REDS Down Tigers 31-23

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS scored a crucial victory on Sunday, defeating the Dalhousie Tigers, 31-23, propelling them into first place in the Atlantic Football League standings.

Quarterback Jonah Rawlines played a pivotal role in UNB's victory, throwing for two touchdowns and adding a rushing score.

Rawlines opened the scoring with just 2:34 remaining in the first quarter, showcasing his agility as he scrambled and dove into the end zone, giving UNB an early 7-0 lead.

In the second, with UNB in the red zone, running back Cam Hayward bulldozed through the Tigers' defense for a 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending UNB's lead to 14-0.

The Tigers struck back at 6:24 of the second quarter when quarterback Dante Gabrielli opted to keep the ball on a red zone play, rushing into the end zone for Dal's score and narrowing the gap to 14-7.

The REDS held on to the lead at the half.

The Tigers capitalized on a poorly executed punt by the REDS to open the second half, setting up Dal with excellent field position. Despite the advantageous field position, the UNB defense held firm, conceding only a field goal.

On the subsequent drive for the REDS, Rawlines connected with Nick Parker, who shrugged off a tackle and sprinted 80 yards to the end zone for a UNB touchdown and a 21-10 lead.

The Tigers retaliated on their next drive, as a remarkable run by Gabrielle paved the way for a goal-line score by running back Caden Quong, closing the gap to 21-17.

The UNB offense maintained its fiery momentum, confidently advancing down the field. Rawlines evaded a Tigers' blitz and connected with Thomas Hoyt, who surged up the sideline for a 20-yard touchdown, further increasing UNB's lead to 28-17.

Dalhousie notched a field goal with just 1:28 remaining in the third quarter, to make the score 28-20.

In the fourth quarter, following a UNB field goal, the Tigers made a determined effort to respond as Gabrielle connected with on a pass down the middle, positioning the Tigers for a potential scoring opportunity.

However, UNB defensive back Sebastien Brown came up with a pivotal interception in the endzone and carried the ball 70 yards, all but sealing the victory for UNB.

UNB conceded a safety, and the Tigers added a single, bringing the game within eight points, but it wasn't enough as UNB ran out the clock to secure the 31-23 victory.

UNB concludes its regular season on November 4th when they head to Charlottetown to take on the Holland College Hurricanes. That game kicks-off at 1:00pm.

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics