FCC: ALBERTA CAPITALIZES ON TURNOVERS TO TAKE GAME 4

The fourth and final game on day one of the 2011 Football Canada Cup pitted host Alberta against provincial cross-border rival Saskatchewan. Alberta, being the last place team in 2010 opened this year’s tournament against 2010 gold medal winner Saskatchewan. The first half of play was action filled to the delight of the crowd.

The first score came by way of a 33-yard field goal by Alberta kicker Stephen Fabian. With six minutes remaining in the first quarter the home province recovered a fumble (Braden Mann) off a punt block deep in Saskatchewan territory. This set up a first and goal. Running back, Bryson Wishloff-Dobush punched the ball in for a touchdown with a two-yard run making the score 10-0.

With the score 13-0, Saskatchewan replied with an 8-yard touchdown pass from QB Noah Picton to Drake Drum. The score was set up by a Curtis Puetz 51-yard reception.

Saskatchewan continued to carry the momentum with an interception by Rees Paterson deep in their own territory. Alberta’s defense was able to hold Saskatchewan, forcing them to take a safety. Alberta then replied with a touchdown from QB Matthew Bonaca to Ryder Stone.

Kicker Stephen Fabian hit his 2nd and 3rd field goals of the first half– the last from 39 yards. To end the first half, Alberta blocked a punt which was recovered by Braden Mann leading to a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Matthew Bonaca– widening the Alberta lead 31-7.

Alberta continued to force turnovers in the second half with a Nathan Mitchell interception which was converted with a 1-yard QB sneak by Matthew Bonaca.

Saskatchewan quarterback Jared Andreychuk was sharp, completing 10 of 17 passes for 145 yards despite a number of drops by the receiving corp.

In the end, Alberta defeated Saskatchewan by a final score of 53-19 and will face Ontario West on Tuesday July 12 at 4 PM.

Players of the game

Most valuable offensive player-Alberta #25 Kellen Forest

Most valuable defensive player- Alberta: #21 Rees Paterson

Most valuable offensive player- Saskatchewan #34 Sean Horrel

Most valuable defensive player- Saskatchewan #5 Jared Andreychuk

This post is also available in: French