The Saint Mary’s Huskies celebrate their first Atlantic university football championship in 15 years after defeating the St. Francis Xavier X-Men 46-11 in the Loney Bowl on Saturday at Huskies Stadium. Photo by Glenn MacDonald /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentFor the first time since 2010, the Saint Mary’s Huskies are Loney Bowl champions.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Huskies defeated the St. Francis Xavier X-Men 46-11 in the Atlantic university football championship on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Huskies Stadium.Article contentArticle content“This is pretty, pretty special,” said head coach Steve Sumarah, who guided the Huskies to four consecutive conference titles from 2007 to 2010 before leaving to coach the Carleton Ravens in 2012. He returned to the SMU helm in 2022.Article contentArticle content“It’s been 15 years and to be able to do this again after all that time when I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity again, it’s pretty exciting.Article content“These guys were an extremely focused group this week and for them to perform in the biggest moment, it sure makes you feel great.”Article contentThe Huskies’ defence showed its dominance early into the game. Defensive lineman Westley Johnsen-MacDuff leapt at the line of scrimmage to intercept a pass from St. F.X. quarterback Silas Fagnan, giving SMU possession at the X one-yard line. Running back Malik Williams plunged in for a one-yard score, his 14th touchdown of the season, just 2:36 into the game.Article contentSMU led 22-0 after the first quarter and 32-6 at the half.Article contentKeyshawn Beswick was named Loney Bowl MVP after recording 3.5 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups to lead the Huskies’ defensive effort.Article contentThe U Sports No. 5 Huskies will host the Uteck Bowl national semifinal next Saturday afternoon (1 p.m.) against the fourth-ranked Montreal Carabins.Article contentThe Carabins edged the No. 2 defending Vanier Cup champion Laval Rouge et Or 31-29 in the Quebec conference final Saturday in Quebec City.Article content
Huskies crush St. F.X. in Loney Bowl, advance to first national semifinal in 15 years
