New Brunswick wins back-to-back games at home to tie Nova Scotia in the Maritime Football Series
Despite less than ideal weather conditions. Football New Brunswick’s Under-15 and Under 18 teams defeated Nova Scotia at Canada Games Stadium on Sunday June 21st. These were the final 2 games of a 4 game series that featured New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s Under 15, Under-17 and Under 18 teams.
The Under 15 team opened the day with a 13-0 victory. This was great for the team as they had lost their first game in Halifax two weeks earlier. Head Coach Jaret Phillips had this to say about the teams effort, “I was very pleased with the way our players responded. We made some mental mistakes the first game with penalties and turnovers. We worked very hard in practice last weekend and our players were rewarded for that. Offensively it was tough for both teams given the extreme weather in Saint John. It basically made for an ineffective passing game, so we had to adjust a bit. Our entire defense played outstanding football, they were really the difference. Hats off to our coaching staff for having those guys ready”.
This was the final game for the U15 team this season, “the U15 program has been such a positive experience not only for our players, but for our coaches” said Phillips. “This is the first time we’ve had a provincial team at this age level and it’s nice to know we can compete with a much more established program like the one in Nova Scotia. Football NB has done a great job committing to all 3 provincial programs. It’s nice these young men have the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge of the game going forward.”
The Under-18 team followed with a 13-6 win. This was the first and only game for the Under-18’s in the Maritime Football Series. They are now preparing for the Football Canada Cup in Saint Jean, Quebec which goes from July 13th-19th. Head Coach Chris Hopkins had this to say following Sunday’s exhibition win “the victory was a great day for our program and our kids but it is only the first step. We are focused on continuing our mission and making a statement at the Canada Cup.”
The Under 17 team travelled to Wolfville on Saturday June 20th where they faced a very challenging Nova Scotia running back who put up 4 touchdowns. Despite storming back to erase an early deficit they ended up losing 41-27. The Under 17 team will end their season this Saturday in Rimouski and it will be another opportunity for them to get a win. Head Coach Vince Sturgeon had this to say “I was very pleased with the way the team rebounded from the slow start and competed hard until the final whistle. The coaches and players are looking forward to the opportunity to continue the team’s development in our trip to Rimouski”.
Football NB would also like to thank all coaches and volunteers who helped make the Maritime Football Series including the home games on Sunday a success!
