X-Men drop 26-19 game to Huskies to wrap up regular season

HALIFAX, NS – The Saint Mary's defence was strong, forcing three turnovers, as the Huskies defeated the STFX X-Men 26-10 on Friday night at Huskies Stadium.

It was a defensive battle to begin the game, with neither scoring team finding points on the opening few drives, as the defences were ready for the first-place showdown.

Late in the first quarter, the Huskies found some running room, with running backs Malik Williams and Liam Legge breaking off quality runs to push Saint Mary's into X-Men territory. The X-Men defence stopped the drive, but Huskies kicker Adam Johnston made a 29-yard field goal to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The X-Men battled back with a long drive, with workhorse running back Malcolm Bussey taking six carries for 39 yards, and a circus catch by receiver Devaughn Blackwood on a pass that ricocheted off a Huskies defenders knee. That set up a two-yard rushing touchdown for Bussey, with kicker Tyson Heather making the extra point to give the X-Men a 7-3 lead with 14:15 to play in the second quarter.

But that would be STFX's last and only lead of the night, as the Huskies defence took over.

Quarterback Justin Shibley found receiver Joshua Jack for a 16-yard gain, before Malik Williams finished it off with a rushing touchdown, giving the Huskies a 10-7 lead.

Saint Mary's added to their tally when kicker Andre Landry kicked a 39-yard field goal, giving the Huskies a 13-7 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter began with a big play for the X-Men as quarterback Silas Fagnan completing a 40-yard pass to receiver Devaughn Blackwood, leading to a 31-yard field goal from Tyson Heather to cut the lead to 13-10.

But the Huskies responded several drives later, with a trio of receptions from Cherokee Robinson helping to set up a 26-yard field goal for Adam Johnston, extending the lead to 16-10.

Andre Landry connected from 36-yards out to put the Huskies up 19-10.

With under two minutes remaining, the Huskies regained possession and sealed the game with a 32-yard rushing touchdown from Liam Legge.

SMU linebacker Isaiah Okoli was named Player of the Game.

With the win, the Huskies improve to 7-1 on the season, locking up first place and home field throughout the AUS playoffs. The Huskies will host the fourth-seeded Acadia Axemen (2-5) in the AUS semifinal on Saturday, November 1, at 2 p.m.

The X-Men loss drops their record to 5-3 on the campaign. STFX have secured the two-seed and will host the third-seeded Bishop's Gaiters (4-3), also on November 1, at 3 p.m.

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Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics