X-Men beat Axemen in front of large Homecoming crowd

ANTIGONISH- The STFX X-Men treated a capacity Homecoming crowd of over 2,500 to a tight 20-10 come from behind win over the Acadia Axemen on Friday night at STFX Stadium. The win clinches a playoff spot for the X-Men, who picked up their fourth win of the season and second in a row.  

X-Men running back Malcolm Bussey - the Gabriel Pizza Player of the Game - rushed for a touchdown and an impressive 182 yards on the day, while STFX linebacker Owen Watrych continued his strong season with nine tackles, including six solos, and one tackle for a loss. Morgan Rae also had two sacks for the blue and white. 

Acadia kicker Nick Swain hit a 33-yard field goal almost halfway through the first quarter to open the scoring. Bussey busted out a 54-yard carry on the next possession, setting up a 22-yard field goal from STFX kicker Payton Plesh to bring the teams even.  

Acadia pulled ahead with a short touchdown run from Michael Linder early in the second quarter, but two Acadia safeties made it 10-7 at halftime.  

A big interception from X-Men defensive lineman Otito Nwaogu led to a 29-yard field goal from Plesh five minutes into the third quarter tying things up again.

The defensive battle continued into the final quarter, but an extended drive by the X-Men led to a 21-yard field goal from Tyson Heather.  

X defensive back Branden Janotta snagged a pick with three minutes to go in the game, and Bussey ran one in from four yards out to cap off the comeback win.  

The X-Men return to action on Saturday, October 11, when they hit the road to square off with the Mount Allison Mounties. 

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Recap courtesy Matt Draper