Charlottetown, PE – The Holland College Hurricanes Football Club are headed for the Atlantic Football League championship game for the third consecutive year.
The Hurricanes dominant defence, which didn’t allow an offensive point in the game, paced them to a 21-16 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers in Halifax Saturday night.
“Our defence is good, one of the best defences in the league. I’m happy to play with them,” said Hurricanes defensive captain and linebacker Cardell Rolle.
The Hurricanes took the early 7-0 lead in just 13 seconds after Dalhousie fumbled the kick off. Defensive back Jay Dearborn led the way with two interceptions in the quarter. Late in the first, a Hurricanes throw was picked off and returned for a Tigers touchdown, tying the score 7-7.
In the second quarter, running back Quinton Mitchell had two rushing scores following big catches by Rodney Blaise and Eugene McMinns. Late in the quarter the Tigers substituted quarterback Matt Shannon for former Hurricanes quarterback Nick Hunsley, and he promptly gave up an interception to Dearborn to end the half. Hurricanes led 21-7.
“We struggled with the deep ball all year and we worked on that a lot lately. We finally figured it out in time for the playoffs,” said Dearborn.
A Holland College turnover on their first possession in the second half led to a Tigers touchdown, cutting the lead 21-14.
But that would be the last time they would find the end zone. The Hurricanes strong defensive play continued, stopping the Tigers on three different third down opportunities, the last of which sealed the win for Hurricanes, 21-16.
The Hurricanes travel to Saint John to meet the winners of the regular season, the UNB Red Bombers for the championship game Saturday, November 2, at 6 p.m.
Written by Thomas Becker
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
