Published by Times & Transcript, Neil Hodge - May 11 , 2018 -
Moncton Mustangs head coach Jason Terris believes he knows what to expect from the enemy.
"We've done some scouting and we've found they like to use a no-huddle offence," he said while looking ahead to a matchup with the Halifax Harbour Hawks, who his club will host in Maritime Football League action on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Rocky Stone Memorial Field.
"We're expecting them to be quick on the ball and try to surprise us. We're going to try to be prepared for that. Mike Brown is a fantastic quarter and he's got some fantastic weapons at receivers so our defensive secondary is going to be challenge. I think we have the players to rise to the challenge as long as we stay away from penalties."
Moncton, the defending champion, and Halifax are tied atop the four-team league at 1-0. Moncton defeated the Saint John Wanderers 34-33 and Halifax pounded the Prince Edward Island Mariners 39- 9 last weekend.
P.E.I. will visit Saint John on Saturday in the other game in Week 2.
It's a six-game regular season, everybody makes the playoffs and in the opening round it's first place versus fourth and second place versus third. Moncton has a tough schedule given that its first two games are against Saint John and Halifax, the league's other top contenders.
"It will give us an indication of where we stand early in the season," said Terris. "The first game against Saint John was a real tough battle and it was a good wakeup call for some of our newcomers in terms of showing them the quality of this league. Our rookies got to see what football is all about at this level.
"We're anticipating another big challenge against Halifax. We're trying to stay grounded and not let our egos get in the way. We're trying to stay focused on working hard and getting better each week."
Moncton is playing its first two games at home. After this weekend, it will complete the regular season with three of four games on the road.
"We only have a six-game schedule so every game is a must-win situation," said Terris. "We do have the best fan base in the league and having that support means a lot. It's always a challenge to play at the same level on the road, but I think we have a team that's capable of doing that."
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