September 26, 2005
GOLDEN HAWKS WINS 13TH STRAIGHT IN REGULAR SEASON
Laurier 33 McMaster 26
With 40 seconds left on the clock, McMaster was faced with a third and goal, just three yards from tying the game. Marauder quarterback Jon Behie dropped back and overthrew wide out Vaughn Swart, ending any chance for a comeback and sealing a 33-26 win for the Hawks.
It was Laurier’s second home game of the season, in front of an impressive 3,323 fans at University Stadium. It also extended their OUA regular season winning steak to 13 games.
Despite the win, the Hawks played a sloppy game. Wilfrid Laurier led most of the game, but couldn’t seem to put Mac away. They struggled in the red zone only converting one of their attempts into a touchdown. "A win is a win," said quarterback Ryan Pyear after the game. "We know what we have to work on and we’re going to start preparing for Homecoming against Waterloo next week."
Nick Cameron put the Hawks ahead 8-3 with a goal line score in the second quarter. It was the lone rushing highlight for Laurier, on a day where they only rushed for a total of 88 yards against a tough Mac defensive line.
The third quarter started with a 32-yard Jahmeeks Beckford interception return for a touchdown, putting the Hawks on top 23-4. It seemed as if the game was in hand at that point, but McMaster wasn’t going away – running back Jordan Kozina was about to bring them back.
Kozina entered this season in the shadow of former Marauder Jesse Lumsden. However, he cracked the Laurier defense in this game, something Lumsden wasn’t able to do against the Hawks last season. He opened the third quarter with two rushing touchdowns, the first coming on an impressive 94-yard run – he finished the game with 156 yards on 26 carries, adding two touchdowns.
After exchanging rouges and McMaster conceding a safety, Laurier’s lead grew to 26-19. With five minutes left, Laurier was faced with a crucial second and 10, which was promptly converted on a 24-yard pass by Pyear to wide out Joel Wright. A minute and a half later, Andrew Agro was in the end zone catching a six-yard corner route from Pyear, putting the Hawks up by 2 scores and the game out of reach.
"That’s what’s so great about our receivers – we have so many great guys, it’s tough for teams to scheme against us," said Agro, who caught just his first touchdown of the season, and more than double his reception and yards totals – finishing the game with 6 receptions for 71 yards and the touchdown. "It’s tough playing against a team like Mac. They have such great depth, especially on defense – this was a huge win for us."
Pyear quietly threw for 306 yards on 19 of 31 attempts. Behie finished 20-for-42 for 352 yards and one touchdown, despite playing with what McMaster was calling a sore shoulder.
Laurier (4-0) now looks forward to Homecoming next weekend against the Waterloo Warriors (2-1) as they play at 2PM. McMaster (2-2) is back at home to play the Queen’s Golden Gaels (1-3).
(Source: Laurier Sports Information)
Ottawa 33 Queen’s 18
The Golden Gaels dropped to 1-3 on the season with a 33-18 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Played as part of Queen’s homecoming weekend, the game attracted a sell-out crowd of 10,818.
Defensive play dominated the first half of football. Ottawa opened the scoring eight minutes into the game with a 32-yard field goal by Ara Tchobanian. Queen’s took the lead soon after when linebacker Mike Patone stripped the ball from Ottawa pivot Josh Sacobie and ran 14 yards to the endzone. Tchobanian added a 17-yard field goal early in the second quarter to trim Queen’s lead to a single point. Momentum suddenly shifted in the final minute of the half when Ottawa linebacker Cheeler Lindor intercepted an Ali Clarkson pass and returned it 71 yards for a touchdown. Ottawa suddenly had a 13-7 lead that they carried into halftime.
Coming out of the intermission, Queen’s trimmed Ottawa’s lead by three points on a field goal by Ryan Elger at the 6:57 mark of the third quarter, but proceeded to allow 20 unanswered points. Tchobanian added a pair of field goals, while Sacobie connected with Brandon Weekes for a five-yard major, and later ran in a 13-yard score himself. Quarterback Danny Brannagan was able to marshal his troops as the clock wound down, leading an 11-play, 75-yard drive that climaxed with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Brad Smith with 47 seconds left on the clock. A successful onside kick by the Gaels helped generate some excitement for the faithful still at the stadium, but the combination of Ottawa’s 33-18 lead and the vanishing clock time quickly dashed any hope of a comeback.
Gaels starting quarterback Danny Brannagan completed 18 of 30 attempts for 134 yards, including his one touchdown pass to Brad Smith. Ali Clarkson also saw some action in the game, completing five of 10 attempts for 27 yards and one interception. Mike Giffin continued to lead the Queen’s ground game with 14 carries for 87 yards, while Brad Smith was the Gaels’ leading receiver with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
For the Gee-Gees, quarterback Josh Sacobie completed 20 of 33 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception. David Crane was his leading receiver with 60 yards on four catches.
Queen's drops to 1-3 on the season with the loss, and will be in Hamilton next Saturday (1 Oct.) to take on the McMaster Marauders. Ottawa improves to 2-2, and will host Windsor next weekend.
(Source: Queen’s Sports Information)
Western 64 Waterloo 4
The #6 ranked Western Mustangs marched into University Stadium Saturday evening and overpowered the hometown Waterloo Warriors 64-4. With the score 9-3 Western late in the first, Mustangs standout Andy Fantuz reeled in a 48 yards pass from QB Mark Howard making the score 16-3 at the end of one quarter. Western never looked back and stretched their lead to 29-3 at half and 46-4 after three. It was more of the same in the fourth as Western cruised to a 64-4 final.
QB Mark Howard led the Mustangs passing attack completing 16-22 for 299 yards and 2 TDs. Ex-Warrior RB Jay Akindolire made his Western debut against his old team finishing with 121 yards on 11 carries and one TD.
For Waterloo, QB Jon Morbey struggled against the powerful Mustangs defense completing only 8 passes on 24 attempts for 62 yards. Alex Balloway led the Warriors on the ground with 60 yards on 7 carries.
The Warriors fall to 2-2 on the season and take on cross-town rival WLU in the in the annual Battle of Waterloo next weekend. Western remains undefeated at 4-0 and will host the York Lions Saturday afternoon in London.
(Source: Waterloo Sports Information)
York 22 Guelph 15
The York University Lions improved to 3-1 for the first time since 1997 with a 22-15 victory over the visiting Guelph Gryphons on Saturday in Toronto.
York running back Bryan Wheatle rushed for a game-high 140 yards on 19 carries, while quarterback Bart Zemanek ran for a major and threw a pair of touchdown passes to lead the Lions to only their third victory over the Gryphons since 1996.
The Lions led 15-0 at the half thanks to a 21-yard touchdown pass from Zemanek to Ricardo Hudson early in the second quarter, followed by a one-yard run by Zemanek.
York increased its lead to 22-0 on a 28-yard touchdown toss from Zemanek to Robin Legault mid-way through the third quarter. The Gryphons would respond with 15 straight points but were unable to complete the comeback.
Guelph quarterback Justin Dunk threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Keegan late in the third frame to put the Gryphons on the board. Guelph would pull within seven with just under three minutes remaining on a two-yard quarterback sneak by Dunk.
Strong management of the clock by Zemanek and some solid runs from Wheatle in the final minutes of the game prevented the Gryphon comeback.
Zemanek finished the day 13-of-27 for 163 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Dunk, in his first OUA start, was 16-of-38 for 216 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was also Guelph's top rusher with nine carries for 71 yards and a major. Guelph's Dave McKoy led all receivers with 108 yards on eight catches.
Defensively, the Lions put constant pressure on Dunk sacking him five times. Defensive end Sean Simms led York with three sacks, while linebacker Andrew Olechna added a pair.
Guelph's Andrew Oosterhuis recorded a game-high eight tackles.
The Lions (3-1) will travel to Western next Saturday, while the Gryphons (0-4) host Toronto.
(Source: York Sports Information)
Windsor 63 Toronto 22
The Windsor Lancers football team defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 63-22 under the lights at the Lancers Homecoming game.
In front of an exuberant crowd, Lancer RB Daryl Stephenson rushed for 280 yards and 5 touchdowns to set a new Lancer record for individual yards rushed in a career. The title was previously held for 25 years by former Lancer All-Canadian, and current Touchdown Club president, Craig Mallender.
The Lancers got things rolling at the 3:39 mark of the first quarter with their first touchdown of the game by Stephenson. Stephenson’s added two more scores in the first half and Lancer WR Arjei Franklin crossed the line with 3 seconds left in the half to put the Lancers up 35-15 going into the half.
Toronto’s QB David Hamilton made a valiant effort throughout the game completing 13 passes for 265 yards, one being a pass to WR Tony Mammoliti for a 93 yard touchdown reception at the end of the third quarter.
Despite the Lancers 17 penalties for 178 yards lost, they were able to run the ball throughout the game with Franklin taking the highlight of the night with a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.
(Source: Windsor Sports Information)
Photo: Laurier cornerback Jahmeeks Beckford makes a tackle in the Golden Hawks' 33-26 win over McMaster. Photo taken by Mike Whitehouse, WLU.)
With 40 seconds left on the clock, McMaster was faced with a third and goal, just three yards from tying the game. Marauder quarterback Jon Behie dropped back and overthrew wide out Vaughn Swart, ending any chance for a comeback and sealing a 33-26 win for the Hawks.
It was Laurier’s second home game of the season, in front of an impressive 3,323 fans at University Stadium. It also extended their OUA regular season winning steak to 13 games.
Despite the win, the Hawks played a sloppy game. Wilfrid Laurier led most of the game, but couldn’t seem to put Mac away. They struggled in the red zone only converting one of their attempts into a touchdown. "A win is a win," said quarterback Ryan Pyear after the game. "We know what we have to work on and we’re going to start preparing for Homecoming against Waterloo next week."
Nick Cameron put the Hawks ahead 8-3 with a goal line score in the second quarter. It was the lone rushing highlight for Laurier, on a day where they only rushed for a total of 88 yards against a tough Mac defensive line.
The third quarter started with a 32-yard Jahmeeks Beckford interception return for a touchdown, putting the Hawks on top 23-4. It seemed as if the game was in hand at that point, but McMaster wasn’t going away – running back Jordan Kozina was about to bring them back.
Kozina entered this season in the shadow of former Marauder Jesse Lumsden. However, he cracked the Laurier defense in this game, something Lumsden wasn’t able to do against the Hawks last season. He opened the third quarter with two rushing touchdowns, the first coming on an impressive 94-yard run – he finished the game with 156 yards on 26 carries, adding two touchdowns.
After exchanging rouges and McMaster conceding a safety, Laurier’s lead grew to 26-19. With five minutes left, Laurier was faced with a crucial second and 10, which was promptly converted on a 24-yard pass by Pyear to wide out Joel Wright. A minute and a half later, Andrew Agro was in the end zone catching a six-yard corner route from Pyear, putting the Hawks up by 2 scores and the game out of reach.
"That’s what’s so great about our receivers – we have so many great guys, it’s tough for teams to scheme against us," said Agro, who caught just his first touchdown of the season, and more than double his reception and yards totals – finishing the game with 6 receptions for 71 yards and the touchdown. "It’s tough playing against a team like Mac. They have such great depth, especially on defense – this was a huge win for us."
Pyear quietly threw for 306 yards on 19 of 31 attempts. Behie finished 20-for-42 for 352 yards and one touchdown, despite playing with what McMaster was calling a sore shoulder.
Laurier (4-0) now looks forward to Homecoming next weekend against the Waterloo Warriors (2-1) as they play at 2PM. McMaster (2-2) is back at home to play the Queen’s Golden Gaels (1-3).
(Source: Laurier Sports Information)
Ottawa 33 Queen’s 18
The Golden Gaels dropped to 1-3 on the season with a 33-18 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Played as part of Queen’s homecoming weekend, the game attracted a sell-out crowd of 10,818.
Defensive play dominated the first half of football. Ottawa opened the scoring eight minutes into the game with a 32-yard field goal by Ara Tchobanian. Queen’s took the lead soon after when linebacker Mike Patone stripped the ball from Ottawa pivot Josh Sacobie and ran 14 yards to the endzone. Tchobanian added a 17-yard field goal early in the second quarter to trim Queen’s lead to a single point. Momentum suddenly shifted in the final minute of the half when Ottawa linebacker Cheeler Lindor intercepted an Ali Clarkson pass and returned it 71 yards for a touchdown. Ottawa suddenly had a 13-7 lead that they carried into halftime.
Coming out of the intermission, Queen’s trimmed Ottawa’s lead by three points on a field goal by Ryan Elger at the 6:57 mark of the third quarter, but proceeded to allow 20 unanswered points. Tchobanian added a pair of field goals, while Sacobie connected with Brandon Weekes for a five-yard major, and later ran in a 13-yard score himself. Quarterback Danny Brannagan was able to marshal his troops as the clock wound down, leading an 11-play, 75-yard drive that climaxed with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Brad Smith with 47 seconds left on the clock. A successful onside kick by the Gaels helped generate some excitement for the faithful still at the stadium, but the combination of Ottawa’s 33-18 lead and the vanishing clock time quickly dashed any hope of a comeback.
Gaels starting quarterback Danny Brannagan completed 18 of 30 attempts for 134 yards, including his one touchdown pass to Brad Smith. Ali Clarkson also saw some action in the game, completing five of 10 attempts for 27 yards and one interception. Mike Giffin continued to lead the Queen’s ground game with 14 carries for 87 yards, while Brad Smith was the Gaels’ leading receiver with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
For the Gee-Gees, quarterback Josh Sacobie completed 20 of 33 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception. David Crane was his leading receiver with 60 yards on four catches.
