CIS football Saturday roundup

Source: Michael Grobe, McMaster

HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster’s 12 game home winning streak is over with a disappointing 58-15 loss to the No. 4 Western Mustangs on Saturday at Ron Joyce Stadium.

Western struck for 31 first half points including 21 in the second quarter to cruise to its third victory of the 2013 season.  The Mustangs improve to 3-0 while No. 6 McMaster drops to 1-2 on the season. 

Will Finch of Burlington, Ont., tossed five touchdowns finishing the game 27-for-36 with 467-yards in the air.

Finch was able to break down McMaster’s secondary taking advantage of the big play recording touchdowns on three throws over 40-yards.  His longest was a 79-yard bomb to receiver George Johnson of London, Ont. in the fourth quarter.

Johnson scored two touchdowns recording 224-yards on nine receptions. Western’s Tommy Marshall of London, Ont., also recorded two touchdowns in the game.

Joshua Vandeweerd of Burlington, Ont., scored McMaster's only major of the game with 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter.  The second-year Kinesiology student was McMaster’s top receiver finishing with a touchdown and 103-yards on 11 receptions.

McMaster's Tyler Crapigna of Nepean, Ont., was a perfect three-for-three kicking field goals from 44, 36 and 35 yards out.

Marshall Ferguson of Burlington, Ont., threw for 312-yards going 27-for-43 with two interceptions and one touchdown. 

Western’s kicker Lirim Hajrullahu of St. Catharines, Ont. hit five field goals during the game.

McMaster’s last home loss came almost two years to the day when they dropped a 48-21 decision to Western on September 10, 2011. That season the Marauders would go on to win the school’s first Vanier Cup.

Announced attendance at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton was 5,003.

OTTAWA - The exciting inauguration of the University of Ottawa’s new football stadium, the suitably named Gee-Gees Field, took place Saturday afternoon with uOttawa hosting the Toronto Varsity Blues. The garnet and grey prevailed with an impressive win and a commanding final score of 34-10.

The cloudy September day did not manage to put a damper on the Gee-Gees or their fans’ team spirit. The squad made their Gee-Gee fans, most notably Prime Minister Stephen Harper, proud with aggressive defensive plays as well as tactical offensive ones.

Quarterback Aaron Colbon orchestrated another noteworthy performance at the home opener. This game’s 523 passing yards helped shoot him to the number one spot on the CIS list. His total passing yardage is now 1,310 over the opening three games. In the 2011-12 season, he finished third on that same list.

Bringing his A-game to the stadium, Gee-Gee Andrew Mullings racked up 192 receiving yards and is ascending the ladder of the CIS towards the top receivers. Always optimistic when it comes to his team, Mullings is eager to watch them excel throughout the season. “Week in, week out we’re moving the ball. We’re better on defense. We’re getting better in all aspects of the game.”

Team captain Brenden Gillanders scored two big touchdowns, the latter thanks to a 53-yard pass from Aaron Colbon, thus greatly contributing to his team’s success. Top rusher between both teams gaining 102 yards, Gillanders thought it was an all in all successful home opening game. Although, he was quick to emphasize that there is always room for improvement. “We left some points on the board offensively so I think that there are still things that we need to work on and capitalize on.”

As for Toronto, they were able to bring down uOttawa’s quarterback Colbon three times throughout the game. In the first quarter, the team rallied together and Eric Hewitson scored a field goal in an attempt to counter the previous touchdown made by Gee-Gee Gillanders. Head coach Greg Gary and his Varsity Blues scored a touchdown in the second quarter resulting from a 17-yard pass from quarterback Chris Jugovic, who is ranked ninth in the CIS for passing. The convert scored by Hewitson rounded up their total points for the game.

Throughout the game, uOttawa got slammed with 21 penalties and the loss of 142 yards. Head coach Jamie Barresi is determined to discourage multiple game penalties in the future. “I’m disappointed, we have to do something about it.” 

Jacques Lalande, a uOtttawa alumnus, attended the game, as he is an avid football fan and holds season tickets. He had nothing but praise for the Gillanders’ agility skills. “I’ve always liked his quickness.”

The next game for uOttawa is at the University of Western Ontario where the Gee-Gees will attempt to win a third game and keep their momentum going.

