FCC: Alberta has ‘special’ performance against Ontario West

Big plays, strong defense, opportunistic offense, and superior special teams were the formula for Alberta to get past Ontario West for the second straight year in the semi-final game of the Football Canada Cup.

Alberta’s Ryder Stone took the opening kick off 105 yards for a touchdown and put his team up 7 to 0 early, a lead they would never relinquish.  Ontario West traded punches with Alberta early, and looked to be heading towards pay dirt after a big Daniel Petermann reception from James Roberts mid way through the opening frame.  The second big special teams play of the game came on a muffed Ontario West punt which they recovered near midfield.  The Ontario West defense held up, seeing Justin Francois intercept a ball and return to the Alberta 30 yard line.  Three plays later, a missed 36 yard field goal attempt by Gabriel Ferraro was returned out of the end zone by Alberta.  A big drive was set up by a long pass and catch to Scott Hannah from Chris Merchant.  No points resulted from the drive and the quarter ended 7 to 0.

The teams continued the back and forth game for most of the first half of the second quarter.  Back to back interceptions by Alberta (Jordan Rae & Brad Freisen) were finally capitalized on when Ryder Stone scored his second of the game, this time an impressive 9 yard scamper from the backfield.  Some sloppy special teams play by both teams ended the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Alberta holding a 14 to 0 lead.

In the third quarter Alberta began to run away with the game playing the same way they did in the first half with some solid defense, opportunistic offense, and big play specials.  Ryder Stone scored his third touchdown of the game on a three yard run with 8:05 remaining in the quarter.  Alberta got the ball back and on their next drive drove the field and set up for a field goal attempt.  Alberta attempted a fake and holder (RB) Adam Zajdel ran the ball in to give his team a 28 to 0 lead late in the quarter.  Ontario West looked to have some hope when they blocked a Alberta field goal and recovered the ball 1st and goal from the four yard line.  Two runs and incomplete pass later, Ontario West turned the ball over on downs and had nothing to show for it, including any chance of gaining momentum for a comeback.

Alberta put quarterback Boston Rowe in to relieve Chris Merchant and he manufactured the last touchdown of the game mid-way through the fourth when he ran the ball in himself.  The final score was 35 to 0 for Alberta.

Alberta plays Quebec for their second straight appearance in the gold medal game.  Ontario West plays Saskatchewan for the bronze medal.   Alberta versus Quebec final will be a rematch of 2011 Gold Medal game.

GAME MVPs

Alberta
Defense:
Brad Freisen

Offense:
Ryder Stone

Ontario
Defense:
Ray Duplin

Offense:
Daniel Petermann

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