The Riverview Molson Mustangs are a perfect 10.

They capped off an undefeated season with yet another lopsided victory, defeating the Halifax Shockers 23-0 in the Maritime Football League championship game on Saturday in front of a hometown crowd of 1,200 at Dobson Field.

The third-year Mustangs captured their first Maritime Bowl and the truth is they were in a league of their own. They were 10-0 in the regular season and playoffs combined and outscored opponents by a staggering overall count of 408-37.

``This is unbelievable to finally win the championship,'' said Riverview slotback Mike Cochran, whose club lost in the league semifinal the past two seasons.

``It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of guys. We have a lot of the same guys from the past two seasons, but we also had a quality group of rookies come in this season. We've got a lot of great leaders on both offence and defence. We gelled as a team early in the season.''

Riverview went 67 yards in nine plays on the opening drive of the game. Cochran capped it off by pulling in a 38-yard touchdown pass from A.J. Gallant and that turned out to be all the points the club would need.

The Mustangs added single points on a pair of missed field goals and held a 9-0 lead at halftime.

``Halifax came to play today and they made us work for awhile,'' said Cochran.

``We had a couple of miscues early on offence. Our defence was on the field a long time in the first half. They bent a little, but never broke. That's the way it was all season.''

Riverview turned the game into a blowout in the second half. Gallant scored two touchdowns, both on a one-yard quarterback keep play, and rounded out the summary by making it 23-0 early in the fourth quarter.

Gallant had 137 yards passing and also rushed for 15 yards. Steve Cormier turned in another stellar performance with 89 yards rushing, including several key carries to keep scoring drives alive.

``I've been playing football since age 11 and it's my first championship,'' said Gallant. ``This is a lot of fun. I should've been doing this more often. Defence wins championships and you saw that again today.

``It's pretty remarkable the number of shutouts our defence had this season. Halifax played us tough in the first half, but I think we wore them down as the game went along. We've been wearing down teams in the second half all season.''

Riverview scored an average of 40.8 points per game and allowed an average of 3.7 points against per game this season. The Mustangs posted six shutouts in 10 games in the regular season and playoffs combined.

``We always figure that if we hold our opponent off the scoreboard it's just a matter of time before our offence gets things going,'' said Mustangs defensive back Paul Best. ``That's the way it's been all season. We've got so many explosive guys on offence.''

``The depth on this team is great,'' added Gallant. ``We didn't need to have guys playing both ways. Our depth and talent made the difference in the second half in a lot of games this season and you saw that again today.''

Riverview's smallest margin of victory this season was 24 points.

``The reason we had success all season and won the championship is not because of one individual,'' said Mustangs defensive coordinator Sean MacIsaac. ``It's because everybody played as a team. The guys that weren't starting were on special teams and I think our special teams were the best in the league. Everybody played their role.''

The fifth- through eighth-place clubs competed in a lower bracket in the playoffs. The Dartmouth Knights defeated the hometown Saint John Longhorns 20-15 in the consolation championship game on Saturday.

For a list of MFL award winners, please see the Scoreboard page.

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Longhorns came within one quarter of winning the Maritime Football League's Mariner Bowl, but ultimately lost 20-15 to the Dartmouth Knights.

The game, which took place on Saturday at the Canada Games Stadium, was a closely fought defensive contest, something Longhorns head coach Eric Sabean wasn't expecting.

"I thought we were in for a high scoring game," Sabean said. "Defensively our guys stepped up and played their best game of the year."

The Longhorns were led offensively by 48-year-old Steve Savoie who filled in at running back for the injured Gary Brown. Savoie scored his first of two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the contest 7-7. The Knights would score their second TD of the game before the second ended to lead 14-7 at halftime.

The Longhorns took the lead in the second half on another Savoie TD. He caught a seven-yard TD pass from quarterback Reece Roche to tie the game 14-14.

Roche, who kicked both extra points for Saint John, booted the ensuing kickoff through the end zone for one point and a 15-14 lead.

Knights quarterback Dan Williams, who played for the Fargo Freeze of the Arena Football League 2, hooked up with wide receiver Edwin Bamoya midway through the fourth quarter for the eventual winning score.

While disappointed with the loss, Sabean said his squad played a great game.

"It was a good football contest and we've had two in a row after last weeks game with the Wolves," he said.

The Longhorns advanced to the Mariner Bowl with a 34-26 come-from-behind win over the University of New Brunswick at Saint John Wolves last weekend. The Knights advanced by defeating the Prince Edward Island Privateers 61-20.

Savoie was named offensive player of the game.

Meanwhile, the Riverview Mustangs shut out the Halifax Shockers 23-0 to win the Maritime Bowl VI on Saturday.

The Mustangs capped off an undefeated season in front of a hometown crowd of 1,200 at Dobson Field.

