Getting to the game on time important in the MFL

The fourth week of the Maritime Football League season left three teams tied at the top of the standings.

The Saint John Wanderers, Halifax Shockers and PEI Privateers all finished the weekend with 2-1 records.

The PEI Privateers upset the undefeated Saint John Wanderers 27-21. The victory moves the Privateers and Wanderers into a three-way tie for first place at the midway point of the season.

Quarterback Chris Mutch threw for three touchdowns on the day as the Privateers spread the ball around with nine receivers recording a reception. Leslie Greene caught two touchdowns while Xavier Rhodes had the other.

“We executed very well,” said Mutch. “We took them out of their game plan and forced them to pass and our defense created turnovers.”

The Privateers defense had four interceptions and recovered one fumble.

Wanderers head coach Phil McGarvey believes the better team won on the weekend but his team just couldn’t rebound from their costly turnovers.

“PEI came out in six wide all game and spread the ball around very well,” said Phil. “They are a pretty strong team.”

Runningback Jon Hanes scored two touchdowns and quarterback Jon Golacki connected with Joel Seale for the other touchdown.

“We got to the game late and came out flat,” said Phil. “We turned the ball over too many times and that cost us.”

“It was a good wake up call for us.”

Heading into this weekends match up the Wanderers look to get back in the win column as they play the Capital City Gladiators.

“We need to pick up the intensity this week,” said Phil. “Traditionally, we win a lot of football games and we have over the past twelve years.”

“We really don’t like it when we lose.”

The PEI Privateers are hosting the Halifax Shockers at 4:00 on Saturday in Cornwall.

The Moncton Mustangs hosted the Halifax Shockers this past weekend in a game that a defensive battle.

The game was tied at one after the 1^st quarter until Steve Cormier ran the ball in from 3 yards out to put the Mustangs up 7-1. The Shockers blocked the extra point to keep it a six-point game. Halifax would add another single to make it 7-2 at halftime.

The Shockers took the lead in the third quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by Greg Pelley. Moncton’s defense stopped the 2-point play to keep the score 8-7 in favor of the visitors. Vince Williams sealed it for the Shockers scoring on a 12 yard pass from quarterback Matt Shannon.

Defensive linemen Joseph Zinati and Ike Harris, linebacker Paul Moore and free safety Jamaal Edwards all helped keep the Shockers defense playing at a high level.

The win put the Shockers in a tie for first as they get ready to travel to PEI to play the Privateers this weekend.

The Mustangs have a bye this week.