HALIFAX, NS – The Mount Allison Mounties came alive in the fourth quarter and defeated the Saint Mary’s Huskies 20-17 at Huskies Stadium on Saturday to win their first Subway AUS Loney Bowl since 1997. The game provided an excellent display of defence from both sides on the chilly November afternoon in the south end of Halifax.
The Mounties had the majority of the opportunities early. The first came off a fumble by Huskies quarterback Jack Creighton and a recovery by the Mounties on the Huskies’ 10-yard line, resulting in a 30-yard field goal from the Mounties’ Kyle McLean to put his team up 3-0.
The Huskies were able to utilize their running game, pushing the ball up field through the Mounties’ defence and get themselves into scoring position. Huskies kicker Chase Kodejs made no mistake on the 27-yard field goal to tie the game at three to end the first quarter.
The first touchdown of the game came from Mounties defensive back Michael Bohan, who scored off a fumble recovery, restoring the Mounties’ lead and making the game 10-3. The Huskies came back with a touchdown of their own in the final minutes of the first half, as Creighton connected with wide receiver Mohammed Abdallah with two minutes remaining in the second quarter to tie the game at 10 at halftime.
The outstanding defence of both the Mounties and the Huskies came to light in the third quarter, as neither the Huskies nor the Mounties were able to get on the scoreboard. However, the fourth quarter provided loads of excitement and kept fans on both sides at the edge of their seats.
In two plays, Huskies wide receiver Melvin Abankwah rushed for 26 yards to put the Huskies at the Mounties’ one-yard line. On the next play, Creighton ran the ball in for the Huskies to give them their first lead of the game.
With the clock dying down in the fourth quarter, Subway Player of the Game Josh Blanchard stepped in and essentially led his team all the way down field in two plays.
Off a kick from Kodejs, Blanchard ran the ball 47 yards to advance the Mounties to the the Huskies’ 34. On the next play, Leyh connected with Blanchard for a 34-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 17.
On the next Huskies possession, Mounties linebacker Te Nguyen made a huge interception to put the ball at the Huskies’ 41. After a combined 19-yard rush on two plays from Jordan Botel, the Mounties were within field goal range. Kyle McLean completed his second field goal of the game to put the Mounties up 20-17, which ended up being the Subway Loney Bowl winning kick.
Mount Allison was greeted with overwhelming support from Mounties fans, who made the two-hour road trip to Halifax and took over Huskies Stadium. Mounties fans were loud throughout the game, giving the away team an extra boost.
The Mounties won by the same margin the last time they faced the Huskies when they won 27-24 on Oct. 18. The game marked Mount Allison’s fifth win a row, after the Mounties opened their season 1-4.
Mount Allison is now set to host the CIS Uteck Bowl at MacAulay Field on Nov. 16.
Photo credits: Mona Ghiz, Ghix Photography www.GhizPhotography.com
Source: Saint Mary’s Sports Information
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