OUA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
HAMILTON, Ont. – The following student-athletes have been named OUA Football Players of the Week for the period ending November 6, 2010.
OFFENCE: Alex Fortier-Labonté, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Receiver
The third-year from Gatineau, Que., led all receivers in Saturday’s game with 119 yards. Labonté made some critical catches down the stretch to help the Gee-Gees gain valuable field position for the come from behind one-point win over the Laurier Golden Hawks. In the first quarter, he made a 53-yard touchdown reception in what was a great catch even after the ball had been tipped by a Laurier defender.
DEFENCE: John Surla, Western Mustangs, Linebacker
With a team-high eight total tackles, including one tackle for a loss, a fumble recovery and a broken-up pass, Surla helped the Mustangs to come back to defeat the McMaster Marauders 34-28 in the OUA semifinal on Saturday at TD Waterhouse Stadium. Western’s defensive captain from Niagara Fall, Ont., and his defence held the Marauders in check, failing to surrender big points off turnovers. Western only allowed three points off two fumbles and three interceptions despite great McMaster field position off those turnovers.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Andrew Thibaudeau, Western Mustangs, Kick Returner
Thibaudeau was named Porter player of the game for his stellar performance including a school-record-tying 104-yard kickoff return midway through the first quarter which changed the momentum of the game in Western's 34-28 win over McMaster. The rookie’s kick return - the first of his CIS career despite having one called back in Week 8 against Toronto - tied the school record set by Brendan Lenko (vs. Windsor, Sept. 29, 1984) and Rob Stewart (vs. Waterloo, Sept. 13, 1986). Thibaudeau finished the contest with two touchdowns and 214 all-purpose yards including 91 receiving yards.
