SACKVILLE, NB - It would take more than a hurricane to deny us of this highly touted game of top-10 U SPORTS football programs, as the X-Men defeated the Mounties by a score of 26-7 Sunday evening.
After a quick three-and-out for both sides, it seemed Mount Allison were poised to strike first before a strip sack of Mounties quarterback CJ Valenti (Terrebonne, QC) turned the tables. Alex Fedchun (Calgary, AB) recovered the fumble and took it deep into Mounties territory. A big defensive stand by the Mounties saw STFX send their kicker Ben Hadley (Halifax, NS) for an 18-yarder and put three points on the board.
The X-Men did not allow Mount Allison to generate much offense for the remainder of the first half, forcing the Mounties to take two team safeties which put them ahead 7-0 at the break.
STFX added to their lead as second year quarterback Silas Fagnan (Bonnyville, AB) and first year standout receiver Zachary Houde (Thetford Mines, QC) found great rhythm and combined for two quick touchdowns.
That staunch X-Men defense would continue to dominate much of the second half with Mount Allison conceding a third team safety, much to the dismay of the large home crowd. Hadley added another field goal for a commanding 26-0 lead for the visitors.
Mount Allison's lone score came courtesy of rookie running back Brandt Burzuk (Red Deer, AB) as he punched it in from one yard out.
Subway Player of the Game was X-Men receiver Zachary Houde (Thetford Mines, QC).
The Mounties (3-1) will look to bounce back as they travel to Bishop's (1-2) next Saturday for a 3 p.m. clash.
STFX (4-0) head into a bye weekend and will next see action on October 8 as they host Bishop's for a 3 p.m. tilt in Antigonish.
-30-
NOTE: complete game statistics were not available at press time
Recap courtesy of Mounties Athletics
Shout out to receiver Zach Houde, named Subway Player of the Game with 2 touchdowns in the X-Men's 26-7 victory over MtA last night! #goxgo #SubwayFuel pic.twitter.com/Xb7bAAAgzj
— StFX Athletics (@StFXAthletics) September 26, 2022