Recap by Thomas Becker
The Holland College Hurricanes continued their tradition of winning, narrowly escaping the UNB Saint John Seawolves with a 7-3 victory in Atlantic Football League action Sunday afternoon.
It was a grind-it-out kind of game as Holland College put together five unanswered points in the third quarter, just enough to top the Seawolves.
“We came out with a game plan and we showed up,” said rookie linebacker Torriano Curtis, who stifled a Seawolves fourth quarter charge with a late-game interception, all but sealing the victory.
Timely defensive stops throughout the game paid dividends for the Hurricanes as the offence struggled to find their rhythm in the windy confines of Canada Games Stadium.
Head coach Ross Young said his defensive and special teams units were crucial in the low-scoring decision, but admitted his offence, which includes several new additions, is a work in progress.
“Defences early in the season have to play like they did today to give our offence a chance to put points on the scoreboard.”
The Seawolves opened the scoring seven minutes into the game, when Ethan McVicar connected on a field goal attempt to pull his team ahead 3-0. But the Hurricanes relentless defence came through in the second quarter, pushing Saint John farther and farther back, forcing them to concede a safety.
With the wind at their backs to start the third quarter, the Hurricanes, down one, generated enough offence to get in field goal range for kicker Allister Nicholson, who connected on the 30-yard attempt, giving Holland College the 5-3 edge.
The Hurricanes followed up with two singles to push their lead to four, 7-3.
A Seawolves fourth quarter push wasn’t enough as the Hurricanes’ defensive unit came up big again with a blocked field goal and the Curtis interception.
“At times, defence has to win you football games, and this was their game today,” said Ross.
The Hurricanes play away, against the UNB Fredericton Red Bombers next weekend. Their first home game is 1 p.m., Sunday, September 24, at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
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