DALHOUSIE TIGERS DOWNED IN OT!

What a spectacular day for Dalhousie University’s Homecoming!  Brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures and an estimated 2,500 fans, beaming in their Tiger black and gold.  The defending Atlantic Football League champs, the 2-0 Dalhousians hosting the UNB Reds, also 2-0. 

Both of these teams have won five AFL titles.  What a rivalry these squads have been involved with over the last decade.  To add to the homecoming flavour, AUAA all-star RB and Dalhousie Hall of Fame (2015), Bob Lewington (1967-70) participated in the coin toss with the team captains.

The game started with a UNB Reds big bang, as they hit on two long passes, the second a 35 yard  TD from QB Jonah Rawlines to Jace Taylor.  Justin Remillard converted and UNB was up 7-0 and less than two minutes had been played.  Both defences played shutout ball for the rest of the first Q and late into the 2nd.

With less than five minutes remaining in the half, the Tigers hit the scoreboard when Jonas Anderson connected with Ethan Lord on a 20 yard TD.  Dal’s second six came after a 25 yard run by Caden Quong followed by a 30 yard reception to Lord.  Dante Gabrielli came in for a one yard QB sneak TD.  Liam Masner converted both and UNB gave up a safety with 1:10 remaining to give the black and gold  a 16-7 lead at the half.  The Tiger “D” led by Logan Steeves, Evan Collins, Jason Xie and Kyle Merk led to a few Rawlines sacks and short yardage for RB Rozell.

Early in the 3rd Q, Masner added a punt single.  Minutes later excitement erupted as the Tigers blocked a Reds’ punt.  AJ Irving and Drew Kinley played the mine, no yours routine, which gave Dalhousie great field position but they could not capitalize.  The Tiger “D” was still forcing UNB  which wisely gave up another safety at 6:22, making the score, 19-7 Tigers. 

The Tigers “D” continued to bend but not break. The black and gold gave up three UR penalties in the first five minutes of the forth Q.  Even in light of these miscues and a few others, the defence added another safety, 21-7. 

But the bubble would burst as Anderson gave up an INT on an errand shovel pass.  The result over three Qs later, Rawlines who had been dangerous on runs ending in slides for first downs, connected with Taylor from 30 yards out for a major.

Minutes later the Tigers questionably turned over the ball on downs on 3rd and three deep in their own end. With 2:18 remaining Rawlines made the hat trick as he hit Nick Parker from 16 yards out.  Remillard made both PATs, making the score 21 all.

On the extra point, the Tigers were given another UR, allowing the Reds to kick off from their 50, instead of the 35, thus pinning Dalhousie deep in their own end.  The Tigers’ possession would end in a second INT by Caden Coughlin of an Anderson pass at the 1:34.  The game would go to OT!

In overtime, the Tigers by rule, scrimmaged from the 35.  After a few first downs, a completed pass close to the Reds’ ten was fumbled and recovered by the Reds.  Now the visitors started their possession with four carries by Rozell, and on third down, Remillard kicked the game-winning FG.  Elation for the Reds and agony for the Tigers.

Hopefully, this loss will be a wake-up call for the DAL team.  A victory by 4 points in the rematch at UNB could give them first place and home-field advantage for the playoffs.  Providing they can double down on the Saint John Falcons.  But more importantly, the Tigers must tighten their deep pass defence and be more disciplined, resulting in fewer penalties and turnovers!!!

Go TIGERS!!!