MFL: Β Shockers, Wanderers highlight first round of playoffsΒ
After a week off, the Martime Football League resumes play this upcoming weekend with playoff matchups.
The last week of the regular season solidified playoff positions, putting the Capital City Gladiators on the outside looking in.
The Gladiators’ season ended with a 26-13 loss to the Moncton Mustangs. The team opened the season with close losses to the Mustangs and PEI Privateers. Β Additionally, the team was forced to forfeit two games after not being able to field a team.
The intriguing game this upcoming weekend has the Privateers hosting the Halifax Shockers.
Both teams had a week to rest up after playing each other in the season finale where the Privateers cruised by the Shockers 40-19.
The Privateers and Shockers split the season series with one win a piece. Β This could be an indication of what to expect this weekend Β – a good football game.
The Shockers are relying on a strong effort from quarterback Matt Shannon and a strong core of receivers to help pull out the upset over the Privateers. Receivers Robbie Tufts and Mark Gaudry will need to bring their top game for the Shockers offense to get rolling. Receiver and kick returner Nick Lauder will be looked upon to lead special teams and provide a spark for the Shockers.
Defensively, the Shockers will count on their linebackers to set the tone of the football game. Paul Moore and Andrew Oake will need to do what they have done all season and create turnovers in order for the Shockers to succeed. Jamaal Edwards will continue to bring his physical presence in the defensive secondary.
βPEI has the most explosive offense in the league this year,” said Shockers head coach Dan Campbell. Β “They spread the ball around very well and their ability to score points quickly can put you out of your game plan early.”
βAs long as we can limit our turnovers and give PEI minimal possessions we should be able to compete with them from beginning to end. Β Defensively, we need a better showing then we had two weeks ago but weβre confident our guys will bounce back from it.β
Kickoff Β is at 4:00 pm on Saturday July 27th.
The other matchup has the first place Saint John Wanderers hosting the Mustangs. During the regular season, the Wanderers outscored the Mustangs in their two meetings by a combined score of 81-13.
The Wanderers are the clear favorites in this one with two lopsided victories in their first two match ups.
Kickoff for is at 4:00 pm at KVHS in Saint John on Saturday July 27th.
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