The UNB Red Bombers captured the Atlantic Football League championship Saturday evening in Fredericton downing the defending champion Holland College Hurricanes 14-7.
On the opening kickoff, Chucky Ortiz returned the ball all the way to the UNB 10-yard line. However, a fumbled hand-off on the very next play turned the ball over to the Red Bombers and snuffed out the chance to burn the home team early. The ’Canes, who were plagued by turnovers this season, would commit a total of five miscues in the first half.
After three consecutive long returns in the first quarter, Ortiz went down with a knee injury that left him hobbled for the rest of the game. Costly turnovers also killed several promising Holland College drives and would prove to be the difference in the game.
After a scoreless opening quarter, UNB quarterback Brendan Cornford found his favorite target, A.J. Durling, on a 75-yard touchdown pass to put the home team up 7-0.
The Hurricanes got on the board late in the second quarter on their best drive of the night. Nick Hunsley connected with Luke Williams and Leslie Greene for consecutive first downs, followed by a draw play to Jordan Blizzard. The big running back took it 67 yards for a touchdown, dragging defenders with him as he crossed the line.
On a night of numerous momentum shifts, the Red Bombers came roaring back. Durling returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Holland College 28-yard line. Cornford then found the lanky receiver in the corner of the end zone to put UNB up 14-7.
A promising drive by the Hurricanes in the final minute of the half ended when they coughed up the ball yet again on the UNB 35-yard line.
The second half was a classic battle between the two best defenses in the league. The Hurricanes threatened to score late in the fourth quarter, but their drive was halted when Hunsley was sacked on a third-and-short situation on the UNB 30-yard line.
Determined play by the Holland College defense gave the team one more chance in the final minute of play. With good field position and the ball in their possession, the ’Canes drove down the field. With the clock ticking down, a scrambling Nick Hunsley attempted to find an open receiver in the end zone. The pass was picked off ending hopes of a comeback.
The Red Bombers ran out the clock to seal the victory and to claim the
Moosehead Cup as AFL champions.
The APM offensive player of the game was Jordan Blizzard with 138 yards on 20 carries. The APM defensive honours went to cornerback Garvin Cius, who led his team in tackles.
The Hurricanes finish the year with a 5-3 won-lost record. Team president Mike O’Grady summed up the season.
“For the second year in a row, we were in the championship game in a very competitive league. The Red Bombers are a very deserving champion and they have our respect and our congratulations,” he said.
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