The Holland College Hurricanes defeated the visiting UNB Saint John Seawolves 62-0 in a game between the two Atlantic Football League rivals at MacAdam Field at UPEI on Saturday afternoon.
The Hurricanes took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a two-yard run by Vinnie DeSciscio, which had been set up by a long gain by running back Dave Clark.
For much of the first half, the game was a defensive struggle, as both teams made key stops.
Demetrius Ferguson, the hero of last year’s home opener, once again thrilled the crowd with a 107-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the second quarter. The electrifying run ignited the ‘Canes offence.
An interception by defensive back Nic Jones in the final minute of the half gave the Hurricanes field position. Two plays later, DeSciscio juked his way into the end zone and the home team took a 20-0 lead into the dressing room.
The Hurricanes took full control of the game in the third quarter as linebacker Marcus Dunphy and defensive end Ryan Adams stymied all attempts by the Seawolves to get back into the game.
An interception by Dunphy at the mid-point of the quarter allowed quarterback Nick Hunsley to find Jason Mitchell in the end zone. On their next possession, the ‘Canes made it 34-0 on a five-yard plunge by Clark.
In the final frame, the Hurricanes simply wore down the Seawolves, who were travelling with a depleted roster and incurred injuries to several key players during the game.
The Hurricanes added four touchdowns to their total, including two scores by Ferguson, on a 75-yard interception and a 40-yard punt return.
Dave Clark added a 45-yard touchdown run, which gave him 200 yards rushing on the day. DeSciscio closed out the scoring with his third touchdown on the day, earning him the APM Offensive Player of the Game.
Marcus Dunphy, who seemed to be in on every tackle, capped off his birthday celebrations by taking home the APM Defensive Player of the Game.
Next action for the Hurricanes is on Saturday, Sept. 17, when they travel to Fredericton to take on the UNB Red Bombers.
