CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The Holland College Hurricanes lost 23-12 to the Dalhousie Tigers Sunday in Atlantic Football League action at UPEI Alumni Canada Place.
It is the second week in a row the Tigers have defeated the Hurricanes after winning a 25-24 double overtime contest in Halifax on Sept. 29. Dalhousie improved to 4-0 while Holland College is 2-2.
Sunday, the Hurricanes offence started and ended the game strong but could not find its rhythm for most of the day. The Hurricanes moved the ball well on their first drive and settled for a field goal from kicker Connor Cruickshank.
On their last play of the day, rookie quarterback Michael Petroschke hit receiver Micah Roberts in the end zone for a major and Cruickshank added the extra point on the final play of the day, lifting the spirits of the hometown ’Canes.
The Hurricanes defence was called on for most of the game to stop a relentless ground attack by the Tigers. The ‘Canes needed their offence to score some points, but the Tigers defensive line played strong, intercepting two of quarterback Brady Crowe’s passes and applying pressure all day long on the Hurricanes rookie offensive line.
“Dalhousie made some adjustments and we didn't execute on offence,” said head coach Ross Young. “Our defence was on the field way too long. Our offence will need to find its rhythm this week as we prepare for two back-to-back games against the UNB Fredericton Red Bombers.
“We need to park our loss to the Tigers and get ready for a strong Fredericton team to prove we are a contender for a championship run this season.”
Rookie running back Stefan Headley had a 25-yard run late in the game, and rookie receivers Jarrett Walker, Matthew-Uriah Kaye-Mitchell, Micah Roberts and Chris LeBlanc had some nice receptions.
Defensive back Jack Malo had a strong day for the ‘Canes with an interception and long yardage on kickoff and punt returns while defensive back Blake Boutin had four solo tackles and four assisted tackles. Rookie linebacker Owen Kramer had four solo tackles and was in on three more.
Defensive linemen Bradley Lawton, Mitchell Logan and Bassey Amba had strong days, as did rookie defensive ends Jerome Tshimpangila and Denis Robler.
The Hurricanes next home game, against the Red Bombers, will be Sunday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. on MacAdam Field at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place.
