UNB puts a lid on Dal’s homecoming celebrations

“Happy homecoming!” University of New Brunswick Reds’ Grayson Rutters shouted to Dalhousie University fans as they left Wickwire Field following the Reds’ 24-21 overtime win.

The Tigers entered the fourth quarter with a 21-7 lead, with UNB’s touchdown coming on their first drive of the game. But after two passing touchdowns by Reds quarterback Jonah Rawlines, and an interception for Dal, the teams headed to overtime in a homecoming classic.

In the first three quarters, Dal put on a defensive masterclass led by Logan Steeves and Jason Xie, with several sacks and a blocked field goal. On offense, Dante Gabrielli dominated the running game, punching in a touchdown, while Jonas Anderson consistently connected with Ethan Lord.

A couple of safeties extended Dalhousie’s lead in the second half, and momentum swung when Rawlines connected with receiver Jace Taylor for a 30-yard touchdown — bringing UNB within one score. Dal turned over the ball on the third down, and gave the ball to Rawlines, who marched down the field to connect with receiver Nick Parker on a corner route.

The Dalhousie crowd, who had been rocking all game long, fell silent.

With two minutes remaining in the fourth, and a chance to end hoco with a game-winning score, the Tigers regained possession. Anderson then threw his third interception of the game to UNB’s Lucas Hall.

The script flipped to Rawlines for a chance to win the game. However, the Tigers defense, who had been their backbone all game, came up big once again, holding the Reds to field goal range. Dal fans’ prayers were answered when the kick swerved left, leaving the score tied with zeros on the clock.

Thus began a quick intermission where coaches and referees tried to figure out whether the game would continue or just end in a tie. Luckily for anyone attending the game, overtime was declared; Dal won the coin flip, and the Tigers were on track for a Hollywood ending.

All seemed well as Dalhousie marched closer and closer to the Reds’ endzone, but the ball popped out of a receiver’s hands and ended up as a fumble recovered by UNB.

This meant the Reds had another chance to end the game and head back home. Justin Remillard stepped up to kick, yards away from the place he had missed the potential game-winner at the end of the fourth quarter. This time he drilled it, taking the game for the Reds 24-21.