MFL:Ā Wanderers rebound, defeat Shockers opening day
The Maritime Football League kicked off its season this past weekend.
In a very rainy day at Rocky Stone Field in Moncton, New Brunswick, the double header saw the Moncton Mustangs squaring off against the Capital Area Gladiators and the Halifax Shockers playing the Saint John Wanderers.
The first game of the double header saw the Moncton Mustangs defeat the Capital Area Gladiators 36-27.
In a rematch of last yearās championship game, Saint John and Halifax played in the second game of the day. The results were quite different than last yearās one-sided affair, with the Wanderers coming out on top 24-13.
Last years championship loss was in the heads of the players and coaches according to head coach Phil McGarvey. The team responded well for the first game of the season.
āWe definitely thought about last years game,ā said McGarvey. āThe first game is always tough but our defense shut them out.ā
The Wanderers defense played lights out as the Shockers were only able to score on a kickoff return and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Head coach Phil McGarvey was happy with the outcome but knows things will only get better for Saint John.
āThings didnāt go as smooth as they will a few weeks from now but thatās expected in week one.ā
Quarterback John Gollacki rushed for two touchdowns and completed a pass to receiver John Rosko in the winning effort by the Wanderers.
As far as Shockers coach Dan Campbell is concerned they were a bit rusty but it’s on them as coaches to make the necessary adjustments.
“We were a little out of sync,” said Campbell. “Nothing to really worry about at this point in the season. We also need to use our personnel a bit better.”
Nick Lauder scored the kick return for the Shockers and Mitch Kays returned the interception for a touchdown.
The Shockers are heading into a bye week with the addition of the PEI Privateers.
“The bye week gives us the opportunity to fine tune some things before the rest of the season,” said Campbell. “The Wanderers game showed us where we need improvement and the bye week will allow us a chance to work on these areas.”
The Wanderers next challenge comes Friday at home against the Moncton Mustangs. Kickoff is at 8:00 pm at Kennebecasis Valley high school.
The Capital Area Gladiators will be hosting the PEI Privateers this Saturday at 4:00 pm at Scotia Park North Field in Fredericton. The Privateers will be playing their first game in two years after being absent from the Maritime Football League last season.
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