Part of the Rick Rivers Report
THE RAUCOUS RIVALRY CONTINUES!
Quite the rivalry is expected again this season between the UNBF Reds and the
Dalhousie Tigers in the Atlantic Football League. On Wickwire Field this Saturday at 7
the Tiger’s season begins. During last year's season the two split regular season home
games with Dalhousie winning the championship 40-14. It was the Tigers' third title in
five years (2016 and 2018), while the Reds captured the crown in 2017 and 2019 with
the 2021 cancelled because of Covid.
There have been a lot of changes at Dalhousie since the 2021 final. Head Coach Mark
Haggett, the winningest coach in Tiger history, has retired and the stingiest DC in the
Black and Gold’s new era, David Kelly has replaced him. Kelly's chargers only allowed
11 points per game last year. Coach Kelly, a Halifax Saint Patrick's High grad and a
former St. Mary's tight end, has coached for over 25 years. Talk about commitment to
football, Kelly enters his sixth season with the Tigers and all along he has been a head
or assistant coach with the Halifax West High School Warriors.
Coach Kelly has over 25 returning veterans who he expects will be the leaders for the 45
plus rookies. Comparatively speaking, this young squad showed a tremendous work
ethic during their exciting and energetic training camp, says the head coach. Kelly
commends Shawn McIntyre, his assistant head coach, for his recruiting skills and his
tireless commitment to all things football.
Pat Mpuanga, a Saint Francis Xavier veteran and Dalhousie linebacker coach, now
takes on the added responsibility of the Tiger DC. He also sees the veterans as the
catalysts for leadership. Some notables include; Liam Chisari, Riley Fitzpatrick at
linebackers, Dbs Logan Hillier and Connor McCormick will stop the long balls and D
linemen Sam Darling and Yassine Yassine will plug the opponent's O line.
Rob Wilson, a former Dal MVP, has taken over as special teams co-ordinator and has
some innovative ideas for all facets of this important one third of football. The big foot of
Okie Kepenek seems even bigger this year as the punter/placekicker should leave the
opponents with poor field position. And don't be surprised if he kicks a long game
winning FG or two.
Andre Goguen, a Mount Allison grad has taken over the job of offensive co-ordinator and
will be helped by former Dal and AFL MVP, QB Chris Duplisea. Mark Glover and Colton
Allen are fighting it out for starting QB while rookies, Mitch Page and Javier Reyes
Landry will carry the mail. Matt Lawton, Zackary Blood, Steve Sorenson and Robbie
Sneath, provide good depth for the aerial attack. Important O line includes Louis Fiset
and Peyton Arsenault.
All in all, the 2022 Dalhousie Tigers are ready for the challenge of winning their fourth
AFL title this fall. You the fans, parents, alumni and present students can help to make a
difference. Be there this Saturday at 7 at Wickwire Field as your Tigers continue their
rivalry with the Fredericton Reds. Could this be another "Year of the Tiger?"
