This weekend was another great one in the Atlantic football league as both games were both close and great contest to watch for fans. The league is offering without question its most competitive season as all 4 teams seem to be getting after the championship.
The Maritime football league had 2 games played this weekend. Here is the roundup of what happened in Moncton and Fredericton.
Saint-John Wanderers 20 , Moncton Mustangs 14
For many of the fans of the MFL , It is clear that coming into the league’s 11th season, the Saint-John Wanderers were the team to beat, On Friday night, the Wanderers improved their record to 2-0 and remained unbeaten to take sole possession of first place in the MFL. The Wanderers knocked off 5 time defending champion Moncton Mustangs in a highly entertaining game played at Rocky stone field under the friday night lights. Saint-John came out flying and hurt the Mustangs defence in both the air and on the ground. Wanderers Quarterback Jon Galacki had 3 touchdown passes finding receiver Ryan Crouse on 2 occasions and Joel Seale for the last Wanderers score. Wanderers Tailback Jon Haines also had various long runs on many carries for Saint-John’s offense. Kicker Jeff Mcquade added 2 converts on the night.
The Mustangs were counted out by many people before kickoff, but the defending champs quickly showed that they are still able to contend with any team in the MFL, Their lop sided lose to the Halifax Shockers was not a sign of things to come. Mustangs rookie receiver Ben Agnew had his coming out party as he was found by Quarterback Kelly Nichols on various occasions including one for his first MFL touchdown. Rob Murray found the end zone on a short run for the Mustangs other score. Andrew Gallant added 2 converts in the loss. The Mustangs seemed to be a very different team than what was seen in Halifax. Their young roster is coming around and good things seem just around the corner.
The game was close and was played with intensity till the final whistle with the Mustangs driving in the final minute but the Wanderers high flying defence was up to the task as they kept the Mustangs out of their end zone when it mattered the most. They forced many turnovers in the game and frustrated the Mustangs Offence.
Saint John receiver Joel Seale was not surprised with how close the game was.
“They have a good team, it was a physical football game and a great one to be a part of”.
Seale added that next week should be a very good test for his Wanderers as Halifax has shown to have some dangerous players on both sides of the ball.
“It should be another hardfought game vs Halifax, I’m anxious for kick off. We have a good unit and everyone is working hard at our practices, we improve every night together as a team and I think that will give us success in the long run”.
Capital Area Gladiators 22 , Halifax Shockers 10
For some teams, success comes at first hand. For others, it takes hard work and going through tough times to get there. The Capital Area Gladiators are a perfect example of how hard work and not losing courage, can go a long way. The Capital Area Gladiators sent a Message on Saturday as they beat the Halifax Shockers, who knocked off 5 time defending champion Moncton in week 1 by a score of 26-0 . The Gladiators had gone through some tuff seasons and many of the MFL fans even thought that the Gladiators program was coming to an end. The Gladiators however stuck it out, kept their young core of guys together and have became a team to watch in the league as they have a very young roster and good things are still yet to come.
The Gladiators defence once again held there ground and kept the Shockers weapons contained and out of the end zone. Capital Area Quarterback Brendan Cornford had an amazing day on the field as he rushed for all 3 of the Gladiators touchdowns. Josh Blanchard added 2 converts and the Capital Area defence recorded a safety to round out the scoring. Shockers wide receiver Luke Williams had the lone touchdown and Kicker Mcmahon added a 30 yard field goal.
The game was still a close one and was played at a very high intensity.
Maritime football league action resumes this weekend as both games will be played on Saturday. Capital Area will make their way to Moncton for a 5 pm game versus the Mustangs and the other game will be played in Halifax with the Wanderers visiting the Shockers. Game time is slated for 3:30 pm at the Saint Mary’s facility.
(Photo courtesy of Taylor Lynn Barker and maritime football league facebook page)
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