The Holland College football team faces its toughest test to date tonight when the Hurricanes tussle with the undefeated Dalhousie Tigers in Halifax.
Game time for the Atlantic Football League contest is 6 p.m.
Dalhousie is atop the standings at 3-0, thanks to an offence racking up a league-leading 103 points and a defence that has pitched three consecutive shutouts this season.
Holland College is 2-1 and in second place.
The last time the two squads met, the Hurricanes captured its third straight championship in a 32-24 thriller. But with a new season comes a new opportunity and ‘Canes head coach Ross Young knows the Tigers are aiming to dethrone the perennial champions.
“It’s going to be a huge test for us,” said Young. “They’re confident about their game right now and I think they’re eager to redeem themselves.”
The Tigers average a league-high 34.3 points per game – a far cry from the next closest team, the Hurricanes average 14.7 points.
“They’re executing well offensively and they’re strong defensively, so it’s going to be a good challenge for us,” said Young.
With a steady defence and an offence getting better each week, Young is expecting an exciting game with first place on the line.
“Our team is getting stronger each week. When we hit the field (today), I just want to make sure we’re prepared for whatever Dalhousie throws our way,” he said. “Every unit has to put points on the board if we’re going to have success this weekend.”
The team recognized running back Stevie Julien, defensive back Joey Loopie and defensive linemen Jake Rushford and D’Vac Munroe earlier this week for their play in the team’s last game and during recent practices.
Julien rushed for more than 150 yards and had a 15-yard touchdown run in the Sept. 24 game with UNBSJ.
Compiled by Thomas Becker.
