The Edmonton Huskies Started their 2013 season with a bang defeating their rivals the Edmonton Wildcats 23-17 in a packed Clarke stadium on Saturday evening. The Huskies scored early and late to break a four year losing streak to the cats and also marked the 1st win for Iain Maclean as Head coach
The Huskies started the scoring on their first possession as Quarterback Trevor Erdmann found Dylan Stanton in the end zone for a three yard score and the early 7-0 lead. Defensively the Huskies were solid creating six two and outs in the first half and a forced fumble by Clayton Vis which was picked up by Stephan Paleniuk who ran it into cats territory with 43 yard return. Rees Paterson also added to the turnover stats with an interception in the 2ndquarter but could not convert the pick into points. Jonathan Heidebrecht added three field goals and the Wildcats scored late as the Huskies went into the half up 16-3.
As the second half kicked off it was the defence who took over the game as both offences had trouble moving ball with any consistency as the Defenses were on their game. The Wildcats were able to claw their way back into the game as the Huskies turned the ball over three times and the cats hit two Field goals and a single to make it a 16-10 game in the fourth quarter. As the clock was winding down and a bad punt by the Wildcats and a penalty, the Huskies got great field position and Trevor Erdmann hit Veteran Receiver Sam Schwab for a 26 yard touchdown and a 23-10 lead with 1:22 left in the game. The Wildcats responded quickly as they were able to cut the deficit with a touchdown of their own with 39 seconds which lead to some nervous moments for the Huskies as the following onside kick created quite a pile up right in front of the Huskies bench with Adam Kuntz recovering the ball and securing The Huskies victory.
As Saturday evening came to a close the Huskies squad and supporters left happy with the result and it was a perfect way to start the 2013 season. Head coach Iain Maclean wanted to change the culture and attitude of his team and it was apparent that his message has got through to his players as his team looked organized, disciplined and the overall direction of the Huskies looks positive.
Huskies next game is on Sunday August.25 on the road versus the Winnipeg Rifles with an 11:00am start.
Big Plays:
– Anthony Barrett brought everyone out of their seats in the 4th Quarter as he was trying to hit the 1st down marker and leaped over the Wildcats DB going aerial causing quite a roar from the packed house at Clarke Stadium.
Stat Leaders:
Trevor Erdmann- 19 of 34 235yards 2TD 1INT
Stas Bessmertniy- 12 carries for 62 yards
James Aldred- 4 Catches for 56 yards
Rees Paterson- 7 Tackles 1 INT
Source: Herman Salas, Edmonton Huskies
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