Jacobs tops Carruthers in Page playoff 3-4 game to reach semifinal at Montana’s Brier

Brad Jacobs and his Alberta team have made it to the semifinals of the Montana’s Brier after defeating Manitoba’s Reid Carruthers in a tight 6-5 game. The veteran skip joined his new teammates last spring with the goal of reaching the final Sunday, and they have now achieved that milestone. However, their ultimate aim is to stand on the top step of the podium.

Jacobs expressed confidence in his team, stating that they are in a good position to compete for the championship. After a tough ninth end where they gave up a steal of two, Jacobs used the hammer in the 10th to secure a single point for the win.

The top-ranked Matt Dunstone of Manitoba and defending champion Brad Gushue were set to face off in the Page playoff 1-2 game, with the winner advancing to the final. The loser of that game will go on to play Jacobs in the semifinal on Sunday morning.

The game between Jacobs and Carruthers was filled with excellent shotmaking from both teams, with Carruthers making a brilliant tap in the second end and Jacobs responding with a tough pick to salvage a single. The Alberta foursome managed to build a lead, but Carruthers fought back to tie the game in the ninth end.

Jacobs went undefeated in the round-robin stage with an 8-0 record, with his only loss coming in a qualifier against Gushue. Carruthers, who had a 6-2 record in round-robin play, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short against Jacobs.

Gushue is aiming to win his fourth consecutive national men’s curling championship and his seventh overall. Jacobs, who won his lone Brier title in 2013, formed a new team with Kennedy, Gallant, and Hebert after parting ways with Brendan Bottcher. The team has had a successful season, ranked second in Canada.

In other news, well-known curling writer Ted Wyman was posthumously awarded the Paul McLean Award for his lasting contribution to the sport. His son, Chris, accepted the award during the event.

As the Brier competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and intense gameplay as the teams battle it out for the championship title. Stay tuned for more updates and results from the Montana’s Brier.