Huskies defence dominates in 27-5 win over Axemen

HALIFAX, NS – The Saint Mary's Huskies defence forced five turnovers, and running back Malik Williams scored a pair of touchdowns, as the Huskies defeated the Acadia Axemen 27-5 on Friday night at Huskies Stadium.

With 1,748 fans in attendance for Huskies Homecoming weekend, Saint Mary's got off to a strong start, with linebacker Jeremiah Marriott (Toronto, ON) forcing a fumble on the Axemen's second offensive snap which was recovered by the Huskies giving them excellent field position. Saint Mary's took advantage with a 22-yard field goal from Adam Johnston (Rothesay, NB) giving the Huskies a 3-0 lead with 11:36 remaining in the first quarter.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Adam Johnston hits a 22-yard field goal to put the Huskies ahead 3-0 in the first quarter! @smuFTBL pic.twitter.com/tsKZEKVtxI

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 4, 2024

On the next Huskies offensive drive, quarterback Allan Young (Halifax, NS) found some momentum, completing five straight passes to receivers Chandler Zinck-Marier (Pleasantville, NS), Brycen Mayoh (Port Coquitlam, BC) and Cherokee Robinson (Halifax, NS) to march the Huskies into the Axemen red zone. Receiver Joshua Jack (Mississauga, ON) finished off the drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown to put the Huskies ahead 10-0 with 6:20 remaining in the first quarter.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Reigning Huskies male athlete of the week Joshua Jack keeps his great play going, taking a reverse 12-yards for the major! Huskies lead 10-0 in the first quarter! @smuFTBL pic.twitter.com/qlzqdDNgBf

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 4, 2024

The Huskies continued their dominant play forcing the Axemen to concede a safety on the next drive, extending the lead to 12-0 after one quarter of play.

Saint Mary's offence would add to their lead in the second quarter, with running back Malik Williams (Ajax, ON) bursting out on a 31-yard touchdown run to make it 19-0. The Axemen cut into that lead with a 41-yard field goal from kicker Nick Swain (Moncton, NB), bringing the halftime score to 19-3.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Malik Williams has a nose for the end zone! Bounces it to the outside and takes it 31-yards to the house to extend the Huskies lead to 19-0 in the second quarter! @smuFTBL pic.twitter.com/NLEgOR4jeQ

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 4, 2024

The second half opened up with the Huskies conceding a safety, before their defence took control, with defensive back Logan Mendes (Quispamsis, NB) picked off Axemen quarterback Riley Naujoks (Winnipeg, MB), for his fifth interception of the season. That set up Malik Williams' second touchdown rush of the game, this time from three yards out, extending the Huskies lead to 27-5.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Hey AUS teams... stop throwing to Logan Mendes' side of the field if you don't want to be intercepted! Mendes picks off his fifth of the season, and fourth in the past three games! Huskies lead 20-5 in the third quarter! @smuFTBL pic.twitter.com/3KqTEICxc8

— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 5, 2024

Saint Mary's defence continued to force turnovers throughout the fourth quarter. Linebacker Zachary Chiarotto (Winnipeg, MB) forced a lost fumble, and defensive backs Isaiah Atkins (Ajax, ON) and Jahzonte Smith (Oshawa, ON) both picked off Axemen reserve quarterback Connor McNamee (Saint John, NB), as the Huskies defence finished the day with five turnovers, securing the 27-5 victory.

Linebacker Zachary Chiarotto was named Player of the Game for the Huskies, racking up a game-high 10 tackles, including two for a loss, and forcing a fumble. Jeremiah Marriott and Kallon Edwards (Toronto, ON) also recorded sacks for the Huskies, while Mendes, Atkins and Smith each had an interception.

Offensively the Huskies were led by Malik Williams who made the most of his eight rushes, gaining 58 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Allan Young completed 18 of 31 passes for 231 yards, with Cherokee Robinson leading the receiving corps with five catches for 94 yards.

The Axemen were led by receiver Julien Poirier-McKiggan (Halifax, NS), who caught five balls for 103 yards. Running back Maximus Ramirez (Fort McMurray, AB) rushed for 60 yards on 13 attempts.

The Huskies win improves their record to 3-3 on the season. They'll be back on home turf next weekend, hosting the Mount Allison Mounties (1-4) on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Huskies Stadium.

The Axemen loss drops their record to 2-4 on the campaign. They'll return home next weekend, hosting the STFX X-Men (2-2) on Friday night at 7 p.m. in Wolfville, NS.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics