Snow Ball

Today was the Loney Bowl - the AUS (Atlantic University Sport) final for football. SMU played St.FX for a shot to go to the Uteck Bowl next weekend to play the winner of the Quebec league and the winner from there heads to the Vanier Cup. It was a chilly and windy day so we were all bundled up in our coats with fleece blankets and mittens. I love the idea that Canadians will sit outside in crappy weather to watch sports. I love that we have athletes that will play in such conditions.

The first half was a bit sluggish. The first point on the board was a 1-point safety due to a dropped ball kicked to the end zone. Nobody thought much of it at the time but it would prove to be the ultimate point. By the half, the SMU Huskies were leading 18 to 11 and although the expected blowout wasn't occurring it looked like SMU was going to secure their Uteck spot. And then the second half happened.

I can only say that the second half is what football is all about. St.FX came back in force with two touchdowns to lead the game 24-18. SMU couldn't seem to catch a break as a series of fumbles in the red zone were costly turnovers. By this point the crowd is totally owned by the game. The St. FX fans can see a possible win. The SMU fans are freaked at the possibility of NOT making the finals after a clean season. But then SMU gets a touchdown and with the convert it places them in the lead by ONE point. After a field goal attempt by St. FX goes wide and gets run out the challenge became one of possession strategy and time management. Could SMU run down the last 5 minutes of the game to ensure their win? Can anyone play ball in crazy snow flurries when your feet and hands are frozen?

The answer to both questions is YES! And by one lucky point scored in the first quarter the SMU Huskies are heading into the Uteck Bowl, hosted on their home field, next Saturday. What a great afternoon!!