DALHOUSIE DISCIPLINE RETURNS

It was another perfect weather day for football as the Tigers (2-1) ventured to Saint John to play the Falcons (0-3).  Would the Black and Gold rebound from their undisciplined overtime loss to the UNB Reds the week before?  Minutes into the game, the Falcon fans got excited as their team blocked a Tiger field goal. But from then on it was all downhill for Saint John as the Dal running game was unstoppable in the 64-0 victory.

It is time that the starting O line be given more credit for their heroics in the success of the Dalhousie ground game.  OC, Will  Chapman believes the run game is a 12 player effort with the receivers also playing important roles.  Who would disagree?  But let’s hear it for the interior line who pound to open the running lanes!  The starting O line on Sunday included;  Enoch Shogbamu, Trondez Sparks, Liam Johnston, Tyler Roberts and Tanner Graham.  Three of the five are freshmen, the 5 average 270 pounds and Chapman says, “you don’t have to be big to be effective”.  I am sure that Caden Quong (20/150 yards in the first half) and Matthew Thomas (6/63 in the 4th Q) would attest to their prowess!

The Black and Gold opened the scoring as Quong carried the ball numerous times allowing short yardage QB, Dante Gabrielli to score on a sneak.  Liam Masner who made all his PATs during the tilt added a punt single making the score, Tigers 8 - Falcons 0. QB, Jonas Anderson completed a pass to Ethan Mason setting up a 28 yarder to Matt Lawton for Dal’s second TD.

The Saint John team gave up 3 safeties as a result of the staunch Dal D.  One here made the score, 17-0.  In the game where the second half was shortened to straight time (AFL mercy rule), Cam Grover and Julian McCarty had one INT each in the first half.  In the game the Falcon O never really threatened, but did complete a few long sideline passes.  Kyle Merk and David Arevalo had 4 solo tackles and Logan Steeves and Jason Xie added three each.

One of the more exciting plays of the first half saw Anderson roll right and then throwback a screen pass to Quong for a 30 yard gain.  The Tigers short passing game had Anderson connect with Connor MacDonald from 12 yards out for a TD.  Add another PAT and a safety and the Tabbies were up 26-0.  Nick Tarnagorski majored on a short run, extra point good, Dal up by 33.  The Tigers finished off the first half on Quong’s second six, a PAT and a single by Masner on a kickoff.  Tigers 41, Falcons 0, at the half.

The second half started with a bang as Tarnagorski scored his second TD on an exciting 85 yard kickoff return.  The clock continued to run.  Dal’s D held and the team showed discipline by limiting itself to just a few penalties, unlike the previous games.

Quong continued to carry the mail with Brennen Hynes aiding.  A few passes were interspersed with catches by Blake Cruise and MacDonald who led the team with 3 catches for 30 yards.  Anderson finished the game, 9/12 for 102 yards, 2TDs and no INTs.

Gabrielli scored on another power sneak.  The convert was good and the D forced another safety making the score, 57-0 for the Dalhousians.  Gabrielli finished the game at QB and another RB, Thomas scored a short major.  PAT good, Dal 64 - Falcons 0.

The Dal Tigers played a near perfect, well disciplined game on Sunday while on the road.  Next weekend they will travel to Fredericton to meet the REDS in a rematch of their OT loss.  Will the Black and Gold remain poised enough to cut down on mental errors and defeat the REDS by 4 or more points and gain home field advantage for the playoffs?  

GO TIGERS!!!