FCC 2019: Matanga scores four touchdowns in first half to lead Manitoba to victory over New Brunswick

by FBC

By Ameeta Vohra

Kingston, ON (July 10, 2019) – Manitoba got all the assurance they needed in the first half as New Brunswick could not find an answer for Isheanesu Matanga at the 2019 Football Canada Cup on Wednesday.

Matanga tallied four majors as Manitoba cruised to a 36-16 win over New Brunswick at Queen’s University’s Richardson Stadium.

With the win, New Brunswick will battle British Columbia in the fifth place game on Saturday July 13, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. EST.  Meanwhile, a Maritime Challenge rematch is set for the two Maritime rivals for seventh place between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Saturday July 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

In the first quarter, there were some great defensive plays from sides.  Defensive lineman Liam MacDonald recovered the ball midway through the frame but two penalties (offside – New Brunswick and no yards for Manitoba) gave New Brunswick back the ball.

Over two minutes later, Manitoba quarterback Sawyer Thiessen gets sacked by New Brunswick defensive lineman Nathan Clark for a nine yard loss.

Trying to get the first points of the game, Manitoba kicker Ethan Nagler attempted a 30 yard field goal but it went wide in the end zone.  However, the team got a single and took a slim 1-0 lead.

With 2:42 left in the game, pivot Samuel Tremblay threw an interception into the hands of defensive back Brandon Slobozian at the New Brunswick 40 yard line.

Thiessen connected with Matanga who powered into the end zone for a three yard major.

In the second quarter, it was all Manitoba – mainly Matanga and Slobozian.  With 8:20 left before the half, Matanga muscled his way into the end zone for a one yard touchdown.

Then, both teams exchanged great defensive plays.  Tremblay’s pass intended for his brother Caleb but was intercepted by defensive back AJ Wright.  About a minute and a half later, Thiessen bobbled a snap and defensive back Nathen Trites recovered the fumble.

With three minutes left before the half, Matanga hurdles his way into the end zone for a 25 yard rushing major.

New Brunswick attempted to get something going with 2:26 left in the quarter, but Tremblay threw yet again another interception into the hands of Slobozian. Manitoba capitalized on it as Matanga tallied his fourth major of the game, a two yard major.

Slobozian would get his third interception with 15 second remaining in before the half.

At halftime, Manitoba enjoyed a 29-0 lead over New Brunswick.

In the third quarter, New Brunswick would get their first touchdown of the game as Samuel Tremblay scampers into the end zone for a 6 yard major.

New Brunswick made two key defensive plays to start the fourth quarter.  In the first 40 seconds of the frame, Thiessen was sacked by linebacker Reid MacKay.  Less than a minute later, Xavier Malone blocked a punt at the 50 yard line.

With 2:14 left in the game, Nagler conceded a safety to New Brunswick.

In the last minute of play, New Brunswick pressed hard and were rewarded with more points on the scoreboard.  Caulin O’Donnell marches into the end zone for the major.

On the last play of the game, Manitoba linebacker Nicholas Pereira had a pick six and took it all the way to the end zone for a touchdown.

Offensive Players of the Game were running back Isheanesu Matanga (Manitoba) and receiver Caleb Tremblay (New Brunswick).  Defensive Players of the Game were linebacker Isaac Dokken (Manitoba) and linebacker Xavier Malone (New Brunswick).

While the team is pleased with their effort put forth today, Manitoba gave props to New Brunswick for their performance against them.

“New Brunswick is a tough, physical team,” commented Manitoba head coach Ryan Karhut.  “We saw it on tape; we kind of expected it.”

When you get it live, they are even a little more impressive than  we thought they might be.  It was a tough game but our guys played well and it was good enough to win.”

As for New Brunswick, the team was in a deep hole early but proud of how they responded to the deficit.

“We put a good second half together but we’ve got to put a whole, complete game going forward,” said New Brunswick head coach Jamie Price.  “That’s what we’re going to do, go back to the drawing board.”

“The guys have been focused and have been one team united.  Through fire, we always say united we stand.  It showed today when we faced some adversity, we got through it.”

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