AFL: Hurricanes defeat defending champs, clinch first

The Holland College Hurricanes defeated defending AFL champions UNB Saint John Seawolves 46-23 on Saturday night in Saint John. The victory secures a first-place finish for the club and the right to host an AFL semi-final game on November 12. Should the Hurricanes prevail in that contest, the team will host the AFL championship game on November 19.

As has become their trademark, the Hurricanes scored on the game’s opening kickoff when Dave Clark broke free and raced 90 yards for the touchdown. A missed point-after left the score 6-0.

The Seawolves came back quickly, capitalizing on a Holland College fumble on the ‘Canes 25-yard line. A pass from Trevor Harrison to Justin Cavan set up a 2-yard run by Alex Peabody and the score was tied at 6-6.

The teams traded field goals in the second quarter. The score remained tied at 9-9 until the Seawolves’ Joel Seale ran it in from 12 yards out, giving his team the lead for the first time at 16-9.

With two minutes left in the half, the Hurricanes went to work. A long run by Clark and then a pass over the middle from Nick Hunsley to Robbie Tufts took Holland College into the red zone. Then Jeff Hillier made a great run to score the major on a reverse. The scoreboard read 16-16 at the half.

The only scoring in the third quarter came on a fumble recovery by Hurricanes defensive back Jonathon Gallant, who scooped up the loose ball and ran it in from the Seawolves 10-yard line.

Saint John struck back early in the final quarter when Harrison hooked up with Seale on a passing play that covered 54 yards. Once more the scored was tied, at 23-23.

On the ensuing kickoff, Dave Clark repeated his opening act and took it to the house on a 95-yard return that made the score 30-23 and changed the complexion of the game.

Later in the quarter, Hunsley tossed a short pass to H-back Leslie Green, who rumbled his way 65 yards for the score and a 36-23 lead.

A Saint John fumble on the ensuing kickoff set up a 26-yard field goal by Phil Lanthier, increasing the ‘Canes advantage to 39-23.

The Hurricanes defence came through again in the final minutes when Richard Lush picked off a pass that led to a 1-yard run by Ernesto Carranza that closed out the scoring at 46-23.

The APM Construction Services Defensive Player of the Game award was shared by Marcus Dunphy and J.P. O’Connell, who each recorded a sack and led the team in tackles. Offensive honours went to Clark, who added 105 rushing yards to his two big returns.

Next action for the Hurricanes is Saturday, October 29, when they host the UNB Red Bombers for their final regular season game. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at MacAdam Field.