The University of New Brunswick Fredericton Red Bombers defeated the University of New Brunswick Saint John Sea Wolves in convincing fashion on Sept. 25 by a score of 51-7.
The Red Bombers welcomed fans to their new freshly-turfed BMO Field for the home opener. Bleachers were filled with crowds, excited to see the Red Bombers go to work.
After a narrow week one loss to the Dalhousie Tigers 25-29, the Bombers bounced back against the Sea Wolves to even their record to 1-1.
The Bombers opened the game on offense with a commanding drive featuring strong running performances from running backs, Ryan Lee and John Freeze. Hunter Sturgeon sealed off the opening drive with a touchdown pass to wide-open wide receiver Dom Hall.
Lee said his success in the game is the result of lots of practice and quick thinking.
“[I] try not to think about it and go through the motions,” he said.
The Sea Wolves would answer at the end of the first quarter with a scramble touchdown throw from quarterback Riley Ring-Dineen on third down and eight inches to Turner Ryan in the end zone.
The Sea Wolves could not solve a strong Red Bombers defense the rest of the game, led by a defensive line that forced Ring-Dineen into tough passing situations.
Vince Sturgeon, head football coach at UNB Fredericton, explained what worked in the team’s favour.
“[We established] the run game early and [worked] on being effective and efficient through four quarters and I thought we had some good moments,” said Sturgeon.
The Red Bombers continued their offensive run in the second half when backup quarterback Noah Dominie stepped in for starter Hunter Sturgeon to get a share of the offensive snaps.
The Red Bombers continued to improve their record after they hosted the Holland Hurricanes during the Tony Proudfoot Memorial Game on Oct. 1 at BMO Field, where they clinched the match with a 12-9 win.
