Archives - 2015
Complete Maritime Football League archives can be found at www.maritimefootball.com
Privateers Blank Mustangs in Maritime Football League Opener May 23, 2015 1:00 PM ADT The PEI Privateers opened their 2015 Maritime Football League Season with a convincing 28-0 win over the Moncton Mustangs at the UPEI Field in Charlottetown. Privateers quarterback Chris "Tex" Mutch used a varied offence for the win, running the first touchdown in himself from 20 yards out. Running back Steve Corcoran added the second major on a 25 yard run. The defence made it 21-0 before the end of the first half as Jeremy Snider jumped on a loose ball as the pushed Moncton back into their end zone. In the forth-quarter Mutch closed the door on any hope for the visiting Mustangs with a 35 pass for a touchdown to Cardell Rolle . Kyle Johnson converted all the major scores for the Privateers. Both Rolle and Corcoran went over 75 yard each in rushing while Dave Clark added over 100 yards on the ground and through the air including a 50 yard pass and run play from Mutch. Moncton quarterback Mike LeBlanc went to his running backs Phil Long and Matt Diamond for most of his offence. His passing game could not gain momentum as he was intercepted four time in the contest. Defensive back Adam MacDonald picked off two passes in the first half. Gary Rozell and Arrien (Sleepy ) McDonald snagged one ach. The Privateers shutout defence was lead by the great line play of veteran Donnie Mitchell and Tiger MacIntosh.
Wanderers battle Gladiators in season opener May 26, 2015 12:16 AM ADT The Wanderers Season opener was a successful one, as they hosted the C.A. Gladiators at Legendary Shamrock Park. Saint John topped Fredericton 36 - 21 in their rematch of Maritime Bowl XIII. Jon Haines opened the scoring with a 1 yard run, set up by a Joel Seale 35 yard reception. They kept it rolling on the next drive, and capped off the series with another 1 yard run, this time from Quarterback Jon Golacki. Adam Spurrell opened it up on the air attack, pulling in a TD reception from 32 yards out from Golacki. After a long C.A. drive, the Wanderers took over on their own 41 yard line. Jon Haines scored in one play, on the most athletic play of his career. After halftime, Spurrell caught another pass from Golacki, going for a 39 yard Touchdown. Justin Mousek closed the Wanderers scoring by kicking a Rouge in the closing minutes. Notable defensive performances came from CB Nick Gillespie with an INT, and DE Rob Fox with multiple Tackles for Loss. Meanwhile the Glad's John Morse put his team on the board with a 2 yard run into the end zone. An end around by SB Charlie Gallagher from 2 yards out both in the first half after long gladiator drives. Their 3rd score came on the last play of the game on a 8 yard pass from Bobby McIntyre to Dylan Whenham on an out pattern.
Wanderers continue winning streak May 31, 2015 12:31 PM ADT The Saint John Wanderers improve their season record to 2-0 after defeating the Nova Scotia Buccaneers 26-8 in their Inaugural game in the MFL. Nicholas Gillespie opened the scoring for the with a game opening kick off return from 102 yards. The PAT attempt was blocked by the Buccaneers. A defense anchored by Evan Williams and Andrew Rowe then stood strong against the Wanderers, forcing 3 consecutive drives with no scores. The Wanderers turned it up by kicking an onside punt, recovered by Al McGarvey. That lead to a TD thrown by QB Jon Golacki, to Receiver Adam Spurrell. The Defense then kept momentum going by an interception from DB Al McGarvey. The Wanderers kept it rolling with a long offensive drive, anchored by RB Jon Haines, and capped off with a QB sneak from Golacki. The Wanderers defense held on strong in the second half, led by Rob Fox with four sacks, 5 tackles for a loss & a fumble recovery. They allowed a touchdown in the dying seconds of the game, a rush from Buccaneers RB #33. Charlie Harroun is credited with the Wanderers last score, off of a tough carry up the middle. John Philips receives credit for 2 PAT field goal conversions.
Gladiator's come out Victorious June 1, 2015 11:58 AM ADT It was Bobby Bowden who said, “I would rather win ugly than lose pretty”, and that is exactly what the Capital Area Gladiators did on Saturday against the Moncton Mustangs with a 12-7 win. The Gladiators got on the board in the first quarter with a John Morse TD run, but the subsequent PAT was blocked. The Gladiators controlled the tempo of the game but the Mustangs’ defence kept them out of the end zone until the fourth quarter when Bobby McIntyre ran in a TD to take the lead. The Mustangs scored their points on an interception return for a touchdown. The Gladiators defence was led by the outstanding play of veteran linebacker Stephen Kean and rookie cornerback Jake McKay, who had a pair of interceptions. The Gladiators go into their bye week this week while the Mustangs travel to Saint John to take on the undefeated Wanderers.
