Burzuk powers Mounties attack in 24-10 win over Huskies

HALIFAX, N.S. – The Mount Allison Mounties used a dominant rushing attack to earn a 24-10 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on a wet and windy Friday night in Halifax.

The Mounties showcased their dangerous rushing game early, with running back Brandt Burzuk gaining 90 of their 131 first quarter rushing yards.

The Mounties scored first, with the Huskies conceding a safety after being pinned deep in their own territory. On the ensuing Mounties drive, Burzuk scampered 23 yards into the end zone to give the visitors a 9-0 lead, which would remain the score at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter started much like the first, with the Mounties controlling possession and moving the chains thanks to their dominant rushing attack. First year running back Shamar Parkinson (Chateauguay, QC) ripped off an explosive 38-yard run, and Burzuk scored a six-yard touchdown for his second major of the night, extending the Mounties lead to 19-0.

After a Mount Allison rouge, the Huskies would have the final scoring opportunity of the first half, and were able to capitalize. Quarterback Zac Montgomery (Knightstown, IND) was nearly sacked but at the last second found receiver Brycen Mayoh (Coquitlam, BC), who ran into the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown as time expired, cutting the Mounties lead to 20-7 at the half.

The Huskies continued their momentum early in the third quarter, as Montgomery led them on a drive downfield finished off by a 32-yard field goal by Ethan Nagler (Winnipeg, MB) to cut the lead to 20-10.
A Mounties rouge late in the third quarter extended their lead to 21-10.

Saint Mary's had several chances to cut into the Mounties lead, as they posted 110 of their 192 total offensive yards in the fourth quarter, but were unable to capitalize, and the Mounties added one more field goal to secure the 24-10 victory.

Mounties running back Brandt Burzuk was named Player of the Game, rushing for 241 yards on 30 attempts, and scoring two touchdowns.

Mounties quarterback Justin Vogels completed 8/13 passes for 119 yards, with Cody Barton hauling in four receptions for 50 yards. Kicker Graeme Maither hit 2/3 field goals, two extra points and two rouges.

Receiver Brycen Mayoh was named Player of the Game for the Huskies gaining 35 yards on two receptions including a touchdown, and adding 37 yards on two kickoff returns and 43 yards on three punt returns.

Quarterback Zac Montgomery completed 5/7 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, and added 34 yards rushing, while Michael Petroschke (Brampton, ON) added 7/14 for 45 yards. Malik Williams paced the Huskies rushing attack with 41 yards on 11 carries.

Mount Allison's first win of the season improves their record to 1-2 on the campaign. They'll be back on home field next week, hosting the Bishop's Gaiters (1-1) on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. in Sackville, N.B.

The Huskies loss dropped their record to 1-2 on the campaign. They'll hit the road next weekend, taking on the U SPORTS #5 ranked StFX X-Men (3-0) on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in Antigonish, N.S.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics