Norsemen Hold The Line.⚔️

The Longest Day

September 26 was the longest football day of the year for the Norsemen.

Coaches, players, and staff began game preparation around noon, travelled to Montreal, played the game, and didn’t arrive back in Ottawa until after midnight. It was a gruelling 12-hour day, but fortunately, the Norsemen came home with two valuable points.

First Quarter

It was a sunny fall day (yes, FALL!) with a light breeze that made it feel a little cooler.

The game started on time with the Norsemen kicking off to the Montreal Mustangs, who entered the game sitting second in the East Division.

Simon Stanfield (#12) stopped the Mustang ball carrier at the Mustang 25-yard line. Karzan Kamala (#45) and Lucas Furlong (#22) then teamed up to sack the quarterback, eventually forcing the Mustangs to punt. The Norsemen took possession at the Mustang 45-yard line.

Evan Lamar (#3) and Kingston Pappas (#5) then struck with a 45-yard pass-and-run to the goal line, followed by another pass for the touchdown. Jack Williams (#4) converted the extra point.

After the kickoff, Lenzy Riviere (#11) made a tackle at the Mustang 30-yard line, then followed it up with another tackle at the Mustang 18-yard line.

Second Quarter

After the Norsemen kickoff, the Mustangs drove deep into Norsemen territory and threatened to tie the game. The Norsemen defence held, however, and on fourth down the Mustangs settled for a field goal.

The Norsemen were then stalled on their next possession, and a Mustang kick pinned them at their own 5-yard line.

Three consecutive passes from #3 to #5 moved the ball first to the Norsemen 15-yard line, then to the 45-yard line. A 40-yard pass-and-run by #5 resulted in another Norsemen touchdown, again converted by #4.

With four minutes remaining in the second quarter, the score was Norsemen 14, Mustangs 3.

The Norsemen defence then stepped up with a devastating tackle by Simon Stanfield (#12) at the Mustang 30-yard line following the kickoff.

The Mustangs continued to move deep into Norsemen territory, but their touchdown pass was intercepted by Bryce Sasseville, who returned it approximately 90 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the play was negated by a Norsemen penalty.

The Mustangs regained possession late in the quarter, just inside Norsemen territory. Ryan Bussey (#35) sacked the quarterback, forcing the Mustangs to attempt a long field goal. Christian Gendo (#8) came through with a huge block to keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard.

Third Quarter

The opening kickoff of the second half was returned 24 yards by #24. After a change of possession, he made a tackle for a five-yard loss.

When the Mustangs kicked, #24 returned the ball again, this time all the way to the Mustang 35-yard line.

A pass to Jason Rugamba (#7), combined with a Mustang penalty, moved the Norsemen to the Mustang 5-yard line. Another pass to #7 with 3:21 remaining in the quarter capped off his strong performance with a touchdown.

The conversion attempt was blocked.

The Norsemen defence then held strong after the kickoff, pushing the Mustangs back and ultimately forcing a two-point safety.

Score: Norsemen 22 – Mustangs 3

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter featured several outstanding plays, including two Norsemen touchdowns that were unfortunately negated by penalties.

Arlo Kalynuk (#34) stopped the Mustang running back with a great tackle at midfield. #11 then tackled the quarterback at the Norsemen 35-yard line.

After taking possession, the Norsemen fumbled at their own 15-yard line. Jonavon Essue (#82) showed tremendous grit with a tenacious chase and tackle.

Simon Stanfield (#12) then stripped the ball from a charging Mustang player and returned it to the Norsemen 45-yard line.

The Norsemen followed with a 20-yard pass to Olli Drolet (#80), then connected with #7 for a touchdown. Unfortunately, that score was also negated by a penalty.

Later, deep in their own end, the Mustangs attempted a pass that was intercepted by Charles Derrick (#40). Once again, however, a penalty negated the touchdown.

As the quarter came to an end, #82 added a quarterback sack to cap off the defensive effort.

Final Score: Norsemen 22 – Mustangs 3

A Reminder About Respect

The Norsemen’s penalties had a significant impact on the game. It was also challenging, particularly in the fourth quarter, for coaches and staff to keep the players composed, encourage them to be classy winners, and have them ignore the actions of the opposing team.

This is an important reminder that RESPECT must be shown at all times to opposing players, coaches, staff, and fans. That includes taking a knee when a player is injured and showing respect throughout the game, regardless of the circumstances.

All Norsemen teams have upheld this standard, and this team must be no different.

Thank You

A big thank you to the fans who made the trip to the game! We heard you loud and clear! And thank you to everyone who was there in spirit.

Thank you to the players for a hard-fought and exciting game, to the coaches and staff for their superhuman efforts, and to our President for arranging transportation and post-game food.

Special thanks to Bryce Linklater for the halftime snacks and Liam West for the post-game drinks.

Next Game

West Division QMFL Game
October 2 | 6:30 PM |Sportsplex
Bel-Air Norsemen vs. Kanata Knights