Laurier advances with 42-10 win over Guelph
WATERLOO, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons lost both of their quarterbacks in the first half of the match to give the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks a 42-10 decision.
Chris Rossetti of Mississauga, Ont. was in the game for about three drives before being tackled on a rush and injuring his knee. Backup quarterback Luke Nangle of London, Ont. was taken down on an interception return at the end of the first half leaving the pivot position vacant. Reciever Jedd Gardner of Niagara Falls, Ont. filled in for the second half.
Even with the injuries to Guelph, Laurier’s offence was working on all cylinders as Shane Kelly went an efficient 22-for-33 with 282 yards and two touchdowns. Kelly connected with Shamawd Chambers of Markham, Ont. for Laurier's first score of the match just six minutes in.
"We're hitting our stride right at the right time," said Shane Kelly. "We had a lot of adversity earlier in the season, but right now everything seems to be coming together."
The Hawks next major came from an unexpected source. Defensive lineman Stephen Cormack of Waterloo, Ont. picked off Nangle and ran it back 57 yards to give the purple and gold a 19-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The two team's would exchange field goals between the second and third frames to make it 29-4 going into the final 15 minutes.
The Hawks exploded in the fourth quarter with two majors. On the first, Shane Kelly connected with Dillon Heap of Waterloo, Ont. on a 14-yard strike. Then Rashad La Touche of Whitby, Ont. turned a third down conversion into a major.
Guelph's lone touchdown also came in the fourth quarter with Nick Fitzgibbon of Puslinch, Ont. taking advantage of a third and long play for a 54-yard score. The run helped the OUA’s leading rusher to 142 yards on the ground on 24 carries.
On defence, the Gryphon's Adam Dunk of Guelph, Ont. had an impressive outing with 14 tackles of which 13 were solo and two assisted. Sebastian Howard of Niagara Falls, Ont. had the lone pick for the visitors, coming off Shane Kelly's first pass attempt of the game.
For Laurier, Mr. Everything Giancarlo Rapanaro of Niagara Falls, Ont. had a solid outing, taking over the place kicking duties for Nathan Hawkes of Kitchener, Ont. The fifth year linebacker went 3-for-3 in field goal kicking, hitting two 40-yarders as well as one from 22. He also had two interceptions and five tackles (three solo, four assisted).
Spencer Troop of Georgetown, Ont. led the Hawk defence with 6.5 tackles (five solo, three assisted) as well as an interception of his own.
"Got to put on the work boots and the work hat," said Comack on playing Ottawa next week. "They are top 3 in the nation for a reason and we are going to be in their house."
Laurier will now travel to Ottawa to take on the Gee Gee's at Frank Clair Stadium on Saturday, November 6th at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jessica Damery at 613 562-5800 x4337 or by email at ggtix@uOttawa.ca. They will also be available online at www.capitaltickets.ca
Source: Laurier Athletics
