Crusaders extend win streak to 3 by beating Redhawks

When asked about how his team turned it around, Crusaders’ first-year head coach Lindsay Strachan first mentioned that his team got healthier in positions. But the most important part was his team’s approach during their practices. Instead of focusing on trying to heal up, the Crusaders went after it in contact drills and that’s shown up on the field.

“We just made a decision that we weren’t physical enough,” said Strachan. “We were kind of trying to keep guys healthy for the week, but we just decided that we needed to do some more contact—plain and simple. It’s really shown up the last few weeks.

Another key reason is Shelton Paul. The natural tailback was shoved into the quarterback position in Week 2 due to a Chris MacLachlan injury and has progressed throughout the year. He was excellent on Friday, throwing for two touchdowns and running one in himself.

“The kid’s just a gamer,” said Strachan. “He just shows up each and every week, plays his heart out and makes good things happen with his feet, with his arm.

“I can’t say enough about what he’s done since he’s stepped in for us in Week 2. He’s been fun to watch.”

The Crusaders were down 14-0 late in the first half, after the Redhawks got a 50-yard score from Justyn Lightle and a 16-yard pass from Isaac Collins to Brett McMurtry.

But within the final four minutes of the first half, the Crusaders drew level to head into halftime 14-14.

Crusaders quarterback Shelton Paul threw a pair of touchdown passes, a 14-yard strike to Jaxon Michel and another 21-yarder to Ian McAlpine.

After a scoreless third, the Redhawks took the lead as McMurtry caught his second touchdown pass from Collins, a 10-yard score. But the Redhawks missed their convert to go ahead 20-14.

On the following possession, Crusaders Shelton Paul ran in himself for a 26-yard scamper to go ahead 21-20.

With 2:10 left, Crusaders tailback Bryson Simpson crashed through the Redhawks D and scored a 70-yard touchdown run leaving all kinds of carnage behind him. Three players were down behind the play as there were clipping, retaliation and rough play late in the game. Redhawks linebacker Herbie Quewezance was ejected from the game for his part in the affair.

The Crusaders’ final game of the regular season is on Oct. 22 against the Bethlehem Stars on the road.

The St. Mary Marauders (2-4-1) will wrap up their season on Oct. 23 against the Bedford Road Redhawks.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Crusaders extend win streak to 3 by beating Redhawks

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