Alberta proves too much for New Brunswick, downing the East Coast squad 22-0 on the opening day of the 2024 Football Canada Cup
July 8th – REGINA, SK – Team Alberta secured a decisive 22-0 victory over New Brunswick in their opening game of the 2024 Football Canada Cup on Sunday, July 7, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan.
The first quarter saw both teams struggling to find their rhythm, with neither able to put points on the board. Alberta’s offense began to click in the second quarter when quarterback Kohen Bohnet connected with Darius Crandell for a 25-yard touchdown pass, capping off a 7-play, 68-yard drive with 11:05 remaining in the half.
Alberta’s defense proved formidable throughout the game, limiting New Brunswick to just 142 total yards of offense. The defensive unit was led by Joseph Abou Mechrek, who recorded 6 tackles, including 3 for loss and a sack.
The second half saw Alberta extend their lead. A rouge by kicker Ira Hozack early in the third quarter pushed the score to 8-0. Running back George Arbez then found the end zone twice, scoring on runs of 1 and 2 yards, to extend Alberta’s lead to 21-0. A final rouge by Hozack in the fourth quarter sealed the 22-0 victory.
Alberta’s ground game was particularly effective, amassing 195 rushing yards. Seth Poelzer led the charge with 121 yards on 16 carries. Through the air, Bohnet and George Arbez combined for 194 passing yards, with Darius Crandell being the top receiver with 5 catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.
New Brunswick’s offense struggled to gain traction against Alberta’s stout defense. Quarterback Oliver Hicks completed 3 of 6 passes for 50 yards, while the rushing attack was led by Noah Crowley with 32 yards on 6 carries.
Defensively for New Brunswick, Nathaniel Kinney and Raymond Lombeh each recorded 6.5 tackles, while Landon Dingee contributed 2 sacks.
The 2024 Football Canada Cup continues with games on Wednesday, July 10, and Saturday, July 13. Alberta’s dominant performance sets a high standard as they pursue the national championship.
For full stats information and full tournament schedule, visit www.footballcanada.com.
About the Football Canada Cup: The Football Canada Cup is a prestigious event in the Canadian football calendar, showcasing the best U18 male talent from across the country. This tournament serves as a crucial platform for player development and provides a pathway for athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels, including U SPORTS, NCAA, national team programs, and professional football.
About Football Canada: Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada. Football Canada’s mission is to initiate, sustain, and encourage programs, services, and activities targeted at all levels of the game of football in Canada. The organization oversees various programs and competitions, including national championships, coach and official certification programs, and national team programs for tackle, flag, and touch football. Football Canada is committed to fostering the growth and development of football at all levels across the country.
About Football Saskatchewan: Football Saskatchewan is the provincial sport governing body for amateur football in Saskatchewan. The organization is dedicated to promoting, developing, and governing all aspects of football within the province. Football Saskatchewan works tirelessly to provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels of the sport. Through various programs and initiatives, they aim to increase participation, improve the quality of play, and create a positive and inclusive football community throughout Saskatchewan. As hosts of this year’s Football Canada Cup, Football Saskatchewan demonstrates its commitment to advancing youth football and showcasing the province’s sporting capabilities on a national stage.
