The Tribune

By Renaldo Dorsett

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Acadia Axemen are headed to the AUS playoffs as the top overall seed.

Eugene McMinns caught his third touchdown of the season, Arrien McDonald led the team in punt return yardage and Shelton Williams got the start on the offensive line in the Axemen's 33-23 win over the St Mary's Huskies Saturday in Wolfvile, Nova Scotia.

With the win, the Axemen earned the right to host the conference championship game, the AUS Subway Loney Bowl on November 11.

The Axemen will have three weeks of preparation with a bye in the AUS regular season finale and a bye in the league semi-final.

McMinns caught a three-yard touchdown reception to culminate the game's opening drive. The score sparked a run that led to an insurmountable 23-0 lead at the half.

The 10-point win gave the Axemen the lead in point differential with the Huskies to claim the number one seed.

It was the third time Acadia and St Mary's met this season. The Huskies won an exhibition matchup which was eventually overturned in favour of Acadia due to St Mary's use of ineligible players. The Huskies then won a September 15 matchup 17-10.

The Axemen ended the regular season 6-2 and undefeated at home (4-0). They averaged 28.3 points per game and gave up just 24. They will enter the conference championship game on a four-game winning streak.

McMinns ended the regular season ranked third in all-purpose yards in the AUS with a total of 1,232 yards and 154 per game. He was also the second leading punt returner in the division with an average of 14.3 yard per return and one 94 yard touchdown. He also returned 19 kicks for 437 yards and an average of 23 yards per return.

He finished second on the team in receptions and yardage with 28 catches for 322 yards and three touchdowns.

McDonald has also had an impact in the return game as well. He returned four kicks for 85 yards and had eight tackles on the defensive end.