The Clippers recorded a solid 28-6 win over the Cornwall Timberwolves in the regular-season opener for both teams in the Papa John’s P.E.I. Tackle Varsity Football League at the Terry Fox Complex.
Defence and special teams helped set the tone for the Clippers. After Summerside’s defence forced a three-and-out on the Wolves’ second possession, Logan O’Brien returned the punt to Cornwall’s five-yard line.
Riley DesRoches punched the ball into the end zone on the second play from scrimmage, and Sebastien Garand kicked the extra point to give the Clippers a 7-0 lead.
The Timberwolves answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass play in the second quarter.
Clippers quarterback Jayden Reid and slot receiver Garand hooked up in the corner of the end zone with seven minutes to go in the first half. That major, combined with another extra point by Garand, sent the Clippers into halftime up 14-6.
Key plays
After both teams struggled on offence early in the second half, the Timberwolves drove the length of the field, but Janson Gallant picked off a Cornwall pass attempt on Summerside’s four-yard-line to end the threat.
Another key play took place on the following drive by the Clippers, who faced a third-and-20 on the Timberwolves’ 45. Reid hit slot receiver Connor MacKay for a 25-yard gain and a first down. O’Brien then turned in another solid run to the Timberwolves’ nine-yard line, and Reid hit wide receiver Cameron Paynter for the touchdown on a third-down pass.
Garand’s point after was good to increase Summerside’s lead to 21-6.
The Clippers’ defence smothered the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter as defensive linemen Jordan Montgomery, Clay Hook and James Fyfe combined to record six sacks. Safety Rourke Perry also registered an 18-yard quarterback sack for the Clippers.
Puts game away
With eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Clippers went the length of the field to close out the scoring on Reid’s quarterback sneak from the one-yard line.
Garand finished a perfect 4-for-4 game kicking extra points to close out the scoring.