Source: Shawn MacDonald, Queen's Sports Information Officer

KINGSTON, Ont. - The No. 2 Gaels (3-0) put the game out of reach in the first half against the Windsor Lancers (1-2), as quarterback Billy McPhee(Burlington, Ont.)  threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns on 12 of 13 attempts in the opening two frames on Saturday afternoon at Richardson Stadium.

McPhee set the tone early, marching the Gaels' offense 67 yards down the field and capping the drive with a 40-yard strike to Justin Chapdelaine (Abbotsford, B.C.).

Lancer's quarterback Austin Kennedy responded on Windsor's next possession, orchestrating a 10-play, 84-yard drive, and running it in himself to tie the game seven apiece in the first quarter.

The Gaels blew the game open in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns on two plays. After a 35-yard pass to Scott Macdonell (Montreal) ended a 95-yard drive, Jonah Pataki (Wallaceburg, Ont.) jumped on the fumbled kick return in the endzone to put the Gaels up 28-10.

As the Lancer's leading rusher with 122 yards, Kennedy had 329 all-purpose yards on the day, but Windsor couldn't mount a second-half comeback.

McPhee ended the day 14 of 21 through the air, throwing for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Doug Corby (Burlington, Ont.) caught McPhee's longest pass, a 52-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Gaels' field goal unit was called upon four times throughout the game, and Dillon Wamsley (London, Ont.) connected on each attempt, including one off the upright and in.

Sam Sabourin (Stittsville, Ont.) was everywhere for the Gaels on defense, leading the team with 9.5 tackles while the Lancers were led by Akeem Whonder who had 6.5 tackles, a sack and a fumble recover.

Queen's will get a break from the action next week as they are on bye week while Windsor will host the Carleton Ravens on September 14. The Gaels next game will be on September 21 when they travel to Ottawa to take on the Gee-Gees.

Source: Alyson Fisher, York Sports Info

TORONTO – The York University Lions football team unveiled its new turf field Saturday (Sept. 7) and christened it in style, defeating the visiting Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 33-20 in the annual Frosh Frenzy game presented by YU-card at York Stadium.

The Lions erased a 15-5 half-time deficit with a huge third quarter, putting up 23 points and holding the Golden Hawks scoreless to take a commanding 28-15 lead into the final frame. The win was the Lions’ first over the Golden Hawks since 2002 and improved their record to 1-1 on the season, while the Golden Hawks fell to 0-3 with the loss.

The Lions were led on offence by fifth-year starting quarterback Myles Gibbon (Montreal), who finished the game with 211 yards through the air, another 155 on the ground and three total touchdowns – two passing and one rushing.

The opening half was all Laurier as first-year quarterback Julien John (Oakville, Ont.) found Greg Nyhof (Georgetown, Ont.) through the air for a touchdown at 10:41 of the opening quarter, taking an 8-0 lead after also scoring on a York-conceded safety five minutes in.

The assault continued on the ground with Dillon Campbell (Whitby, Ont.) adding a 69-yard touchdown run within the first two minutes of the second quarter, on his way to over 100 yards rushing in the first half. The major gave the Golden Hawks a 15-0 lead.

Penalties would limit the production of the Lions early, but the squad continued to show glimmers of offensive production thanks to the dynamic play of Gibbon under centre. Finding early chemistry with first-year running back Errol Brooks (Toronto), the two connected for almost 100 yards through the air by halftime, including a big 64-yard catch-and-run late in the first.

Nick Naylor (Abbotsford, B.C.) added a 36-yard field goal and Laurier conceded a safety to make it 15-5 for Laurier at the break.

The start of the third quarter would give way to a different Lions football team. As the rain dissipated, the squad exploded for 23 unanswered points, rejuvenating the energy of the team and stadium alike. Gibbon continued his dominant play, finding Ryan Dunaway (Burlington, Ont.) through the air, and adding a rushing major of his own to give the Lions their first lead of the game at 19-15. Brooks also found the end zone, catching Gibbon’s second passing touchdown, and adding finishing the day with 91 yards on the ground and 97 in the air.

After the slow start the defence proved equally devastating. Rookie defensive back Samir Boulazreg (Mississauga, Ont.) had a coming out party with two interceptions, including one he returned 31 yards, as well as four total tackles and two pass break-ups.

He was outdone only by fourth-year defensive end James Tuck (Aurora, Ont.), who finished the game with nine tackles, including four for a loss of 40 yards, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He was instrumental in virtually shutting down the Golden Hawks in the second half.

Another Naylor field goal capped the 33-20 victory.

John finished the game 9-for-32 for 148 yards, with the one touchdown and two interceptions. Laurier’s top offensive player was Campbell, who rushed for 146 yards on 16 carries and had the one score.

More than 2000 fans came out to cheer on the Lions despite a downpour that persisted for much of the game. As part of the festivities, there was a college cheer-off at half-time that was won by Glendon.

The Lions will hit the road next weekend (Sept. 14) to take on the defending Yates Cup champion McMaster Marauders at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ont., at 1pm, and will next play at home on Saturday, Sept. 28 in their annual Homecoming game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Source: Mike Beasley, Carleton Sports Info

Ravens Field was rocking on Saturday afternoon with the long awaited return of the Carleton football program.
 
After 15 pigskin starved years, football was back, the new stands were full and the sold out crowd was geared up for a great game.
 
The day had been years in the planning and what a great job the organizers did.
 
As the clock moved closer to 1:00PM, the Ravens Old Crows, Carleton student body and the Ottawa sports community came together to watch CIS football once again.
 
And like a great movie plot, the crowd rose as one as the ball was kicked off to start a new era in Ravens football.
 
But unfortunately the result of the game could not be scripted in Carleton’s favour as Waterloo spoiled the day and defeated the Ravens 47-8.
 
“There was a fantastic atmosphere out there today (Saturday) it was electric,” said Steve Sumarah, Ravens head coach.
 
“Playing in front of a home crowd like that with so much noise and emotion was a definitely a first for most our guys.”
 
Waterloo (2-1) lead 16-0 at halftime but Carleton regrouped during the break and came back for the final 15 minutes with more composure and confidence.
 
In the third quarter the Ravens outscored the Warriors 8-7 highlighted by a 22 yard touchdown pass from QB Jesse Mills (Halifax, NS) to R Kyle Van Wynsberghe (Delhi, ON) at 7:02.
 
“The play and the catch happened so fast, I can’t remember all the details,” said Van Wynsberghe.
 
“But I do recall beating my guy, looking up at the ball and waiting for it to come down. It felt like it took forever to land in my hands but Jesse (Mills) put the ball right on the money and I was in the end zone.”
 
From there the Ravens (0-2) had trouble with their consistency and landed in penalty trouble.
 
“I really liked out third quarter, we (Carleton) moved the ball on offence and let our defence rest,” said Sumarah.
 
“But we took several undisciplined penalties after that and started feeling sorry for ourselves. The guys have to remember that things don’t happen quickly, it’s a process that takes time.”

Source: Krista McKenna, StFX Sports Info

ANTIGONISH, N.S. - The StFX X-Men opened the AUS football season with a convincing 31-10 win over the Mount Allison Mounties Saturday night at Oland Stadium in Antigonish.

The blue and white outscored the Mounties 10-0 in the second half.

On the first offensive possession of the second half for the X-Men, third-year tailback Ashton Dickson (25-114) scored his second touchdown.

Placekicker Jeremy Ford wrapped up the scoring for the X-Men with a 14-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Dickson, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry in the game, also chipped in 25 yards receiving and 49 yard on kick-off returns, as part of a 188 all-purpose yard performance.

X-Men quarterback Clay Masikewich completed 23 of 36 passes for 304 yards.

StFX head coach Gary Waterman commented, “We were excited to get the win, we did a lot of really good things and I am happy about it, but there is still some work to be done. I think we had too many turnovers, and we have to make sure we secure the ball better as we missed some opportunities out there.”

“Overall though we are happy with the win and it’s a good start. I was happy with our players and how they stayed composed during the game and embraced the adversity and continued to play.”

The X-Men opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 28-yard field goal form Ford.

The blue and white extended to a 10-0 advantage on a leaping 26-yard touchdown catch by Devon Bailey (8-123-1) of a Masikewich toss.

The Mounties responded with a 25-yard field goal in the second quarter from Donovan Saunders, which cut the X-Men lead to 10-3.

After the Mounties stopped the X-Men on a third-and-goal from the one-yard line, the StFX defense stiffened, forcing the visitors to punt from their own end zone.

The Mounties decided to concede a safety, giving the home team at 12-3 lead.

After punter Hayden Peters juggled a high snap, the Mounties recovered deep in the X-Men zone.

Mounties’ quarterback Brandon Leyh, who completed only 14 of 34 passes for 84 yards, capped the ensuing drive with a five-yard touchdown run, cutting the X-Men lead to 12-10.

The X-Men stretched the lead to 19-10 on Dickson’s first touchdown run of the season, a three-yard scamper.

Penned in their own zone, the Mounties conceded a second safety before halftime, which gave the X-Men a 21-10 lead.

Peters, who averaged 38.1 yards on eight punts, was named player of the game. From his play on defense and special teams, he also contributed 11 tackles.

Also, on defense, Hugo Rajotte contributed 6.5 tackles, while Charlton Elliot, Ron Omara and Brett Hubbeard added five apiece.

Samni Adereti and Mete Konya added 4.5 tackles each, while Konya contributed two sacks.

For the Mounties, Christian Plante and AJ Singh collected 9.5 and seven tackles, respectively. Plante and Jordan Redding each had a sack.              

All-Canadian Jordan Botel led the Mounties’ attack with 169 yards on 19 rushes, while Troy Trentham was the team’s top receiver with five catches for 30 yards.

The X-Men amassed 416 yards in total offense, while the Mounties collected 231.

The X-Men (1-0) return to action Saturday, Sept. 14, when they play the Concordia Stingers on the road in interlock play, while the Mounties (0-1) host the McGill Redmen.

The next X-Men home game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20 against the defending conference champion Acadia Axemen. Game time is 7 p.m. at Oland Stadium.

Source: Chris Zuk, Manitoba Sports Info

WINNIPEG - On a crazy night at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, the #9 Saskatchewan Huskies ran their Canada West football record to 2-0 in the young 2013 season after winning a tight 36-34 road win against the #9 Manitoba Bisons on Saturday, September 7 in front of crowd of 4,864.

With the home loss, Manitoba falls to 1-1 after winning last week to open the new stadium with a 65-41 over Alberta.

The contest had numerous ebbs and flows but the biggest ones were for the last five minutes as there were two late lead changes, a goal line stance and a little confusion at the end of the game.

After Denton Kolodzinski (Saskatoon) kicked a 37 yard field goal to push the visitors lead to 33-27 at the 9:24 mark of the fourth, the Bisons stormed down on a four play, 75 yard touchdown drive that was capped by Nic Demski (Winnipeg) two yard grab from QB Jordan Yantz (Regina) with just four minutes left and a 34-33 lead.

Then the fun began. The Huskies drove the length of the field on the next possession but was thwarted on the goal line when it was looked really close that Huskies QB Drew Burko (Saskatoon) might have sneaked in but it was a turnover on downs. Manitoba was stymied as the took over at their own one with 1:08 left and Saskatchewan regained the ball after a punt to Manitoba’s 30 yard line. Kolodzinski finished the short drive with a 40 yarder with only 18 seconds left. The home team started on the 35 and had an 18 yard pass to last week’s Canada West Offence Player of the Week Anthony Coombs (Winnipeg) that took seven seconds. On the next play, SB Andrew Smith (Nanaimo, BC) ran offside and three more seconds ran off. Yantz then found Smith on the final play to Saskatchewan’s 35 yard line but the Huskies did a great job keeping Smith upright to run out the clock and preserve the road victory.

Bison Football head coach Brian Dobie addressed the team after the win and stated, “We were down and they had the momentum but we did not fold our tents and got the lead and came within one second. We have a good thing and I want this team to know, all good teams in the past lost before they won. All I have to say, I have not seen this fight since the 2007 Vanier Cup squad and finally, Bison Football is back! You guys fought and without that, you can not win and I know this team can win.”

The crazy end was not the only back-and-forth as Manitoba jumped out to a 7-0 first quarter lead when offensive lineman Matt Hallock (Winnipeg) caught a 1 yard pass to start the scoring. The Huskies responded with 17 unanswered points when Shane Buchanan (Edmonton) romped into the end zone on a 46 yard run and then Garrett Burgess (Regina) 23 yard TD reception from Burko with a Kolodzinski 32 yard field goal before Coombs scampered for a 54 yard run and a rouge, that was set-up with a pouched kick by FB Bryan Giesbrecht (Winnipeg), had it 17-15 Sask. at half.

