(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS secured their first victory of the 2022 Atlantic Football League season, defeating the UNB Saint John Seawolves 51-7 Saturday afternoon, at UNB Fredericton’s BMO Centre.

“It was a great win today,” said REDS head coach Vince Sturgeon. “It was good to be out in front of our home fans, on the new turf. We wanted to come out and be effective and efficient and I thought that we were able to do that in all three phases of the game.” 

The REDS got off to a hot start, scoring on their opening drive, just four minutes in. UNB quarterback Hunter Sturgeon threw a pass to a wide-open Dom Hall in the endzone to give UNB the early lead.  

UNB would add a field goal on their ensuing drive, before UNBSJ answered back with a touchdown to make the score 10-7 after one quarter.

The REDS would come alive in the second quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points on touchdowns by Matt Lafleur, Brady Manderville and John Freeze. 

The UNB defense would lock it down after giving up the first quarter touchdown and did their best to disrupt UNBSJ’s quarterback. The REDS registered two sacks in the first half, helping UNB take a comfortable 30-7 lead at the half

In the second, REDS’ backup quarterback Noah Dominie took over for Sturgeon and wasted little time

Dominie, seeing his first action in over two years, threw three TD strikes.  

“It felt amazing to go in there and get the win,” said Dominie. “It was awesome to get out there and get some playing time. It was a great day for football, and I was having a blast out there. Hopefully we can ride that into next week.” 

REDS first year running-back and kicker Ryan Lee scored on a big 49-yard rushing play in the third quarter. Lee finished the game going 7-for-7 on extra points, on top of his early field goal. 

The UNB defense continued their domination in the second half, holding the Seawolves off the board, while picking up an interception and another sack. 

UNB moves to 1-1 on the season and will now direct their attention to next weekend when they face the Holland College Hurricanes, on Saturday, at BMO Centre.  

“We know that Holland College is going to be a tough and physical team,” said Coach Sturgeon. “They’re going to try and run the ball and stop the run. We want to be able to defend well and execute on the offensive side of the ball so we can make big plays and get a big lead, forcing them to get them out of that run game.”

Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.

RECAP AND PHOTOS: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics