September 5, 2017

Fraser, Gillespie, Bennett Named OUA Football Players of the Week

BURLINGTON, Ont. - The following athletes have been named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Football Players of the Week for the period ending Sept 5, 2017.

OFFENCE: Zeph Fraser (Mississauga, Ont) - 3rd year - Guelph

In just his second game in a Gryphon uniform, third year man and Laurier transfer Zeph Fraser had an outstanding performance against the No. 3-ranked Western Mustangs. The Mississauga native hauled in 8 receptions for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping the Gryphons push the Mustangs to overtime before ultimately falling 41-34 in what turned out to be an instant classic from London on Monday night.

After accounting for the Gryphons first touchdown of the night with a 4-yard reception in the 2nd quarter, Fraser was at it again in the 4th when he hauled in a 24-yard TD pass to tie the game at 24-24. Zeph's longest reception on the night was a 35-yard connection with James Roberts in the 1st half that led to a Gabe Ferraro field goal.

The Gryphons look to get their first win of the season when they host the Windsor Lancers Saturday afternoon from Alumni Stadium

DEFENCE: Jordan Gillespie (Whitby, Ont) – 3^rd year - Toronto

Third-year defensive back Jordan Gillespie came up with two big plays, accumulating five tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception for a touchdown in leading the Toronto Varsity Blues to a 19-12 victory over the Windsor Lancers on Monday night.

After two lightning delays at Varsity Stadium, Gillespie sparked Toronto's defensive corps. The human biology major from Whitby, Ont., notched the eventual winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter with a 42-yard pick six to give Toronto a 19-6 advantage with 11:11 remaining in the game.

He also recovered a Lancers fumble in U of T's end zone, preventing Windsor from tying the game at 7-7 late in the second quarter.

In two games so far this year, he has 11 tackles on the season and two pass breakups.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jackson Bennett (Cumberland, Ont) - 5^th yr – Ottawa

For the second week in a row, an Ottawa Gee-Gees player takes home the Special Teams Player of the Week. Following on the heels of teammate Lewis Ward, who went 6 of 8 to win the award the previous week, Jackson Bennett is this week's winner.

The only had one kick return the entire game, but that single return was a game-changing play. Following a Nick LIberatore field goal that increased Queen's lead to 13-6 with 1:59 left in the game, Bennett awaited just outside the Gee-Gees endzone.

The following kickoff produced one of the great early highlights of the OUA football season, as Bennett's elite speed was on full display. The went 99 yards to the house for the game-winning touchdown, giving Ottawa a one point victory over Queens' to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Bennett was named to the OUA All-Rookie Team in 2014-15, and last season was named a Second Team All-Star.

The Gee-Gees look to move to 3-0 on the season when they head to Toronto this Saturday to take on the 0-2 York Lions.