The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Holland College Hurricanes officially clinched the top spot in the Atlantic Football League and, by virtue of the pennant, earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Hurricanes moved to a 5-0 record in dominant fashion again with a 40-17 win over the University of New Brunswick (UNB) St John Seawolves on Saturday at the UPEI Games Place in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Holland are one win away from an undefeated regular season, which they will look to achieve when they travel to Halifax to face the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday.

The Bahamian presence was strong again as rookie running back Jamaal Storr returned to form with his team-leading sixth rushing touchdown of the season, while linebacker and defensive captain Cardell Rolle added a score for the defence.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes attacked from the opening snap when the first play from scrimmage resulted in a deep pass play to Eugene McMinns. The play placed the Hurricanes in the redzone at the five-yard line, however they were forced to settle for a field goal.

The Seawolves tried to attack deep, but Grand Bahama native Arrien McDonald’s blanket coverage stifled the play and forced a punt. The Hurricanes took over from the Seawolves 24-yard line and eventually scored on a touchdown pass for a 10-0 lead. The Seawolves scored their first touchdown to trim the lead to 10-7.

Storr, who had been relegated to special teams and spot duty at running back, came into the game and rushed for nine yards on his first carry but the Hurricanes eventually punted on the possession.

The Hurricanes dominated the opening series of the second quarter defensively on the frontline when Revello Williamson got a tackle for a loss on first down and Daquain Wilmore knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage on second down.

The Seawolves scored a field goal on the possession following a muffed punt by the Hurricanes, tying the game with nine minutes and 14 seconds left to play in the half.

Momentum fully shifted when the Hurricanes turned the ball over on an interception and a key defensive play by Rolle. He intercepted a pass near midfield and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown and a 17-10 lead following the extra point. It was the third interception on the season for the defensive captain.

With less than a minute to play in the half, Seawolves evened the score but then the Hurricanes scored 23 unanswered points in the second half to surge to victory.

Holland’s drive stifled on their first possession of the third, but their biggest loss appeared to come when McMinns was blindsided by a block on punt coverage. He returned to the game with an apparent head injury.

Storr sparked the Hurricanes offensively on their next series. He picked up three consecutive first downs on three carries, the third resulting in a 12-yard touchdown run.

The Hurricanes defence forced another possession and kept it on the ground with Storr who continued to gash the Seawolves defence for big gains. The drive ended in a field goal and a 27-17 lead headed into the fourth quarter.

The Hurricanes added two late touchdown passes. This is the second time the teams have met this year. In the season opener, the Hurricanes beat the Seawolves 36-13.

This weekend will be the second matchup between the Tigers and the Hurricanes after Holland won in lopsided fashion, 41-15, on September 27.