Huskies power past Axemen 35-7 in season opener

HALIFAX — Malik Williams scored three rushing touchdowns to lead the Saint Mary's Huskies past the Acadia Axemen 35-7 in Atlantic University Sport football action Friday night.

Williams found the end zone twice in the opening quarter on short two-yard runs before adding an eight-yard score in the third. The fourth-year running back finished with 73 yards on 10 carries to pace a ground attack that piled up 224 yards.

Saint Mary's built a 24-0 halftime lead with help from a safety, a rouge, and a 42-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Shibley to Cédric Zinck-Marier late in the second quarter. Shibley completed 13 of 22 passes for 237 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while backup Allan Young added 58 yards through the air. Zinck-Marier hauled in four receptions for 113 yards and a major.

Acadia's only highlight came early in the third quarter when quarterback Tyran Duval connected with Xander Matheson on a 75-yard strike. Duval went 20-for-29 for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, with Matheson leading all receivers at 142 yards.

Kicker Adam Johnston chipped in a 43-yard field goal and was good on all four converts while also adding two rouges. Defensively, Ryan Butler and Lucas Latulippe each recorded interceptions for the Huskies, who forced three turnovers.

Saint Mary's outgained Acadia 516-236 in total offence, recorded 28 first downs to the Axemen's 11, and held possession for 36 minutes. The win spoiled Acadia's season opener, leaving them still searching for their first points outside of Matheson's long touchdown.

The Huskies (1-0) visit Mount Allison next weekend, while the Axemen (0-1) return home to face the St. Francis Xavier X-Men.

All games are available online at www.AUStv.ca 

Photo courtesy of SMU Athletics (M. Ghiz)

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