Queen's drops to 1-3 on the season with the loss, and will be in Hamilton next Saturday (1 Oct.) to take on the McMaster Marauders. Ottawa improves to 2-2, and will host Windsor next weekend.
(Source: Queen’s Sports Information)
Western 64 Waterloo 4
The #6 ranked Western Mustangs marched into University Stadium Saturday evening and overpowered the hometown Waterloo Warriors 64-4. With the score 9-3 Western late in the first, Mustangs standout Andy Fantuz reeled in a 48 yards pass from QB Mark Howard making the score 16-3 at the end of one quarter. Western never looked back and stretched their lead to 29-3 at half and 46-4 after three. It was more of the same in the fourth as Western cruised to a 64-4 final.
QB Mark Howard led the Mustangs passing attack completing 16-22 for 299 yards and 2 TDs. Ex-Warrior RB Jay Akindolire made his Western debut against his old team finishing with 121 yards on 11 carries and one TD.
For Waterloo, QB Jon Morbey struggled against the powerful Mustangs defense completing only 8 passes on 24 attempts for 62 yards. Alex Balloway led the Warriors on the ground with 60 yards on 7 carries.
The Warriors fall to 2-2 on the season and take on cross-town rival WLU in the in the annual Battle of Waterloo next weekend. Western remains undefeated at 4-0 and will host the York Lions Saturday afternoon in London.
(Source: Waterloo Sports Information)
York 22 Guelph 15
The York University Lions improved to 3-1 for the first time since 1997 with a 22-15 victory over the visiting Guelph Gryphons on Saturday in Toronto.
York running back Bryan Wheatle rushed for a game-high 140 yards on 19 carries, while quarterback Bart Zemanek ran for a major and threw a pair of touchdown passes to lead the Lions to only their third victory over the Gryphons since 1996.
The Lions led 15-0 at the half thanks to a 21-yard touchdown pass from Zemanek to Ricardo Hudson early in the second quarter, followed by a one-yard run by Zemanek.
York increased its lead to 22-0 on a 28-yard touchdown toss from Zemanek to Robin Legault mid-way through the third quarter. The Gryphons would respond with 15 straight points but were unable to complete the comeback.
Guelph quarterback Justin Dunk threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Keegan late in the third frame to put the Gryphons on the board. Guelph would pull within seven with just under three minutes remaining on a two-yard quarterback sneak by Dunk.
Strong management of the clock by Zemanek and some solid runs from Wheatle in the final minutes of the game prevented the Gryphon comeback.
Zemanek finished the day 13-of-27 for 163 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Dunk, in his first OUA start, was 16-of-38 for 216 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was also Guelph's top rusher with nine carries for 71 yards and a major. Guelph's Dave McKoy led all receivers with 108 yards on eight catches.
Defensively, the Lions put constant pressure on Dunk sacking him five times. Defensive end Sean Simms led York with three sacks, while linebacker Andrew Olechna added a pair.
Guelph's Andrew Oosterhuis recorded a game-high eight tackles.
The Lions (3-1) will travel to Western next Saturday, while the Gryphons (0-4) host Toronto.
(Source: York Sports Information)
Windsor 63 Toronto 22
The Windsor Lancers football team defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 63-22 under the lights at the Lancers Homecoming game.
In front of an exuberant crowd, Lancer RB Daryl Stephenson rushed for 280 yards and 5 touchdowns to set a new Lancer record for individual yards rushed in a career. The title was previously held for 25 years by former Lancer All-Canadian, and current Touchdown Club president, Craig Mallender.
The Lancers got things rolling at the 3:39 mark of the first quarter with their first touchdown of the game by Stephenson. Stephenson’s added two more scores in the first half and Lancer WR Arjei Franklin crossed the line with 3 seconds left in the half to put the Lancers up 35-15 going into the half.
Toronto’s QB David Hamilton made a valiant effort throughout the game completing 13 passes for 265 yards, one being a pass to WR Tony Mammoliti for a 93 yard touchdown reception at the end of the third quarter.
Despite the Lancers 17 penalties for 178 yards lost, they were able to run the ball throughout the game with Franklin taking the highlight of the night with a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.
(Source: Windsor Sports Information)
Photo: Laurier cornerback Jahmeeks Beckford makes a tackle in the Golden Hawks' 33-26 win over McMaster. Photo taken by Mike Whitehouse, WLU.)
