John Allanach, Head Coach of Moncton High, said “Back-to-back games are certainly a challenge because the things that worked in Week 1 may not work in Week 2. Come kick-off time, we’ll see the same team as last week, but they’ll be better. I’m expecting a very close game this time.”
MacNaughton certainly had many opportunities to get some revenge. They also failed, on five different opportunities, to manage to score when they were within 15 yards of the end zone. This is a major reason why Moncton High managed to win 21-15, improving to 3-0, while MacNaughton fell to 1-2. Brett Power ran for two of Moncton High’s touchdowns (2 and 79 yards), while QB Kyle Rogers ran 2 yards for the other touchdown. This is just Brett’s second season playing football. Coach John Allanach is very pleased with Brett’s progress. Jesse LeBlanc converted on all three point after touchdowns. Meanwhile, Allan Carroll scored both touchdowns for MacNaughton, while Chris Stevenson scored one point after touchdown. Moncton High also surrendered a safety.
Although MacNaughton failed on five different occasions to score when they were within 15 yards of the end zone, if they meet Moncton High in the playoffs, they have to feel good that this game was much closer. I’d be surprised if Moncton High were to defeat MacNaughton in the playoffs. The success that MacNaughton has achieved since Ed Wasson took over as Head Coach in 2004 is a major factor why I think they’d manage to defeat Moncton High in the playoffs.
Harrison Trimble Trojans were also able to improve to 3-0, defeating the Tantramar Titans 34-21. With the loss, Tantramar fell to 0-3. Brett Robart of Harrison Trimble rushed for 192 yards, scoring three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing.) Kris Brine also scored two rushing touchdowns for Harrison Trimble.
Moncton High and Harrison Trimble have a very lengthy rivalry. For many years, both teams have played in what’s known as “Homecoming Game” on the Friday evening of Thanksgiving weekend, at Rocky Stone Memorial Field in Moncton. This year, it will take place on October 5 at 7 p.m. Adding to the excitement of this year’s match is the fact that both teams have the potential to be unbeaten (4-0) heading into the match. Even if one team, or both teams lose this coming weekend, 3-1 is still good.
Meanwhile, Riverview High Royals improved to 2-1, defeating Leo Hayes Lions 49-15. Andrew Crawford, Quarterback of Riverview High, threw five touchdown passes. Three of the five were caught by Kyle McCluskey. This performance is even more remarkable when you consider the fact that Crawford and McCluskey are both Grade 11 students. McCluskey also ran a kickoff return for a touchdown. Matt Newport and Brian Budd were the other two who completed a pass from Crawford for a touchdown. Yuga Agaki, an exchange student from Japan, scored the other touchdown Riverview High. It was a 55 yard run. Stephen Daley was successful on all seven point after touchdowns. Matt Cody scored two touchdowns for Leo Hayes.
Peter Comeau, Offensive Co-ordinator for Riverview High, said “We have a lot of young players getting better each week. I like the way Crawford is showing poise as a QB.”
Fredericton High Black Kats wanted to improve to 2-1 as they faced Oromocto Blues. After starting the season 2-0, perhaps Oromocto became over-confident, as they fell to 2-1, unable to score a single point, while allowing Fredericton High to score 57!
St. Malachy’s Memorial Saints, after starting the season 0-2, were looking for their first win. Their defence, allowing only 16 points against Kennebecasis Valley Crusaders, gave their offence a chance to win. The only problem is St.. Malachy’s failed to score a point, falling to 0-3, while Kennebecasis improved to 2-1.
Although Simonds fell to 0-3 after losing 49-14 against Saint John High Greyhounds, who improved to 2-1, Simonds played their best game so far this season. After being outscored 108-0 in their first two games, the 49 points Simonds allowed was the fewest they’ve allowed so far this season. They also scored their first points of the season. Simonds will host Moncton High in their final game of the season (October 20, 1 p.m.) If Simonds falls to 0-6, and Moncton High improves to 6-0, I expect Simonds will defeat Moncton High in this game.
Week 4 commences this Friday (September 28) with Riverview High (2-1) hosting Moncton High (3-0) at 4 p.m. (Riverview High Field.) The following games are all 7 p.m. start times on Friday: MacNaughton (1-2) hosting Tantramar (0-3) at Rocky Stone Memorial Field (Moncton); Oromocto High (2-1) hosting Harrison Trimble (3-0) at Oromocto High Turf; Kennebecasis (2-1) hosting Fredericton High (2-1) at Usher Miller Field (Quispamsis); and Leo Hayes (1-2) will host Saint John High at Scotia North Field (Fredericton.) Meanwhile, by process of elimination, one of the 0-3 teams in Saint John will win a game this weekend as Simonds hosts St. Malachy’s at Simonds Field (Saint John) on Saturday (September 29) at 1 p.m.
This photo shows Ben Wishart (of Moncton High) tackling Allen Carroll of MacNaughton. Courtesy of Viktor Pivovarov/ Times & Transcript.
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