AFL: Icanes triumphs over tigers in hard-fought game

The Holland college hurricanes edged the Dalhousie University Tigers 16-13 in Atlantic football league action at MacAdam Field on Saturday afternoon. It was a gripping defensive struggle that held the large crowd spellbound until the final whistle.

The first quarter of play produced no scoring as the two teams battled it out in the centre of the field. Early in the second, however, the Tigers moved the ball into the red zone and then chose to go for it on third-and-five from the Hurricanes 15-yard line. The gamble did not payoff and Holland College took over on downs. The scenario was repeated later in the quarter with the same result, as Dalhousie’s attempt to go for the first down instead of the field goal was again thwarted by the stout ’Canes defense.

A huge quarterback sack by Tom Lund and Ryan Adams and a short punt by the Tigers set up a Hurricanes field goal attempt in the final minute of play. Phil Lanthier’s powerful boot from 40 yards out was long enough, but banged off the upright. The first half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Strong defensive play resumed in the third quarter, which produced the game’s first points when the Hurricanes penned in the Tigers for a two-point safety. A timely interception by defensive back Jonathan Gallant killed a promising Dalhousie drive late in the third quarter, preserving the unlikely 2-0 lead for Holland College.

Another Tigers turnover finally led to the game’s first major, when ’Canes quarterback Nick Hunsley connected with Dave Clark on an 80-yard pass-and-run play at the mid-point of the fourth quarter. The point-after by Enrique Alonzo-Ruiz made it 9-0 for the Hurricanes.

The Tigers came roaring back as quarterback Brendan Festeryga started finding his receivers. A big run by Greg Pelly set up a one-yard keeper by Festeryga and Dalhousie was right back in the game. A failed point-after left the score at 9-6 and the fans glued to their seats for the final minutes of play.

On the ensuing Dalhousie kickoff, it was Demetrius Ferguson who responded to hometown exhortations and once again tore up the field for a 105-yard touchdown, his fourth return for a major this season. The resulting 16-6 lead would only provide temporary relief to ’Canes supporters.

A Festeryga pass to Geoff Sinclair, who was knocked out of bounds at the Holland College one-yard line, set up the eventual score by Pelly and the Tigers clawed their way back to within three points at16-13 with two minutes to play. Forcing the Hurricanes to punt on the next series, Dalhousie got one last chance as the seconds ticked down, but then ’Canes cornerback Mark Barrett picked off a pass and time expired.

The APM Construction Services Players of the Game were Jonathan Gallant on defense, Phil Lanthier on offense, and Demetrius Ferguson on special teams.

The Hurricanes now begin preparing for their game next Sunday in Bangor, Maine,when they meet the Husson University J.V. Eagles.