Tackling pancreatic cancer

Mounties triumph in a 32-15 win over St. FX

Alumni Field was surrounded by fans and players wearing more than their usual garnet and gold on Saturday afternoon. A bright shade of purple could be seen throughout the crowd in support of the Tackle Pancreatic Cancer event, with the goal of raising awareness and funds to support education and research on the disease. Matt Zwicker, a Mount Allison alumnus, leads the campaign after his father (and #1 fan) Darren, 49 was diagnosed last January. The fundraiser raised over $10,000 for pancreatic cancer on Saturday, a disease that has a fatality rate of 93 per cent in Canada.

Zwicker commented on the importance of this event on the Mountie Pride website. “This initiative not only holds a special place in my heart, but should hold a special place for all Canadians. With such high death rates, this disease leaves thousands of Canadians with nowhere to turn,” said Zwicker. “We have been able to offer an event where 100 per cent of the donations go directly into improving the situation for future Canadians who are diagnosed. This is why it is so important to join the #tacklepancreaticcancer cause.”

Matthew Zwicker and Meghan McCracken promoting the #tacklepancreaticcancer cause on Saturday. Kate Elliott/Craig’s cause pancreatic cancer society

The Mounties pulled off the win against St. FX Leading them was starting quarterback Troy Downton, who completed 27 of 36 pass attempts for 265 yards and two touchdowns in the Mounties’ 32-15 win. The Mounties were not only successful in the air, but also took advantage of the ground game with Chris Reid rushing for 194 yards and Kiel Ambursley for 89. Ryan Lambert went 4/4 on field goals to become the Mounties’ all-time leader, with 52 field goals in his career as a Mountie.

Reid was a key factor in the win with over 200 all-purpose yards. He commented after the game on how the team stepped up together as a whole: “We did a good job of executing the game plan as a team. The offensive line did a good job of dominating the line of scrimmage, creating lanes to run through and giving the QB time to find open WRs.” Reid also took the time to compliment his teammates that maintained St. FX’s powerful offense. “Our special teams did a great job of limiting St. FX’s explosive returner, and our defense was solid all day stopping the run and creating turnovers,” said Reid. Despite the Mounties battling for a playoff spot, Reid said that, “there’s no pressure going into the last two games of the season; at the end of the day it’s just football.”

The Mounties now hold a record of two wins and four losses with only two games remaining on the road: against Bishop’s and Saint Mary’s. However, the team has this weekend off to rest and prepare for a road trip to Bishop’s on Oct. 21.

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