Axemen ride fast start to 20-11 win over Mounties

SACKVILLE, N.B. — The Acadia Axemen earned their first win of the Atlantic University Sport football season Saturday, defeating the Mount Allison Mounties 20-11 at Alumni Field.

Acadia struck early. Quarterback Tyran Duval connected with Jase LeBlanc on a 14-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter. Minutes later, Duval found Xander Matheson for a 41-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-0 .

Mount Allison got on the board in the second quarter when Acadia conceded a safety. At the halftime whistle, Nick Swain added a single on a missed field goal to make it 16-2.

The Mounties forced another safety in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 16-4. In the fourth, Acadia's defence responded with a safety of its own before Swain hit an 18-yard field goal to push the lead to 21-4 .

Mount Allison quarterback Xavier Uhr threw a late touchdown pass to James Laceby, but the two-point conversion failed. Kicker Graeme Maither added a rouge in the final minute to close the scoring at 21-11 .

Duval finished 16-for-25 for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Matheson led Acadia's receivers with six catches for 91 yards and a score, while LeBlanc added five receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. Running back Noah Potter paced the ground game with 76 yards on 20 carries.

On defence, Brandon Kamenz led the Axemen with 9.5 tackles, while Alex Athens Leger and Rory Litt each recorded a sack. Riley Comeau added five tackles and a sack of his own .

Mount Allison was led by Uhr, who threw for 74 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Laceby had four catches for 31 yards. Running back Owen Istace gained 44 yards on six carries.

Acadia improved to 1-2 with the win, while Mount Allison dropped to 0-3.

The Axemen return home Saturday, Sept. 20, to host Bishop's. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Raymond Field.