The P.E.I. Privateers dropped their home-opener 38-26 to the Halifax Shockers in a see-saw Maritime Football League shootout Saturday at the UPEI turf field.
“It was a frustrating defeat,” said Privateers coach Jan Wicherek. “We had the ability to control the game in the first half and didn’t contain their offence.”
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The two teams are now 1-2.
A 20-yard pass play from quarterback Chris Mutch to Mitch Murphy, and a 65-yard gallop by halfback Dave Clark helped the Privateers build a 17-14 halftime lead.
Cory Mugridge added a 30-yard field goal and both extra points.
Luke Williams and Ben Ferguson found the end zone for Halifax.
A J.R. Gerrior touchdown and Rick McMahon field goal gave the Shockers a third-quarter lead.
The Privateers tied the game with a three-yard plunge by Mutch.
That play was set up by a spectacular 65-yard pass and run from Mutch to Justin (Juice) Murphy.
It looked like Clark was on his way to a potential-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
He danced his way through the Halifax defence for 60 yards before having the ball stripped on the Halifax two-yard line.
The Privateers’ defence stepped up and pushed the Halifax attack back into their end zone as safety Richard Lush tackled Halifax’s ball carrier for two points.
The P.E.I. offence could not take advantage of the play and turned the ball over to Halifax on downs.
The Shockers grounded out a final touchdown as Ferguson carried for his second touchdown and the lead with just over a minute left to play.
Mugridge is still perfect after three games, kicking two successful field goals and nine point-afters for 15 points.
The Privateers host the Saint John Wanderers Saturday at 4 p.m.
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