Henry Whitfield, Sports Contributor
The wait is finally over.
The Dalhousie Tigers Football team played their first game in 34 years, defeating the Atlantic Football league champion UNB Redbombers, in a thrilling 22-19 victory that had those in attendance on the edge of their seat throughout the game.
Trick plays, punt return touchdowns, big defensive plays and interceptions; this game had it all.
Despite playing their first game in more than three decades, the Tigers showed no nerves and their defensive line settled in early, shutting down the Redbombers and putting their offense on the field.
Quarterback Brendan Festeryga wrote history his first play on the field, connecting with receiver Darko Stasevic on his first throw. Stasevic quickly took over and stormed his way into the end zone, sending his team and fans into celebration with the team’s first touchdown.
Bryce Wade, former high school all-star, picked off three interceptions and converted a sneaky two-point conversion. Dalhousie Tiger Football President Jeff Pond was full of praise for the player, “He’s fantastic. Not only did he pick up three interceptions, but he kicked a couple of converts. Bryce is one of our defensive captains and he definitely showed his leadership on the field.”
However, it was Greg Pelly and his 104-yard kickoff return that had fans and players on both sides talking. With just six minutes remaining and his team facing a 19-15 deficit, Pelly took off down the field and weaved his way through a sea of players to put his team in the lead for good.
“The team was full of energy and the game was highly entertaining,” said Pond, “It was great to see all the effort put in since the winter was coming through.
“Seeing the team run onto the field was amazing; it was spectacular moment for all of us who have been working on this project since the beginning.”
The Dalhousie Tigers Football team heads to PEI next weekend to face Holland College, the AFL’s other expansion team, before coming home to play them in their home opener at Wickwire field on Oct. 2.
Disclosure: The Gazette Editor in Chief, Joel Tichinoff, is a member of the Dalhousie Football club team.
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