Mutch Leads Privateers to Second MFL Victory June 6, 2015 2:22 PM ADT The PEI Privateers went to 2-0 in the 2015 Maritime Football League season with a 24-12 victory over the Nova Scotia Buccaneers Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown. The play of the game came in the fourth quarter when Privateers quarterback Chris Tex Mutch faked a handoff to Cardell Rolle then scampered 42 yards for the third and game winning PEI touchdown. Nova Scotia opened the scoring in the first quarter as Brian Friday took a handoff from Buccaneer quarterback Evan Brown and rolled into the end zone from 3 yard out. The Privateers evened the score before the end of the first 15 minutes of play as Cardell Rolle ran the ball in from 10 yards. The home town Privateers too an 8-6 lead in the second quarter as the defence, lead by middle linebacker Richard Lush, pushed Nova Scotia back into their own end zone and tackled the Nova Scotia punter behind the goal line. The Privateers moved comfortably into the lead as Mutch hit veteran receiver Dave Clarke on a 7 yard pass for the second Privateer touchdown, converted by Kyle Johnson giving them a 15-6 lead at the half. Clarke gained over 100 yard on the day through the air and on hard driving running plays. PEI picked up another point on a missed field goal at the start of the second half. The Buccaneers responded by marching down the field to score their second touchdown on 5 yard pass from Brown to Aaron Fraser. It looked like Nova Scotia would rally in the fourth quarter when Mitch Kays intercepted a Mutch pass to quell a Privateers drive. However on the next play Nova Scotia turned the ball over as Keigan Scott recovered a Buccaneer fumble. Soon after that Mutch made his run for the Privateers third major of the game. The Privateers defence held the Buccaneers at bay for the rest of the game to preserve victory. The Privateers take their 2-0 record to the New Brunswick Capital next Saturday as they play the Fredericton Gladiators.
Gladiators seal the deal over Privateers June 15, 2015 3:04 AM ADT The Capital Area Gladiators handed the Prince Edward Island Privateers their first loss of the season in Maritime Football League action Saturday afternoon at Scotiabank Park North. Playing into strong gusts of winds, the Gladiators were able to execute a running game P.E.I. couldn’t handle and walked away winning 35-14. It started on the opening drive when, working against the breeze running backs Turner Sturgeon and John Morse made long runs before Morse took it in for the ...first touchdown of the afternoon. Morse added another on a 40-yard run after Alex White’s interception of a pass from P.E.I. quarterback Chris Tex Mutch to make it 14-0. Morse had another TD called back due to an illegal procedure call, but Gladiators quarterback Bobby McIntyre found receiver Simon Bissonnette in the end-zone for another touchdown to make it 21-0 Gladiators. The Privateers would strike back before halftime however after a solid drive up the field left them pounding at the Gladiator defence as the clock ran out. On the final play of the half, Gary Rozell of the Privateers smashed his way over bringing the score to 21-7 at halftime.The Gladiators stepped on the gas in the third quarter with a tidal wave of momentum. As the wind died down, McIntyre was able to throw deep more effectively as a punishing drive lead to another Bissonnette touchdown. On the ensuing kick-off, Travis Branscombe recovered the ball on a Privateers fumble for the second time in the afternoon, bringing the offence back on the field. Sturgeon then punched over a TD after the drive put the Gladiators back in the danger zone frustrating the Privateers. Alex White was good for all five converts despite the chaotic first-half wind.Head coach Terry McIntyre felt it was a team effort. “Our front line was really good and effective,” he said. “John Morse is just a monster and we were throwing the ball well, which is always nice to see with a wind that bad. With Bobby only throwing one pick and making some amazing runs, he surely had a great game which is sweet to see.”On the defensive side of the football, Steve Kean was effective at tracking the ball and made several key tackles while Jacob Jurcina and Jamie Edwards were both key defensive players as well. The Privateers other touchdown came late, when QB Mutch sold the defence on a fake and snuck in behind the offensive line. Kyle Johnson converted.The win leaves the teams tied in the Maritime Football League standings, each with 2-1 records. The Gladiators hit the road next week to face both teams tieputs the Gladiators at 2-1 on the season, with P.E.I. dropping to the same record. As the Gladiators pass the halfway mark of the six-game season, they now look for a win on the road when they travel next to Halifax to face the Nova Scotia Buccaneers.
Wanderers Crush Privateers June 20, 2015 3:53 AM ADT The Saint john Wanderers rolled over the PEI Privateers 48-14 Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown. The win gives the Wanderers undisputed first place in the Maritime Football League with a 4-0 record. PEI drops to 2-2 on the season. Veteran running back Jon Haines did most of the scoring for Saint John scoring three touchdowns on the day. The Wanders lead 34-7 at the half. The Privateers got their only majors on runs from Chris Mutch and Dave Clarke. The only bright light on the afternoon for the hometown Privateers was the play of the defensive backfield. Saint John quarterback Jon Golacki was intercepted twice on the day by Privateer cornerback Jeff Hillier and rookie linebacker Steve MacMillan. The Privateers will travel to Moncton next Saturday while Saint John will host the Nova Scotia Buccaneers.
