Tigers football: Dal defeats UNB Reds to win back-to-back AFL championships

For the sixth time since joining the league, the Dalhousie University men’s football club captured the Atlantic Football League championship on Nov. 1, defeating the University of New Brunswick Reds with a final score of 25-7.

Heading into the final, the Tigers had a 6-1 season record. 

Ethan Lord received a 63-yard punt return and carried the ball all the way to score the first touchdown of the game. 

“The first impression is always important for a lot of organizations,” says Bailey Feltmate, the Tigers’ special teams coordinator, on the early touchdown.

Throughout the game, the Tigers generated offensive opportunities and finished hits. They led 9-0 at halftime, then took control in the third quarter, extending their lead to 11-0.

But with 14 minutes remaining, the game was not over. Tigers’ quarterback Jonas Anderson found Lord for his second touchdown of the final. The lights were shining bright on Wickwire Field as the final seconds ticked down.

When the final whistle blew, AFL commissioner Jim Macdonald awarded the Moosehead Cup to the five captains of the men’s football team, who continued the celebration with family and friends.

Connor Strampel said the team learned from past mistakes and fought hard throughout the season. 

“We started back in August. Everyone put in a lot of work during the off-season,” he said. “The results paid off.”

Lord said the Tigers felt confident and were not worried about facing the team that brought them their only loss of the season.

“We had all the family, friends and fans out here supporting us and pushing us to be the best,” he said. 

Feltmate said the Tigers had to put everything out on the field. 

“Everybody on this team plays with heart,” he said.