that will not only excel on the field but also serve as a cornerstone of the community.”
Constantini is the co owner of the Longhorns with Darlene Jagusic, who will aim to draw players from the Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville areas of the province.
Constantini and Jagusic bring more than a dozen years of experience in running competitive football programs at the semi pro level. They are the former owners of the Steel City Patriots of the Northern Football Conference.
Gord Goddard, who is the director of communications for the Power 5 loop, commented on the addition of Burlington ahead of the league’s second season.
“The OP5FL is thrilled to welcome the Burlington Longhorns as our first expansion franchise,” said Goddard said. “Phil and Darlene have a proven track record of running successful football programs, and we are confident that the Longhorns will bring excitement and passion to the league and their local communities. This is a great moment for football in Ontario.”