FCC2017: Offence powers Quebec to opening day win over British Columbia

Lukas Boulanger scored three touchdowns as Quebec defeated British Columbia 35-23 in opening day action on Saturday at the 2017 Football Canada Cup in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Quebec moves onto the semi-final where the team will battle Alberta on Tuesday July 11th at 1:00pm AT.  On that same day, British Columbia meets Manitoba at 10:00am AT.

In the first quarter, Quebec got out to a quick 14-0 lead when Boulanger displayed his athleticism and speed by scoring two consecutive rushing majors in less than a three minute span.  His first touchdown was a 26 yard run into the end zone while the other was a 33 yard rushing major.

However, British Columbia came roaring back with 16 unanswered points in the first half to overtake the lead on Quebec.  Jalen Philpot sprinted into the end zone for a eight yard touchdown.  Justin Kular scored on a two point conversion and then quarterback Michael Calvert added a 10 yard rushing major and a rouge.

Antoine Couture as successful on an 18 yard field goal attempt which enabled Quebec to regain the lead.

At halftime, Quebec led British Columbia 16-14.

Boulanger would score his third major of the game on a one yard quarterback sneak in the third quarter.

Nine seconds into the fourth quarter, Calvert connected with Keelan White for a five yard touchdown reception to keep British Columbia within pace of Quebec.

However, the defending champions put the game out of reach when Boulanger found Youri Gauthier for a 41 yard touchdown pass.

Players of the Game for Quebec were Boulanger (offence) and Felix-Antoine Desjardins (defence).  British Columbia Players of the Game were Jalen Philpot (offence) and Tyler Eckert (defence).

“That was one heck of a football game,” commented Quebec Head Coach Marco Iadeluca after the game.  “We knew they (British Columbia) were the number eight ranked team.”

“From what we saw on the field, I think they are going to be very successful in the future.  I think it’s great for football in Canada.”

Iadeluca said that Boulanger played a key role on offence which helped Quebec secure the win on Saturday.

“We knew Lukas was a special kid athletically and we hoped he was going to make big plays with his legs,” he said.   “It worked out for him tonight.”

As for British Columbia, the team was content with their performance.

“I think we moved the ball well,” reflected Head Coach Cory Philpot.  “We’ve got a lot of key players here and we wish we could have gotten the ball out to more of the players.”

“At the end of the day, we’ve got two more games to play so we’re going to give those other players the ball so they can showcase themselves.  I think you will see a really good BC team coming out to play.”

Returning back to the Football Canada Cup, British Columbia believes they made a positive statement on the field with a challenging test against the defending champions.

“I think the team showed up,” expressed Philpot. “We actually showed that we could play football out of BC and we’re happy to be here.”

This post is also available in: French