REDS Advance To AFL Final

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS defeated the Holland College Hurricanes 38-20 on Saturday afternoon at UNB’s BMO Centre, securing a spot in the Atlantic Football League’s

championship game.

“Overall, I’m happy with the team's performance today,” said Vincent Sturgeon, head coach of the REDS. “Our guys played hard, physical and for sixty minutes.”

Matt LaFleur opened the scoring for the REDS with a touchdown early in the first quarter.

A short time later, Jace Taylor added another touchdown on a 35-yard catch and run.

In the second quarter, Nick Parker scored to extend the REDS lead 21-0.

Late in the second, Aaron McCardle’s 40-yard run setup Holland College deep in UNB’s zone, leading to a touchdown by Wolf Sym.

Less than two minutes later, the REDS added to the scoreboard with another TD by LaFleur.

LaFleur opened the third quarter just as he ended the second, with his third touchdown of the afternoon, but it was soon answered by a Hurricanes TD by McCardle.

In the fourth quarter, a REDS fumble on a punt return led to a turnover and a major score for the Hurricanes, narrowing the REDS' lead.

However, the REDS were able to hold off the Hurricanes to secure the victory.

“We knew what we needed to do today, and we were able to go out there and execute that,” said LaFleur. “If we are able to execute our positions, know our assignments, and play every rep at one-hundred percent we should be able to take home the win next weekend,” he added.

The REDS will travel to Halifax to take on the Dalhousie Tigers in the AFL Championship, Saturday at 1:00pm.

STORY: Shelby MacIsaac/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics