X-Men blank Axemen as Fagnan sets school passing TD mark in AUS opener

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The St. Francis Xavier X-Men made a statement in their AUS football season opener, rolling to a 35-0 shutout victory over the Acadia Axemen on Saturday at Raymond Field.

Quarterback Silas Fagnan continued to cement his place in StFX history—already the program's all‑time leading passer, he now has thrown 48 career passing touchdowns, placing him atop the school's record books. Against Acadia he added 321 yards through the air, a passing major, and also rushed for a 12‑yard touchdown.

He connected just before halftime with an 11‑yard strike to Zachary Houde, who hauled in nine passes for a game‑high 140 yards. The ground game balanced the attack: Malcolm Bussey churned out 85 yards on 13 carries with a TD, while Caleb Fogarty added 48 yards and a score earlier in the second quarter. StFX built a commanding 30‑0 halftime lead and never looked back.

Kicker Payton Plesh was flawless, drilling a 40‑yard field goal and converting all three extra‑point attempts. The defence was equally dominant—forcing two safeties and limiting Acadia to just 169 total yards and 12 first downs. Linebacker Otito Nwaogu anchored the front with 6.5 tackles and a sack, while Nathan Cayouette grabbed an interception.

Acadia quarterback Tyran Duval completed 18 of 29 passes for 129 yards but was under constant pressure and threw one interception. The Axemen's ground game was stymied, gaining only 64 rushing yards against a relentless StFX defence.

With the win, StFX improves to 1‑0 in the AUS standings. Acadia drops to 0‑2, sitting at the bottom of the conference table.

The X-Men will host the Mount Allison Mounties (0-2) in week 3 action while the Aexmen will enjoy a bye week.

All games are available at www.AUStv.

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Photo courtesy of Acadia Athletics