Brian Agnew July 13, 2015 5:54 AM ADT Yesterday the Moncton Mustangs former head coach, Brian Agnew, passed away and the league joins the Mustangs, and the Maritime football community in general in mourning the loss of one of it’s most skilled coaches and prolific volunteers. His football resume includes championships at multiple levels including High School and Senior. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including 2008 FNB Volunteer of the Year, 2010 FNB Lifetime Service Award, and was a finalist in the 2011 NFL Canada Youth Coach Award. Through his volunteer efforts in football Brian became a beloved coach, mentor, and friend to hundreds of members of the Maritime football community. In his time with the Mustangs he acted as offensive coordinator and as head coach before leaving the team following the 2013 season to spend more time with his wife and family. Brian continued to be involved with Mustangs in various capacities after his tenure as head coach. His passing has left a great void in the lives of so many of his friends as well as the Maritime football community. As we reflect on his many accomplishments, and his legacy of leadership, volunteerism, and passion for excellence we realize how fortunate we are for having known him and called him a friend.
The Buccaneers are headed to the ship! July 19, 2015 12:41 AM ADT With strong leadership from QB and head coach Alan Wetmore, the Bucs dismantled the Gladiators 19-0 in the semifinals today. Wetmore threw 2 TD passes to Josh Thomas and Evan Williams took one to the house on an pick 6. This is the Bucs first playoff win, we head to Saint John to battle for the championship next weekend.
Wanderers punch dynasty ticket with third straight Maritime Bowl win July 27, 2015 5:00 AM ADT From the Telegraph Journal - Article by Ron Barry SAINT JOHN • The Saint John Wanderers put their stamp on a dynasty tag with a 36-29 victory over the Nova Scotia Buccaneers in the Maritime Football League’s Maritime Bowl XIV on Saturday at Shamrock Park’s Emera New Brunswick Turf Field. John Golacki threw for four touchdowns, connecting twice with both Joel Seale and Adam Spurrell to lead the Wanderers’ vaunted aerial assault. Fullback Charlie Harroun added the other major, John Phillips converted all five scores while Josh Brown added a rouge for a single point. “It was a back and forth game, start to finish,” said defensive lineman Scott McNamee. “They came at us with a great game plan – I take my hat off to the Buccaneers. It was a battle the entire game. The effort both teams put forth is what a championship is supposed to be all about.” It was the 21st consecutive win for the Wanderers, including regular-season and playoff games dating back to June 15, 2013 when they lost 27-21 to the PEI Privateers. Since then, Saint John has been nothing short of dominant on both sides of the football: It has won three consecutive pennants; It has won three straight MFL championships, including 2014 (48-7 over the Capital Area Gladiators) and 2013 (49-20 over the now-defunct Halifax Shockers); and It has recorded back-to-back undefeated campaigns in 2014 and 2015. The current streak places the Wanderers in exclusive company – the Moncton Mustangs, circa 2007-10, captured four consecutive MFL titles, while the Wanderers of 2003-06 claimed three out of four Maritime crowns. McNamee, a member of the Wanderers’ ‘Wall of Granite’ defensive line, was over the moon at the performance that sealed the three-peat, especially since it came against a Buccaneers team led by player-coach and former Canadian Football League veteran Al Wetmore. “The key to this victory was the defence,” said McNamee, who had two sacks. “John Livingston was our MVP on defence – he was tackling everything in sight. Josh Brown came up big with two interceptions and Rob Fox had an interception and a sack. We needed a big game from the defence to win this game and the boys came through, big time.” The Wanderers went through the regular season with a 6-0 record, including 26-8 and 33-0 victories over Nova Scotia, and punched their ticket to the final by thrashing the Privateers 45-14 in semifinal action. The Buccaneers finished third in the regular season with a 2-3-1 won-lost-tied record, but used a stingy defence to carry them to a 19-0 upset over the hometown Gladiators in the other semi-final tilt. Unlike the last two finals, McNamee said the Wanderers had to earn every inch against the game Nova Scotians. “They stuck it to us early and stuck it to us hard,” he said. “It was one of the more-deserving wins we’ve had during our streak. As a team, we feel better about winning a championship in a tough game than a blowout. We wanted a tough game and the Buccaneers obliged. We feel great – the feeling we have is everything I thought it would be, and more. It’s a dream come true for us, especially since we got to do it at home in front of our family, friends and fans.” While McNamee was in a celebratory mood, he was already thinking about the team’s historic run, and how they can keep the ball rolling in 2016. “We love the idea of being referred to as a dynasty,” said McNamee, “and it’s especially gratifying to share this with guys who’ve been playing together for a number of years. We want to go after Moncton’s record of four straight titles, but we know the target that’s been on our backs just got bigger. Teams in this league are only going to get better. We’re going to have to find another gear to keep this going.”