By: Rick Rivers
A little windy but otherwise a great day for the Atlantic Football League on Prince Edward Island. Freddy Diab has taken over the head coaching position for the Dalhousie University Tigers, after being an assistant coach and the defensive coordinator. When asked about the percentage of run/pass in the Tigers offence, he said, “I’d like to run on every play”. Eight of the Tigers first ten plays were run in their 41-18 victory over the Holland College Hurricanes. The game plan was set.
In a hard hitting game, Dal’s OC, Will Chapman saw the “O” line execute near perfection, as the team ran for over 300 yards, led by all-star back, Caden Quong. He amassed 201 yards on 26 carries for 3 touchdowns. QB, Dante Gabrielli, sprinted for 89 yards on 7 runs and a TD.
The game started slowly as the black and gold gained a half dozen first downs on their first few possessions, but nothing substantial. But Holland went ahead 2-0, when they blocked a Tiger punt for a safety. What seemed like seconds later, Dal’s Max Parker blocked a Hurricane punt giving Dal great field position. Quong would score on a 14 yard run. Liam Masner
had a perfect day place kicking, going 5 for 5 on converts, making a short FG and getting a single off of a kickoff.
The Tigers added another 6 before the half as Gabrielli hit Ethan Mason in stride for the 45 yard major. Dalhousie’s QB would finish the game, 8/16 for 137 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions. Mason collected 3 catches for 62 yards to lead the receiving corps.
The Tigers increased their first half lead with Masner’s FG and Quong’s second major came from eight yards out. Dal 25, Holland 2. A Logan Steeves safety touch increased the black and gold lead by 2. Short passes to Mason and Blake Cruise sandwiched a 50 sprint down the sidelines by Gabrielli eventually leading to a one yard QB sneak TD with 9:18 remaining in the third Q.
The next ten minutes was worth the price of admission as the Holland pass attack came alive. Hurricane QB, Ben Chomolok, after earlier near misses on long passes connected with Keagan Cardona and Mhaki Hill to narrow the score to Tigers 34, Hurricanes 16. Both of these drives were aided by unnecessary multiple Tiger penalties. HC’s final score came on a safety, the result of a high snap to the punter which ended up in the end zone.
Dalhousie’s ‘D’ had played well and they would revive with INTs from Drew Kinley and AJ Irving, one in the end zone and a second on the Tiger 20. Parker also made a huge tackle on a goal line stand to stop a HC score. Big tacklers for the Tigers were led by Matt Irvine with 8, Parker 5, Cam Grover and Ewan MacKeen.
I’ve never seen so many safety touches or blocked punts in one game but Dal’s specialty team member, Cruise blocked a punt, giving great field position to the Tabbies. Quong scored his 3rd major from 5 yards out. Minutes latter Dal’s ‘D’ would cause HC to turn the ball over on downs. Final score Dal 41, HC 18.
I am sure that Dal head coach Diab and his assistants are happy with the win, but not ecstatic! Excessive penalties and 4 turnovers need to be remedied if the Tigers are to repeat as AFL Champions.
The Tigers would like to see you this Saturday at 7 for the rematch with the Hurricanes and then again at Wickwire Field versus the Reds of UNB at 4 PM on the 27th.
GO TIGERS!!!
need to fix formatting. have to highlight txt to read. Good summary.