Bombers win semi-final by point to head to AFL final

In the Brunswickan by K. Bryannah James – Sports Editor on November 16, 2011 6:00 AM ADT

The UNB Red Bombers would have to come from behind to beat the UNBSJ Seawolves 23-22 at BMO Centre to make the Atlantic Football League final at Holland College this weekend.

The weather itself wasn’t the greatest, but the Bombers knew what was at stake, and they fought both Seawolves and weather to win the game.

The game kicked-off tightly-matched from the beginning. By the end of the first half, the Seawolves lead the Bombers 14-7, but that didn’t last long.

By the third quarter, UNB tied it up 14-14, but the Seawolves fought back, and by the end of the third quarter, they were leading the Bombers 22-14.

“It was pretty mind blowing. Never thought it would be an outcome like that. You know, both teams played well so that and the game a bonus for us really,” said Red Bombers quarterback Brendan Cornford.

“Offensively we played awesome, defensively we played incredible, couldn’t ask for anything better, really.”

In the last few minutes of play, the Bombers struck gold. With an impressive touchdown followed by a two-point conversion, the team evened the playing field against UNBSJ to tie the game at 22-22.

“That tied it and then there was a couple back-and-forth, two-and-outs, two-and-outs, punt back-and-forth and then we luckily got the ball back with about 10 seconds left.”

In the last 10 seconds of play, slot-back Cody Stewart punted the ball into the end zone. The field went quiet.

The Red Bombers had just won the semi-final, with less than a few seconds, bringing the final score to a 23-22 victory over the UNBSJ Seawolves, their long-time rivals and the Atlantic Football League champions from last year.

“It was awesome. We basically have been like rivals since the league opened so it feels pretty good to beat them,” Cornford said.

“We planned from the get-go to get to the championships and that’s what we had our mind set on all year long. We worked hard to get here.”

Every team has a superstition or tradition they hold too. The Red Bombers are no exception. Before each home game, coach Dollimore brings in an old UNB Bombers helmet from the Proudfoot days.

“Everybody on the team just kind of taps it as we’re going out on the field. We’ve done that pretty much every home game since the league was formed.”

The Bombers are enjoying this victory, but they’re looking to and preparing for their game against Holland College, who finished first in the AFL this season.

“I think we’re basically on the same level. Honestly, I think every team in the league is basically the same level of play,” Cornford said.

“We can all score, we’ve all done well throughout all the games, PEI beat us once and we beat them once. So I think it’s just a matter of whose going to play the best game.”

The Bombers have a couple tricks up their sleeves for the playoffs, as they have the number one receivers and running backs in the league with Cody Stewart, Eric Smith and Pat Forbes, respectively.

“Defensively, Tyler Doak is just a machine. He can’t be stopped and it’s just unreal playing with the boys that we’re playing with this year. I think this year’s our year to take it.”

The Bombers will take on the Holland College Hurricanes this Saturday at 1 p.m for Moosehead Cup.