TRURO, N.S. - Quarterback Riley Gabriel scored three touchdowns and threw for two others as the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars defeated J.L. Ilsley Judges 42-25 in an NSSAF Division 1 Tier 2 semi-final playoff football game Saturday.
The Cougars built up a 28-7 half-time lead on home field at James Macpherson Stadium and carried the momentum through the second half.
Gabriel went 7-for-10 at pivot, for 70 yards and carried for 232 yards. One of his TDs came on an 80-yard kick-off return.
Running back Torro Gabrielli pounded out 91 yards on 13 carries and scored a CEC TD. Through the air, Mike Adams had two catches for 30 yards and Charles Toole caught two for 20 yards. For each, one of the catches was for a touchdown.
Adams connected on all six point-after attempts.
On the other side of the ball, the defence was led by linebackers Jordan Waller and Dylan Benoit, with four tackles apiece. Playing at defensive back, Adams had a fumble recovery and an interception while tackle Ivan Gault also recovered a fumble. Gabriel came up with an interception, as well.
The Cougars now advance to the Division 1 Tier 2 final against Halifax West on Saturday. The time and location are still to be determined.
