The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

IT was a disappointing regular season for the Holland College Hurricanes. But, with one playoff win, they now have an opportunity to claim their second Atlantic Football League title in school history.

After a 21-16 win over the Dalhousie Tigers yesterday, the Hurricanes will make their third consecutive appearance in the AFL title game.

The Hurricanes travel to Saint John to meet the pennant winning UNB Red Bombers for the championship game scheduled for 6pm November 2.

The Hurricanes’ roster includes 11 Bahamian players - Eugene McMinns, Cardell Rolle, Leslie Greene, Arrien MacDonald, Revello Williamson Jr, Akeeb Rolle, Dale Knowles, Ishmaiah Strachan, Xavier Hanna, Garrett Cesaire and Dale Pickstock Jr.

McMinns has emerged as the major deep threat for the Hurricanes’ offence with three touchdown receptions on the year. His best game came on opening day when he caught four passes for 105 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball.

Cardell Rolle’s immediate impact led to him being named defensive captain in just his first year with the club. He also delivered a dominant opening day performance with six tackles, and a forced fumble, which he recovered and returned for an 87-yard touchdown.

Both players were instrumental in the Hurricanes overcoming a Dalhouise team in the semifinal who they played to an 18-18 draw just a week earlier in the regular season finale.

They also lost 31-10 to the Tigers in the third game of the regular season and finished with a 1-4-1 record headed into the playoffs.

It will be the third time the Hurricanes and Red Bombers face off in the AFL championship game.

The Hurricanes and Red Bombers split the two regular season meetings between the clubs.

In the first meeting on September 22, Holland won in come-from-behind fashion 27-20.

In the second meeting, the Red Bombers would use a 28-point second quarter to win 44-29.

Both teams will have an opportunity to become the first team in AFL history with two championship titles.

The Red Bombers won 14-7 in 2012, preventing the Hurricanes from claiming back-to-back AFL titles.

In 2011, the Hurricanes got the better of the Red Bombers in the title game when they won 28-0.