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Coming off a spectacular offensive performance in Sherwood Park last week, the Gators O was a little lacklustre against the Stallions championship defence. RB Mitch Szigety looked tired in the 30+ degree heat, only picking up 39 yards on 8 carries. Caleb McLeay was looking much better after taking a game off rushing for 32 yards on 2 carries and catching one for 16. Striker looked amazing in the first quarter but dropped off when he threw 5 straight incompletions, he did manage to rocket the ball for a respectable 237 yards on only 15 completions. Mike Wasylyniuk caught 5 for 96 yards and a TD, looking solid as always. Taylor Campbell pulled in 4 nice catches as well but dropped the cake before he could ice it with a TD of his own.
The real factor yesterday was the Gators D, despite missing their captain and stud linebacker Brad Richmond, due to a questionable ejection against the Renegades. The defence forced 5 turnovers, 4 fumbles and an interception returned for a TD by DB Ian Scotland. Several players had stops for losses, the Stallions had a lot of trouble getting rolling at all until the Gators started putting in their 2nd and 3rd stringers, who still did a stellar job against the AFL champions. Andrew Patzer looked scary as always picking up 4.5 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Jamie Bonner looked great as well, coming off the bench to replace Richmond, he collected 4.5 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. Ian Scotland picked off a nice ball and behind Donny Scott and Patzer, who paved the way with some heavy blocks, returned the pick for a 57 yards TD!
Ian Hewitt, who has sadly taken a more secondary role due to scheduling conflicts, looked amazing against the Ponies, kicking 3 FG's, the longest a 47 yarder, kept the game well out of reach for the visitors.
The Gators have a bye week and then are on a bus out of town to Grande Prairie but 4 practices will ensure they are more than ready!
Be sure to join the Gators next Saturday the 31st at Hooters south for wings and beer before the Stamps game, if you don't have tickets, stick around with us and enjoy the game with some good company. Check out the official fundraiser notice for details.
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