SACKVILLE, N.B. — Defense is the name of the game and the Mounties showed on Saturday that they have it “in spades”.
With the offense operating effectively for just one fourth of the game, the powerful defensive unit kept the visiting Bishop’s Gaiters at bay for the entire game, permitting just a trio of field goals and a couple of safeties and even buckled down when the visitors got the ball on the Mountie three-yard line, forcing a turnover.
To show its versatility, the ball hogs snared a quartet of interceptions, added a couple of sacks and forced a couple of third down attempts for a profitable day.
As a result of all this, they were able to take a huge bow as the Mounties downed the visitors 35-13 to avenge for an earlier loss in Quebec by three points. And as a result of the victory, combined with an Acadia win over Saint Mary’s, the local squad has moved into a good chance to be in the playoffs, seeking an opportunity for the first time in three years.
Acadia stands atop the conference with a spotless 7-0 mark. Bishop’s is 4-4 while the Mounties and Huskies are tied at 3-4 with St FX trailing with just one win in seven tries.
As a result, coach Peter Fraser couldn’t have planned things any better. This Saturday at 2 p.m., the two best teams in the conference will lock horns at Alumni Field – and if the Mounties can find their mojo and finally take out the Axemen, they will finish in second place.
Such an event would not be surprising. While Acadia won at home on a late come-from-behind touchdown, the Mounties held the lead into the final minute after recovering from their usual slow start.
Typically, the Mounties failed to gain even a first down during the opening 15 minutes here on Saturday, and it was not until Jack Estabrooks came in to run the ball with authority that they strung together four first downs in succession and the former Titan great capped the beginning of a huge comeback by rambling 15 yards for a touchdown.
And before the third quarter was finished, the Mounties had piled up 27 points on touchdowns by Josh Hicks and Jilean York, field goals by James Parker and a couple of safety touches.
So why, with so much obvious talent, is the offense mostly ineffective?
Quarterback David Patry says it is inconsistency, but he has no explanation for the obvious. He performed well, completing 10 of 19 attempts, including two majors.
“We have a very good offensive line that gives me excellent protection but we are still missing by just so much.”
The graduate of l’Odyssee played only sporadically last season and scored well in the classroom, gaining Academic All-Canadian honours. This season, he has risen up the depth chart, has been at the helm for the three victories, and shows a strong arm and an ability to run when all else fails.
And team captain Ross McCormack, another of the large number of Titans on the team, says he believes fully in the system brought by Fraser but agrees he is the third head coach he has played for and he, along with all the others, are still learning.
While Jack Estabrooks was the sparkplug who got things moving, he carried the ball just 10 times for 49 yards – a far cry from his previous game when he rushed 35 times for 188 yards. However, he is still nursing a minor upper body injury.
Ex-Titan Aaron Rose led the defenders with eight tackles and a sack, while the entire secondary featuring Lucas Cormier and Dan Bell contributed immensely.
And the defensive front, featuring Vince Frangione, Reese Martin, Damien Halstead and Marshall Esokpunwu, gave the visitors “fits” all afternoon.
But all will have to be at their best this Saturday when they host the Axemen, ranked seventh in the nation, and coach Fraser is sending out a request that fans flock to the stands and bring plenty of support that may be needed if the Mounties are to end on a four-game winning streak.
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