The third-year Mustangs captured their first Maritime Bowl and the truth is they were in a league of their own. They were 10-0 in the regular season and playoffs combined and outscored opponents by a staggering overall count of 408-37.

"This is unbelievable to finally win the championship,'' said Riverview slotback Mike Cochran, whose club lost in the league semifinal the past two seasons.

"It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of guys. We have a lot of the same guys from the past two seasons, but we also had a quality group of rookies come in this season. We've got a lot of great leaders on both offence and defence. We gelled as a team early in the season.''

Riverview went 67 yards in nine plays on the opening drive of the game. Cochran capped it off by pulling in a 38-yard touchdown pass from A.J. Gallant and that turned out to be all the points the club would need.

The Mustangs added single points on a pair of missed field goals and held a 9-0 lead at halftime.

Riverview turned the game into a blowout in the second half. Gallant scored two touchdowns, both on a one-yard quarterback keep play, and rounded out the summary by making it 23-0 early in the fourth quarter.

Gallant had 137 yards passing and also rushed for 15 yards. Steve Cormier had 89 yards rushing, including several key carries to keep scoring drives alive.

Meanwhile, in the Maritime Women's Football League SupHer Bowl championship it was the Capital Area Lady Gladiators defeating the Moncton Vipers 15-14.

The numbers are staggering.

The Riverview Molson Mustangs outscored opponents 342-22 en route to finishing atop the Maritime Football League with an 8-0 record in the regular season. Their offence scored an average of 42.7 points per game and their defence allowed an average of 2.8 points per game.

So, what's the trademark of this team? The dynamic offence or the iron-clad defence?

``To tell you the truth, we've got the whole package,'' said Riverview running back Steve Cormier, whose club hosts the Halifax Shockers in the Maritime Bowl today at 4 p.m. at Dobson Field.

``We have an offence that can put points up on the board early and repeatedly. And we've got a defence that can shut down any offence in this league. It's the best team I've played on in my four years in the league.''

Riverview, a three-year-old team, is looking to capture its first championship. It advanced to the Maritime Bowl with a 43-15 win over the Capital Area Gladiators of Fredericton in the semifinal.

The Mustangs are 9-0 in the regular season and playoffs combined.

``An undefeated season is something that you hope for in any sport,'' said Cormier. ``Everybody's worked hard to get to this point and we're not going to back down. We're not going to take anything for granted.''

Riverview and the Saint John Wanderers, 7-1, were clearly the top two clubs in the league in the regular season. Halifax pulled off a huge upset with a 9-2 road win over the Wanderers in the semifinal.

``It did throw a curveball (when Halifax advanced to the Maritime Bowl),'' said Cormier. ``I mean we weren't expecting it. The fact is we prepare every week to play our hardest no matter who we're playing against.''

Riverview pounded Halifax 41-0 in their only meeting of the regular season. Does that make it difficult for the Mustangs not to take their opponent lightly as they prepare for the Maritime Bowl?

``Absolutely not,'' said Cormier. ``All the guys have been out to practice and we've been working hard in preparation for this game. Nobody's expecting this to be an easy game.

``Halifax didn't have their full roster when we played them. I would expect they'll bring their full squad this time. They beat the Saint John Wanderers so they must have a good team.''

Halifax had a mediocre regular season with a 4-4 record, 166 points for and 180 points against. It's not the kind of numbers you would expect from a team that's in the Maritime Bowl.

``We surprised everybody by beating the Wanderers,'' said Shockers quarterback Chris Livingston. ``Now, we get to go to Riverview, play the Mustangs and hopefully surprise some more people. We're definitely the big-time underdog and that's the way I like it.

``I think beating the Wanderers gave us more confidence in each other. It really brought our team together as a whole. We've been practising hard all week and everyone's got a new outlook on the season right now.''

Livingston has lots of respect for Riverview.

``I think they're an extremely well-rounded team,'' he said.

``Their defence is amazing and they've got lots of solid players on offence also. We've got to stay on the field as an offence and keep our defence rested as much as we can.

``The more our defence is on the field the more they're going to get tired and worn down. It's up to our offence to stay on the field and put up some points.''

Riverview defensive lineman Dwayne Ells isn't worried about his club being overconfident.

``I don't think that's going to be a problem,'' he said. ``Halifax was missing several guys the last time we played them. They will be a different team this time. To have the opportunity to play in a championship game is pretty big and we're looking forward to a battle.''

The fifth- through eighth-place finishers competed in a lower bracket in the playoffs.

The Saint John Longhorns host the Dartmouth Knights in the consolation championship game today at 4 p.m. at the Canada Games Stadium.

Saint John Wanderers slotback Doug MacPhee doesn't hesitate when asked for a prediction.

