(HALIFAX, N.S.) — The Atlantic University Sport football conference kicked off the 2017 season with the host Saint Mary's University Huskies defeating the StFX X-Men 38-23 Friday night from Huskies Stadium.
Huskies quarterback Kaleb Scott (Mount Albert, ON) paced SMU's offence with 453 total yards (367 passing and 86 rushing) in the win.
The X-Men opened the scoring early in the first quarter on a 6-yard pass from quarterback Josh Millar (Ottawa, ON) to running back Jordan Socholotiuk (Fort McMurray, AB) for a 7-0 lead at the 12:55 mark. Jonathan Heidebrecht (Camrose, AB) added the PAT for the X-Men.
The Huskies answered back and trailed 7-3 on a 16-yard field goal by kicker Brian Hope (Port Coquitlan, BC) with 6:07 left in the quarter.
A StFX safety and a pick-6 by SMU's defensive back Antoine Lyte-Myers (Scarborough, ON) gave the Huskies a 13-7 lead after their successful two-point conversion with 2:19 in the frame.
Another team safety for Saint Mary's and a 63-yard pass and catch touchdown from Scott to receiver Archelaus Jack (Toronto, ON) pushed the Huskies up 22-7 halfway thru the second quarter.
StFX exploded for 14 points in 37 seconds on touchdown runs by Socholotiuk (21-yard) and a 1-yard plunge by quarterback Dylan Fisher (Elginburg, ON) as SMU lead 22-21 with 2:01 left in the half.
Scott increased the Huskies' lead to 29-21 with 19 seconds left in the half, connecting with wide receiver Josh Henry (Pickering, ON) in the back of the end zone on a 28-yard touchdown throw.
A Hope field goal (19-yarder) and a X-Men team safety were the only points in the third quarter as Saint Mary's took a 32-23 lead into the fourth. Hope added two more field goals in the final frame for the 38-23 victory.
Scott finished 26-47, good for 367 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. StFX had 145 total passing yards (Millar 93 yards and Fisher with 52) while Socholotiuk gained 171 yards on 30 rushes. Huskies quarterback Scott was named Subway Player of the game.
SMU starts the season with a 1-0 record and have a bye in Week 2. StFX (0-1) hosts Mount Allison on September 1st at 7:00 pm for their home opener.
Courtesy Dominic Nolasco, SMU Communications