Quebec-Blue defends home field, secures semi-final matchup with Sask

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Photo credit: James Hajjar

In game three of the 2015 Football Canada Cup host Quebec-blue defended their home confines at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu’s Alphonse-Desjardins Stadium, defeating Nova Scotia 50-0.

Quebec-Blue’s defence made an early statement, capitalizing on Nova Scotia turnovers. On the game’s opening drive Kaylyn Smith St-Cyr stepped in front of Nova Scotia quarterback Monecko Clayton pass, returning it 21 yards to the Nova Scotia 21-yard line. A pair of Samuel Makwanda rushes culminated with a 3-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0.

Quebec’s defense stalled Nova Scotia’s next drive, forcing a second interception in as many series – this time by Alec Poirier at Quebec’s own 22 yard line. Quebec-blue took full advantage once again as quarterback Ezechiel Tieide connected with Bryan Owusu Bekoe on a 10-yard touchdown strike.

A 43-yard Kevin Mita jet sweep extended the Quebec advantage to 21.

Quebec opened the second quarter by forcing its third interception of the first half. The host province’s top team took full advantage once again as Tieide connected with Vincent Forbes-Mombleau on a 13-yard touchdown pass.

A 5-yard Alex Daigneault touchdown rush would push the Quebec lead to 35 heading into halftime.

A pair of rushing touchdowns from quarterback Chrisopher Cinq-Mars in between a rouge made the final score 50-0.

With the win, Quebec advanced to a semi-final berth on Thursday against Saskatchewan at 7 p.m. ET.

Players of the game

Quotes:

“I think it was a good football game, obviously we have a lot of things to work on. It wasn’t perfect, nothing is usually after your first game. We put a team together after one week but I think it was a step in the right direction and I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

On being Quebec Head Coach as the host team:

“It’s an honour, whenever you get to play in your home province. For these kids it’s an amazing experience and we get to show off what Quebec is all about. It’s a process of what we’ve been trying to accomplish this year in our province and we’re looking forward to having everyone here and spending a great week of football in our province.”

On facing Saskatchewan:

“They’re a tough football team; they always are and I think they always will be. It’s a team that doesn’t give up, regardless of the score. So we’re going to have to play a full 48-minutes of football and hopefully come out with the W.”

-Brad Collinson, Quebec Head Coach

“First and foremost we played an extremely talented, well coached football team. That’s one of the better football teams that I’ve seen in my experience at the Canada Cup; hats off to Quebec. Our kids definitely came out and played competitively. They stuck in there and a lot of the time we were in position. Again it’s a good football team that we played so there’s a lot to be said on that end. Overall I’m proud of the effort of the guys and we’re going to continue to get better. We got out of the game relatively healthy so that’s a positive. [There were] a lot of good things to look back on and definitely a lot of corrections to be made. I’m looking forward to the next game and getting better as the tournament goes on.”

“Luke Olton who’s kind of our punt team captain and starting slot receiver played his tail off. Our starting offensive line did a pretty good job and we ran the ball relatively well. Adam Bennett and Owen McGowan did a good job blocking it up and running with the football. Nico Clayton our quarterback is the backup at his high school so he doesn’t have a lot of experience. To come in there against that good of a football team and go some of the good things that he did. I’m proud of that kid and I think he’s got a bright future if he just continues to get better.”

-Steve Snyder, Nova Scotia Head Coach

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