He's convinced the third-year Riverview Molson Mustangs will capture their first Maritime Football League championship when they host the Halifax Shockers in the Maritime Bowl tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Dobson Field.

``I think Riverview hands down is going to win it,'' he said.

``They're just a better football team. Halifax is going to have to play the best game they've ever played to stay with them for four quarters.''

Riverview (8-0) and the Wanderers (7-1) were the top two teams in the league in the regular season and it was widely expected they would meet in the Maritime Bowl.

Halifax dashed those thoughts and pulled off a huge upset with a 9-2 road win over the Wanderers in the semifinal.

Could Halifax follow that up with another major upset win on the road against Riverview?

``No,'' said MacPhee. ``Halifax played hard against us and they deserve to be there in the Maritime Bowl, but I really can't see them winning. I just think Riverview is that much stronger than Halifax.

``I think there's a lot of people that wanted to see us and Riverview have a showdown in the championship game, but at the same time everyone likes to see the team at the top taken down. I think people were tired of seeing the same old and now they get to see a new champion this year.''

The Wanderers have appeared in five of the past six Maritime Bowls, winning it in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

They had a 24-game winning streak snapped with a 24-8 loss to Riverview on July 21.

``I think it's good for the league (to see different teams win the Maritime Bowl),'' said Wanderers head coach Mark Gallagher.

``It's nice to spread it around. It's nice to see someone else win.

``Riverview's been knocking on the door for the last couple of years. They definitely deserve a title. I would never count Halifax out obviously. I didn't take them lightly, that's for sure. They're a great football team.''

Riverview outscored opponents 342-22 in the regular season.

The Mustangs improved their overall record to 9-0 with a 43-15 win over the Capital Area Gladiators of Fredericton in the semifinal last weekend.

Halifax finished third in the league at 4-4 in the regular season. It scored 166 points, but allowed 180 against.

``I hate giving predictions,'' said Gallagher. ``I'm not counting Halifax out, but I really would never expect to see Riverview lose this Maritime Bowl game. I watched them play all year. I told my guys all year `Listen boys, these guys are prepared and ready to go.'

``As far as I can tell, they practice with a full squad which is something we weren't able to do all year. Riverview never takes anyone lightly. They come prepared for every game which is one of the reasons why they're a great football team.

``Truthfully, I would've given Riverview the edge if they were playing us in the Maritime Bowl. That's how much respect I have for their team. They've got depth, talent throughout the lineup and a star-studded coaching staff.''

SAINT JOHN - All signs point to a close game between the Saint John Longhorns and the Dartmouth Knights on Saturday in the Maritime Football League's Mariner Bowl.

The AA title tilt will be played at the Canada Games Stadium at 4 p.m.

The first and only time the teams met this season was a 28-27 win for the Longhorns in week three. The game was decided in the final seconds when defensive lineman Aaron Drummond blocked the Knights' extra-point attempt to seal the victory.

The teams also finished the regular season with identical 4-4 records.

The Longhorns downed the UNBSJ Wolves 34-26 to advance to the Mariner Bowl while the Knights disposed of the Prince Edward Island Privateers 61-20.

Longhorns head coach Eric Sabean said his team has to contain Knights quarterback Dan Williams.

"We were schooled by him in the second half of our game against the Knights," Sabean said of the former Arena Football League 2 quarterback for the Fargo Freeze. "When he plays, he looks like a pro and he throws the ball better than anyone in the league.''

The Longhorns have been going over game film on Williams as they look for his tendencies and patterns.

"The game figures to be a shootout and we just have to try and contain him," Sabean said.

Offensively, the Longhorns might be without one of their running backs. Gary Brown was injured during last weekend's game with the Wolves and Sabean said his status for Saturday is unclear.

"We're planning the week as if we're going to be without him," he said.

That puts the running load on Peter Shea and adds emphasis to the passing game led by quarterback Reece Roche. While the Saint John squad boasts two all-star receivers in Jim Mather and Dave Morell, the key to the passing game on Saturday may be their tight ends.

"Up until the last couple of weeks, we haven't used our tight ends in the passing game," Roche said. "We've needed them to stay in and block."

Against the Wolves, the Longhorns changed their approach and began to throw to tight ends Mike Cobham and Don Shannon.

"We've been picking up the blitz pretty good and dumping the ball to those guys who are wide open," Roche said.

One of the tight ends, Cobham, caught one of those passes last week and turned it into a touchdown.

As for those long bombs to the wide receivers, Roche said he expects Mather to be double-covered, which has been the case all year.

"I'm not worried about that because (Jim) runs great routes and if he's double-covered then (Morell) will be one-on-one on the other side," the quarterback said.

The Maritime Bowl will also take place on Saturday in Riverview as the undefeated Mustangs take on the Halifax Shockers. The AAA championship game will be played at Dobson Field at 4 p.m.