Huskies advance to Loney Bowl after decisive win in semi-finals

It was not until the last play of the first quarter that Huskies got on the board when quarterback Jean Legault connected with Kevin Wuthrich (Sherwood Park, AB) for a 5 yard touchdown reception to give the Huskies the early lead.

The Huskies blew the game open in the second quarter.  For the second time in the game, Legault aired out the football and found his target, Wuthrich for another 5 yard touchdown pass at 12:38 of the frame.  Mid-way through the quarter, the Huskies pivot connected with receiver Carl Fitzgerald (Peterborough, ON) for a four yard touchdown pass.  Before the half was over, kicker Brett Lauther (Truro, NS) would be successful on two field goal attempts (18 and 33 yards).

At the half, the Huskies enjoyed a 27-0 lead over the Mounties.

In the third quarter, the team increased their lead.  After the Mounties conceded a safety, running back Melvin Abankwah ran into the end zone for a 60 yard major.  Then, Lauther was successful on a 40 yard field goal attempt, and the Huskies picked up a safety to strengthen their lead at the end of the quarter 40-0.

However, the Mounties would finally get on the scoreboard as the Huskies conceded a safety.  The Huskies responded back Dave Sabourin (Ottawa, ON) would score a touchdown on a 54 yard run.

Brandon Maj  (Burlington, ON) would give the Mounties their first major of the game as he connected with quarterback Brandon Leyh (New Westminster, BC) on a three yard reception.  The Huskies conceded another safety to round out the tallies on the score sheet.

Abankwah was named player of the game for his efforts on the field as he amassed 162 rushing yards on 22 carries and 1 touchdown in the semi-final victory.

Overall, Legault nine completions on 13 attempts, 93 passing yards and threw three touchdowns for the Huskies.  Lauther was successful on three of four field goal attempts.

On defense, Jonathan Langa (Toronto, ON) led the way with five solo and five assisted tackles.  Linebacker Kyle Norris (Stittsville, ON) had three solo and four assisted tackles while defensive back RJ Cornish (Winnpeg, MB) registered four solo tackles.  Defensive back Neil King (Edmonton, AB) had an interception while amassing three solo and three assisted tackles.  Eric Black (Toronto, ON) also caught an interception while Eboniel Stone (Scarborough, ON) recovered a fumble in the win.

“As it has been for the majority of the year, our defense has done what they do.  They stop teams,” added Huskies head coach Perry Marchese of the team’s performance.  “Our special teams have been dominant and offensively, we always felt like if we could move the ball and score points on, we’d be very dangerous.”

“That’s what happened today.”

It was important for the Huskies to set the tone early in this game.  Previous to the semi-final game, the Mounties handed the Huskies a 25-12 loss in New Brunswick.  Ultimately, the Huskies did not want to have a repeat performance on their own turf.

“When we went down there, we weren’t into that game,” explained the Huskies head coach.  “I told the guys on Friday ‘last time we played this team, they beat us fair and square’ so we had to come out, play our game, play hard and not take anyone lightly.”

Marchese said adjustments were made so the team would be victorious in today’s semi-final game.

“Typically, what coaches do is you’ll watch your game and try to find some tendencies you might of had,” explained Marchese.  “You’ll try to break some tendencies; run some plays sort of off your plays and we did that a little bit today.”

Now the focus shifts over to the Huskies’ opponent in the Loney Bowl and defending AUS champions, the Acadia Axemen. While the Huskies have lost twice to the Axemen in the regular season, they have a lot of respect for their opponents and are looking forward to the rematch.

“First of all to Coach (Jeff) Cummins and his staff, they’re extremely well-coached and a veteran group,” assessed the Huskies head coach.  “The day we were down there (Wolfville), they announced their seniors it lasted about 15 minutes, so they’re a veteran group and the kings of the division.”

“We knew going into the season, if we have any chance of doing anything, we’re going to have to go through Acadia.  We’re really looking forward to playing them again.  All the credit in the world to them; they deserve to be in first place in the division. We’re looking forward to a good football game.”

On concern going into the Loney Bowl will be the injury bug for the Huskies.  In today’s game, a few more Huskies had to be taken off the field.  While it’s too soon to know the extent of the injuries, Marchese is optimistic that the top players will heal in time for the upcoming game.

“It’s always too early to tell because you never know,” said Marchese.  “Sometimes it might look like a serious injury today and tomorrow, they’re fine and the ones that don’t look like they’re serious end up being very serious so really, it’s too early to tell.”

“We’re hoping we can get Jameek (Taylor) and (Rob) Jubenville healthy because if we are going there, we want to go in with guns blazing with our best guys.”

For Marchese, the Loney Bowl marks the first appearance in the role as head coach of the Huskies.  It’s full circle for the Huskies head coach as he’s now leading the very same football organization where he enjoyed a successful university career as a player.

“Honestly, I’m sure at the end of the season, it will be one of those things you’ll look back and think it’s a little bit surreal,” commented Marchese.
Photos courtesy of Mona Ghiz
(website: http://www.ghizphotos.ifp3.com/)

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