2015 FCC, game 5: Nova Scotia 22, New Brunswick 20

This is one of the match-ups I look forward to most from year to year. Aside from the "regional rivalry", both are relatively young programs in terms of this competition and drawing from a smaller talent pool.

Last year's contest was not close, unfortunately, but this one could have been tied with only 27 seconds remaining. Nothing bad can come from this kind of competitiveness.

Here's the recap from Football Canada. The image is by Emily Tower and listed from this article about New Brunswick's participation in the tournament.

Nova Scotia opened the scoring with a booming punt which sailed into the end zone for a single point.

Nova Scotia struck again on a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Monecko Clayton to receiver Marko Xidos.

New Brunswick was unable to capitalize on a pair of interceptions from linebacker Bailey Feltmate and defensive back Samuel Alward respectively. Feltmate had an impressive game tallying a game high 9 total tackles, 8 of which were solo. 

Nova Scotia looked to have taken a 15-point lead into halftime following a 1-yard Adam Bennett touchdown plunge however New Brunswick had other ideas. On the last play of the opening half, a 99-yard Ian Carty touchdown return narrowed the NB deficit 15-7 heading into the half. 

New Brunswick further chipped away at the NS lead as quarterback David Patry found Joel Shaw in the end zone 22-yards out, bringing the score 15-13. The touchdown was set-up by a Justin Wyryha interception; NB’s third of the contest which gave them the ball at their opponent’s 21-yard line. 

Following the pick, quarterback Monecko Clayton responded by finding Marko Xidos again, this time on a 50-yard bomb to set-up first and goal at the 10. On the next play, Bennett’s 2nd rushing TD of the game gave Scotia some breathing room, 22-14 at the 2 minute mark of the final quarter. 

New Brunswick tried to reply, moving the ball to midfield until a big hit by Tyler Ball caused a NB fumble which was recovered by Glodin Mulali to stop NB’s drive dead in its tracks. 

Starting at their own 30-yard line, New Brunswick would get one final possession with 1:08 to play in the game. The drive culminated with a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback David Party to receiver Joel Shaw, making the score 22-20. The 2-point conversion attempt was batted down to end the comeback.

Nova Scotia Offensive Player of the Game
RB Adam Bennett: 20 carries for 74 yards and 2 scores.

Nova Scotia Defensive Player of the Game
DL Andersen Recker: 4 tackles, 3 assists, 3 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery.

New Brunswick Offensive Player of the Game
QB David Patry: 13 of 19 passing, 200 yards, 2 TDs, 2 runs for 7 yards.

New Brunswick Defensive Player of the Game
LB Bailey Feltmate: 8 tackles, 2 assists, one interception returned for six yards.

There are only so many honours to hand out so I want to mention a few other statistical standouts from this contest.

New Brunswick receiver Joel Shaw ended up with 5 receptions for 120 yards and the two scores mentioned above.

New Brunswick DB Justin Wyryha had three interceptions in total.

Nova Scotia LB Jacob Morgan is credited with 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, a half-sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.