AFL: Hurricanes defeat defending champion Seawolves

In a battle for first place that one fan described as epic, the Holland College Hurricanes defeated defending AFL champions UNB Saint John Seawolves 22-14 Saturday afternoon at MacAdam Field

The game’s first score came just four minutes into the game on an 80-yard punt return by Demetrius Ferguson. The return specialist, who has been thrilling AFL fans for the past two seasons, took in the punt on his own 30-yard line and then wove his way through defenders before sailing up the sidelines leaving three Seawolves in his wake. A failed point-after left the score at 6-0.

The rest of the first quarter was marked by numerous big defensive plays by both teams, including a goal line stand by the Seawolves who stopped the ‘Canes on three attempts from inside the 10-yard line. That series set the tone for the afternoon.

In the second quarter, a long punt by Dimo Moslemi that went through the Saint John end zone gave Holland College a 7-0 lead on a safety. The Hurricanes were then caught on a long pass when Seawolves quarterback Trevor Harrison found his receiver in the end zone on a play that covered 35yards.

With the score knotted at 7, the battle resumed. A booming 80-yard punt by Alex Quinn late in the quarter provided another single point for Holland College, who took a slim 8-7 lead into the dressing room.

The second half began with an onside kick by UNB Saint John, who recovered the ball but then surrendered it on downs to a determined ‘Canes defense. Three fumbles later – one by Holland College and two by the Seawolves – left the Hurricanes in possession. Quarterback Nick Hunsley then connected with Jeff Hillier on a 20-yard slant over the middle. Running back Dave Clark followed with an 11-yard run, which took the ball inside the Saint John 10-yard line. On the next play, Clark broke through the line and collided with the goalpost. But on this day, not even a steel post could stop him, as he bounced off and in for the touchdown. A fumbled snap on the convert attempt left the score at 14-7 for Holland College.

The Seawolves turned to their running game and threatened to even the score late in the third, but once again the Hurricanes turned them back. A blocked field goal attempt resulting in a safety was all the visitors could muster, leaving the score at 14-7 as the game entered its final frame.

Except for another safety on a missed field goal, the Hurricanes failed to capitalize on two Saint John turnovers. With just three minutes remaining, and the score 15-7, the visitors took full advantage of a blocked punt in ‘Canes territory, setting up a 35-yard touchdown pass from Harrison to Joel Seale. Going for the tie with the two-point conversion, the Seawolves fumbled on the attempted pitch, leaving the score at 15-13.

On the ensuing kickoff, Saint John booted it through the end zone, scoring another single, and making it 15-14. Taking over at their own 35-yard line, the Hurricanes swept across midfield and then capped the drive on a 45-yard run by Clark, who scored his second touchdown of the game with under two minutes to play.

With the Holland College lead at 22-14, it remained to be seen if the Seawolves would prove to be the Hydra in this classic struggle. It was Demetrius Ferguson and Marcus Dunphy, however, who rose up from the day’s pantheon of heroes and sealed the victory for the ‘Canes with interceptions on the final two Saint John possessions.

The win leaves the Hurricanes atop the AFL standings with a 4-0 record (5-1 overall). Next Saturday they travel to Saint John to complete the home-and-home series with the Seawolves. Game time is 8 p.m.

Following their 22-14 win over the UNB Saint John Seawolves on Saturday, the Holland College Hurricanes announced their selections as the APM Construction Services Players of the Game.

The entire offensive line was awarded Offensive honours for providing great pass protection and also opening big holes for the Hurricanes running game. On Defense, team captain and middle linebacker Marcus Dunphy led the team with 9 1/2 tackles and had one pick to seal the win. Special teams player Demetrius Ferguson returned a first-quarter punt 80 yards for a touchdown and was a constant threat on the return team all day. APM Construction Services is the premier sponsor of Holland College Hurricanes football.