October 21, 2004
PERFECT SEASON ON THE LINE FOR LAURIER
This Saturday, University Rush, presented by Wilson Sports Equipment, could feature history in the making as the second-ranked Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks (7-0) go for their first perfect season in 38 years when they take on the York University Lions (3-4). Game time is 2 p.m.
Not since 1966, when the Golden Hawks went 7-0 in the Ontario Intercollegiate Football Conference has a Laurier team run the board in the regular season. Back in 1966, when the University was known as Waterloo Lutheran, the football team competed in the second annual Canadian College Bowl, what is presently known as the Vanier Cup, falling 40-14 to St. Francis Xavier University. On the brink of a second perfect season, speculation into Laurier's chances in reaching the Canadian university football championship have arisen.
Despite some controversy in the off-season, Laurier has added to last year's successful season which included an appearance at the Yates Cup. In 2004, the Hawks became the first OUA team in 39 games to defeat the four-time defending OUA champion McMaster University Marauders. In addition, Laurier, along with No. 1 Université de Montreal Carabins, are the only remaining undefeated teams in the country.
Laurier is loaded on both sides of the line. With a courageous quarterback in Ryan Pyear (Belleville, ON) and a high-powered offense that boasts top tens in both rushing and receiving yards, the Golden Hawks can hurt opponents on the ground or in the air. Nick Cameron (Norland, ON) has racked up 797 rushing yards on the season, while Andrew Baechler (Ayr, ON) and Andrew Agro (Burlington, ON) lead the aerial assault.
Defensively, Laurier holds their opponents to an average of 280 yards per game, tops in the OUA and fifth in the country. Linebacker Jesse Alexander (Waterloo, ON), who leads the nation in sacks, heads up the defensive unit along with Lee Maggiacomo (Cambridge, ON) and Yannick Carter (Waterloo, ON).
For the 3-4 Lions, a loss does not necessary mean the end of their season. The only way York won't see the playoffs are combined victories by both the University of Guelph Gryphons, who are facing the winless University of Toronto Varsity Blues, and the University of Waterloo Warriors, who meet the University of Windsor Lancers.
York's offence is centered around second-year running back Andre Durie (Mississauga, ON). Second in the nation with 1238 rushing yards, the Arts student is averaging an incredible first down per carry. Last week he ran for 334 yards, just 15 yards shy of the OUA record for most yards in a single game, which coincidentally, he set last year. In fact, Durie always seems to put on a show when the nation is watching. Last year's record setting performance came on national television in the final week of the regular season and earlier this year, Durie tied a CIS record of six touchdowns in the University Rush game against the Waterloo Warriors.
With the announcement this week of a new partnership with the Toronto Argonauts and a new stadium on its way, York will be buzzing with football excitement. Will it be enough to stop history in the making? Can the York Lions spoil Laurier's perfect season? Tune into the Score Television Network, Saturday at 2 p.m. to find out.
Not since 1966, when the Golden Hawks went 7-0 in the Ontario Intercollegiate Football Conference has a Laurier team run the board in the regular season. Back in 1966, when the University was known as Waterloo Lutheran, the football team competed in the second annual Canadian College Bowl, what is presently known as the Vanier Cup, falling 40-14 to St. Francis Xavier University. On the brink of a second perfect season, speculation into Laurier's chances in reaching the Canadian university football championship have arisen.
Despite some controversy in the off-season, Laurier has added to last year's successful season which included an appearance at the Yates Cup. In 2004, the Hawks became the first OUA team in 39 games to defeat the four-time defending OUA champion McMaster University Marauders. In addition, Laurier, along with No. 1 Université de Montreal Carabins, are the only remaining undefeated teams in the country.
Laurier is loaded on both sides of the line. With a courageous quarterback in Ryan Pyear (Belleville, ON) and a high-powered offense that boasts top tens in both rushing and receiving yards, the Golden Hawks can hurt opponents on the ground or in the air. Nick Cameron (Norland, ON) has racked up 797 rushing yards on the season, while Andrew Baechler (Ayr, ON) and Andrew Agro (Burlington, ON) lead the aerial assault.
Defensively, Laurier holds their opponents to an average of 280 yards per game, tops in the OUA and fifth in the country. Linebacker Jesse Alexander (Waterloo, ON), who leads the nation in sacks, heads up the defensive unit along with Lee Maggiacomo (Cambridge, ON) and Yannick Carter (Waterloo, ON).
For the 3-4 Lions, a loss does not necessary mean the end of their season. The only way York won't see the playoffs are combined victories by both the University of Guelph Gryphons, who are facing the winless University of Toronto Varsity Blues, and the University of Waterloo Warriors, who meet the University of Windsor Lancers.
York's offence is centered around second-year running back Andre Durie (Mississauga, ON). Second in the nation with 1238 rushing yards, the Arts student is averaging an incredible first down per carry. Last week he ran for 334 yards, just 15 yards shy of the OUA record for most yards in a single game, which coincidentally, he set last year. In fact, Durie always seems to put on a show when the nation is watching. Last year's record setting performance came on national television in the final week of the regular season and earlier this year, Durie tied a CIS record of six touchdowns in the University Rush game against the Waterloo Warriors.
With the announcement this week of a new partnership with the Toronto Argonauts and a new stadium on its way, York will be buzzing with football excitement. Will it be enough to stop history in the making? Can the York Lions spoil Laurier's perfect season? Tune into the Score Television Network, Saturday at 2 p.m. to find out.
