After blowout loss in 2017, Axemen look for better outcome in Uteck Bowl

Many Acadia Axemenveteran football players would like to heal a two-year-old wound this week.

The Axemen, the undefeated champions of Atlantic University Sport football, are preparing for Saturday afternoon's Uteck Bowl national semifinal against the Quebec-conference champion Montreal Carabinsin Wolfville.

Acadia football fans will never forget the 2017 Uteck Bowl when the Axemen were blasted off their home turf at Raymond Field by the Western Ontario Mustangs 81-3.

That situation was a player-eligibility case in 2017 involving a Saint Mary's Huskies player. When the dust settled in that matter, Acadia had only three days to recover and prepare for a dominant, well-rested Ontario team.

Acadia dominated the Atlantic conference with an 8-0 regular season and a 31-1 win over the Bishop's Gaiters in last week's Loney Bowl.

But the Atlantic champion last won a national semifinal in 2007.

The Carabins are riding high after they beat perennial powerhouse Laval 25-10 last week.

"They actually beat Laval twice this year, including once on their field," said Cummins. "They are good right across the board. Their offensive and defensive lines are extremely athletic and gifted."

Cummins will be leaning heavily on his veteran players if they want to have any chance of advancing to the Vanier Cup.

Fourth-year quarterback Hunter Guenard had an outstanding season and was named AUS MVP.

On defence, another fourth year veteran, linebacker Bailey Feltmate of Moncton, was named AUS defensive MVP.

Running back Dale Wright, the conference MVP two years ago, will also need to come up with a big game.

"We need them to go out and perform the way they are capable of performing," said Cummings. "In big games your top players have to be the guys you can lean on."

It's been 38 years since Acadia last won a national title in football.

In the 1981 Vanier Cup, quarterback Steve Repic was the MVP when the Axemen beat the Alberta Golden Bears 18-12.

Acadia also won the Vanier Cup in 1979.

But they have lost eight straight national semifinal games and are big underdogs to win against Montreal, even though the game will be played on Acadia's home field.

Calgary faces McMaster in the other national semifinal. The semifinal winners play for the national championship next weekend in Quebec City.

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