Mustangs only undefeated team after NS Spring League Week 3 action (RECAP)

Week 3 of the Nova Scotia Indoor Spring League was highlighted by duel of two undefeated teams.

The Metro Mustangs thwarted a late comeback attempt by the Halifax Argos to prevail and remain the only undefeated team in the league.  The Mustangs won 19-16 over the Argos.  In the other game, the Timberlea Renegades got back into the win column by defeating the Valley Bulldogs 24-4.

Here is complete Week 3 action:

METRO MUSTANGS 19, HALIFAX ARGOS 16:

At East Hants Sports Complex in Lantz, the Metro Mustangs handed the Halifax Argos their first defeat of the season. The Mustangs scored all their points in the first half of the game and fended off a late surge by the Argos in the second half.

In his return, Mustangs pivot Sean Muir had 14 completions in 23 attempts (61 percent completion rate) for 173 passing yards and a two yard rush to lead the victors.  Running back Taylor MacDonald rushed for 106 yards on 19 carries and also had 29 yards on four receptions to lead the Mustangs offensive attack.  Running back Aidan Majury (six rushes for 39 yards), receiver Ryan Keays (five receptions for 53 yards), receiver Garrett Jewers (three receptions for 57 yards) and receiver Morgan Laws (two receptions for 34 yards) also contributed to the Mustangs’ successful offensive game execution.

Defensively for the Mustangs, Dustin Buchanan (three solo tackles, one interception), Matt Bayne (a solo tackle, an interception), Andre Boudreault (a solo tackle, an interception), Kyle MacDonald (a solo tackle, an assisted tackle and a sack), Jay Hachey (two solo tackles and a sack), Brad Bevan (five solo tackles, an assisted tackle), Will Chamberlain (six solo tackles), Jacob Barton (five solo tackles), Jesse Boudreau (three solo tackles), Chris Young (a solo tackle), Ben Ford (a solo tackle) and Gio Holmes all factor to the team’s success at styming the Argos offensive on Saturday.

“The key to the win was a great start to the game,” commented Mustangs head coach Greg Bayne after the hard fought victory.  “We were very pleased with our execution in the first half, establishing a 19 point lead.”

“We ended up needing all of that to fend off the Argos in the second half. We lost a couple of key players and then broke down with too many penalties. Key offensive players were Taylor MacDonald, Sean Muir and Garett Jewers while Dustin Buchanan, Will Chamberlain, Kyle MacDonald and Brad Bevan stood out on defense. We still have work to do with our special teams and need to keep our penalties in check.”

The Metro Mustangs will look to keep its undefeated record intact when the team takes on the Dartmouth Destroyers on Saturday April 27th, 2013 at 2:30pm.  Meanwhile, the Halifax Argos will look to find their winning ways once again as they face the Timberlea Renegades on Saturday April 27th, 2013 at 11:00am.  Both games will be played at East Hants Sports Complex in Lantz.

TIMBERLEA RENEGADES 24, VALLEY BULLDOGS 4:

On Saturday early afternoon, the Timberlea Renegades defeated the Valley Bulldogs to earn their second win of the season.  At the half, the Renegades led 7-4 en route to a 24-4 victory.

With this win, the Renegades are now 2-1 on the season while the Bulldogs are at the bottom of the standings with a 0-3 record.

Bulldogs head coach Stephen Melanson gave his postgame assessment of what was successful on the field and also went wrong on Saturday.

“It was 10 -4 going into the fourth quarter,” explained Melanson.  “The defense and special teams played very well today causing six turnovers between them.”

“We just ran out of gas we were on the field for defense 75 percent of the day. Our offense was unable to generate anything. It was 2 and out all game. That puts a lot of pressure on the defense and our special teams but football is offense, defense and special teams. I think we have turned the corner on two of them and we have two weeks to get the offense on track. We will watch film and get ready for the next game.  As for players of the game the defense and special team players kept this game within reach. They deserve players of the game award as a unit.”

The Timberlea Renegades will play against the Halifax Argos on Saturday April 27th, 2013 at 11:00am at East Hants Sports Complex in Lantz. Meanwhile, the Valley Bulldogs will enjoy a bye week.

Argos/Mustangs Photos courtesy of Cathy Connell

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