CIS Football Preview: St. Francis Xavier X-Men (0-0) vs. Acadia Axemen (0-1)

Preview Summary

StFX opens its 2025 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) slate on the road against Acadia in a rivalry matchup that shapes each team’s early-season trajectory. The X-Men bring a physical running attack and improved secondary, while Acadia leans on a young quarterback and home-field energy. Expect a close, grind-it-out affair—until one side’s big playmaker breaks it open.

Key Storylines

• Momentum Shift
  • StFX ended 2024 at 3–5 (2–4 AUS), snapped a three-game slide under first-year HC Brad Furlong.
  • Acadia finished 1–7 (1–5 AUS) but returns six defensive starters and its leading rusher for a tough, bounce-back campaign.
• Rivalry Intensity
  • The X-Men hold a 31–21 edge since 1970. Acadia’s Wolfville crowd brings a cauldron atmosphere that tests StFX’s slow-start history on the road.
• “X-Factor” Impact

• StFX freshman RB Theo Burns (1,050 yards, 12 TDs in HS) can explode if Acadia’s front defends light.
• Acadia’s sophomore LB Malik Carswell leads the AUS in TFLs through exhibition play.

Tactical Matchups

Offense vs. Defense

• StFX Offense
  • Ground-heavy: 60% rush ratio last fall.
  • Upgraded OL adding transfer C Logan Smith for gap control.
• Acadia Defense

• Front seven returning 4 of 5 starters.
• Secondary young, surrendered 240 yards/game last year.

Special Teams

• StFX K Royce Chan tied for AUS rookie scoring lead in exhibition.
• Acadia P Connor Lee ranks top 3 in hang time, crucial in flipping field position.

Broadcast & Streaming

• Live Stats: goxgo.ca/live
• Video Stream: AUS YouTube channel (free)
• Radio: CKDU 88.1 FM (Halifax) / 101.5 FM (Antigonish)

What to Watch

• First-quarter ground battle: Whichever team wins the line sets the tone.
• Third-down defenses: Both units ranked bottom-third in AUS; pivotal stops could swing momentum.
• Red-zone efficiency: Acadia’s staff emphasized finishing drives—look for scripted plays inside the 20.

Looking Ahead

A StFX victory lays groundwork for a home tilt vs. Saint Mary’s (Sept. 6). An Axemen upset builds confidence before visiting Mount Allison (Sept. 13). Either way, Friday’s result will reverberate through the AUS standings.