Football Canada Cup, Day 3: Québec 22, Alberta 19

They may have been shut out of the medals, but the Alberta team should be proud of their resiliency.  For the second game in a row they clawed back into contention after falling behind early instead of going through the motions until the gun sounded.  Small consolation, no doubt, but credit is deserved nonetheless.

Somewhat ironically,Québec is probably a little disappointed as well after winning bronze following three golden years.

Quebec led 17-0 at the end of the first quarter following a John Molson field goal, a 20-yard Samuel Makwanda touchdown run and a Mathieu Blanchette receiving touchdown from quarterback Zacharie Quiviger.   

Alberta replied early in the second quarter with a 1-yard Alex Basilis quarterback sneak to inch closer 17-10. 

Following the score Quebec received great starting field position at the Alberta 35-yard line. Alberta’s defense stepping up forcing a turnover as Alberta defensive lineman Anthony Hume intercepted a batted pass at the line to stop the Quebec attack in its tracks. Alberta was unable to capitalize on the turnover as Quebec’s defense stood strong, forcing a punt with a minute to play in the opening half. 

To end the third quarter, following a conceded Alberta safety earlier in the quarter, Alex Basilis recovered his own punt at the Quebec 32-yard line to give Alberta a fresh set of downs. Alberta took advantage as kicker, Des Catallier nailed a 30-yard field goal to narrow the Quebec deficit to 3 points, 19-16. 

A second Catallier field goal tied the game up at 19 with 4 minutes to play. 

Zacharie Quiviger connected with a receiver François Rocheleau who made a spectacular 20-yard reception to set up a Quebec first and goal at the 5-yard line. With 1:10 to play in the bronze medal game John Molson kicked a 13-yard field goal to give Quebec a 22-19 lead. 

With the clock winding down, Alberta tried to respond. With under a minute to play, a pass interference penalty against Quebec gave Alberta a 1st down at the Quebec 43-yard line. 

Following a stifling Quebec blitz set-up a 2nd and 24, Basilis threw over the middle and was intercepted by defensive back John Molson to seal the Quebec victory.

MVPs
Québec offense: RB Samuel Makwanda - 20 carries for 165 yards, one touchdown.
Québec defense: DB Jérémie Dominique - 1 solo tackle and an interception.

Alberta offense: RB Myles Browne - 14 carries for 50 yards, 8  receptions for 80 yards.
Alberta defense: LB Brendan Doubell - 1 solo tackle, an assist and a quarterback sack.