#FCC2017: Host Nova Scotia earns shutout victory against Maritime rivals

Nova Scotia gave the home crowd something to cheer about Tuesday night at the 2017 Football Canada Cup as the team earned a 24-0 shutout victory over New Brunswick.

This game marked the third time these two squads have competed against each other in the past month.  Back in June, Nova Scotia swept New Brunswick 2-0 at the fourth annual Maritime Challenge, which is a home-and-home series.

Nova Scotia will face British Columbia at 1:00pm AT on Friday July 14th.  On that same day, New Brunswick battles Manitoba at 10:00am AT.

New Brunswick conceded a pair of safeties to Nova Scotia to start of the scoring in the first half.

In the second quarter, Adre Simmonds sprinted into the end zone for a three yard touchdown.

At halftime, Nova Scotia enjoyed a 12-0 lead over New Brunswick.

Pelton Kelly added a 17 yard field goal for Nova Scotia in the third quarter.

Nova Scotia rounded out the scoring in the final quarter when quarterback Caleb Melanson connected with Dawson Keirstead for an eight yard touchdown reception.

Players of the Game for Nova Scotia were REC Dawson Keirstead (offence) and DL Aidan John (defence).  New Brunswick Players of the Game were Matthew Lafleur (offence) and Aidan Steeves (defence).

Heading into this game, Nova Scotia wanted to improve one specific aspect of their game.  They were successful in achieving that goal.

“We knew they were going to come out hard,” elaborated Nova Scotia Head Coach Bryce FIsher.  “We really needed to minimize those penalties.”

“That’s the biggest thing that is getting us right now is those penalties that keep us in those rough positions.  Our guys fought back in the second half.  They started finishing plays and started getting out of that chippy stuff.  I’m proud of the way they’re playing.”

Overall, Fisher was pleased with how his team responded after a tough loss to Ontario this past weekend.

“The offence capitalized on those positions they were given and I am very proud of the way they played,” he assessed.  “Obviously, they need to start minimizing those penalties that we’re getting to get us some better field position and start capitalizing more.”

“Defence is playing lights out right now.  Just like offence, those guys are grinding, grinding in the meeting room, they’re grinding everywhere else.  Those guys are playing really good.  Special teams same thing I can’t really say enough of how well they are playing as a team.  That’s the biggest thing; they are coming together as a family, playing as a team and that is what we really want.”

An emotional Chris Hopkins said the team was heartbroken by the outcome of Tuesday’s game.

“I feel bad for the guys I don’t think people understand that even though it’s an all-star roster on the team, how much we come together as a family and you have a lot of upset individuals there,” he expressed.  “They really put it all out there on the field today and I couldn’t be prouder to represent that group.”

“Every moment of adversity they have faced, they continue to fight. They’re amped up to play again and enjoy the rest of the tournament together.  I am just upset that our coaches and ourselves couldn’t get it done for them because they sure deserve a victory in this tournament and I love every one of them.”

This post is also available in: French