In the second half, the visitors pushed the lead to a 12 point advantage after a 44 yard FG and Mitch Stevens (Saskatoon) 68 yard reception with five minutes gone before Coombs found the end zone on a 16 yard run and Bison Nick Boyd (Vancouver) connected on a 35 yarder sandwiched by another field goal by Kolodzinski from 37 yards. All that exciting action, even before all the fireworks commenced at the end of an entertaining contest.

For the second consecutive home game this season for Manitoba, the two teams combined for over 950 total yards (Manitoba 527; Saskatchewan 441) and over 50 first downs (Manitoba 27; Sask. 24).

The undefeated Huskies were led by QB Burko with 22-37 passing and 339 yards and 2 TDs plus 11 rushing yards. Buchanan had his second consecutive 100 yard rushing games as he hit the century mark bang on from 16 carries and 1 TD while top receivers for Saskatchewan were Kit Hillis (Saskatoon) with seven grabs for 88 yards; Burgess for 7-81 and 1 TD and Stevens with five catches for 152 yards and 1 TD. In addition, Kolodzinski made a bid for conference special teams weekly award with the winning FG while going 5-5 kicking (longest was 44 yard FG) and a 43.4 punting average on seven punts.

On defence for the Huskies, Dane Bishop (Sherwood Park, AB) added 6.0 total tackles and one sack and Mark Ingram (Imperial, SK) and Joel Seutter (Sherwood Park, AB) added five tackles each.

The Bisons offence had numerous big numbers with Yantz line at 25-41 for 374 yards and 2 TDs and 53 rushing yards while Coombs added 85 rush yards on 10 carries and 2 TDs plus five receptions for 117 yards. Demski was top receiver with ten catches for 105 yards and 1 TD while Smith registered seven grabs for 132 receiving yards. On defence, LB Bami Adewale (Brampton, ON) had 5.5 tackles with two sacks and DJ Lalalma (Winnipeg) had 5.0 tackles and DB David Ferrier with 4.5 tackles and one break-up.

Next up for Saskatchewan is a battle for first place with #5 Calgary Dinos (2-0) at Calgary on Saturday, September 14 at 5 p.m. MT while Manitoba plays their first road game of the young 2013 campaign at the UBC Thunderbirds (1-1) on Saturday, September 14 at 2 p.m. PT.

Bison Game Notes:
- Manitoba has now scored 99 points and allowed 77 points in two games this season
- The Bisons have now scored 12 touchdowns in 2013
- Jordan Yantz threw for 374 yards which was the ninth highest in team history while his 25 completions was tied for fifth most along with his 41 attempts tied for fourth best in Bison history
- Coombs now has 23 total touchdowns in his third year playing at Manitoba and he is now tied for third most in team history and his 16 rushing TDs is fifth most in team history

Source: Matt Gutsch, Alberta Sports Info

EDMONTON - Rookie kicker Quinn Van Gylswyk nailed a 21-yard field goal in overtime to put the nail in Alberta’s coffin, as the UBC Thunderbirds picked up a stunning 39-36, come-from-behind, overtime win over the Alberta Golden Bears, Saturday night at Foote Field in Edmonton. Van Gylswyk also sent the teams into OT when, with just .6 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter, he hit a field goal from 30 yards out to tie score.

UBC outscored Alberta 29-7 combined in the second half and in overtime, and scored 24 points off six Golden Bears’ turnovers. The loss drops Alberta’s record to 0-2 on the season, while UBC improves to 1-1.

After the Bears staked themselves to a 29-10 half-time lead, UBC clawed their way back into the game when they recovered a pair of Golden Bear fumbles early in the second half, and turned them into touchdowns. Although Alberta managed to get one back, which made the score 36-24, the T-Birds responded with another major which was followed by Alberta conceding a safety with 41 seconds left in the game, making the score 36-33.

On the ensuing possession, UBC quarterback Carson Williams marched the Birds 52 yards on four plays to the Alberta 23-yard line, and with just six one-hundredths of a second remaining, Van Gylswyk connected from 30 yards out for the tie score and overtime.

The Bears were awarded the ball first in OT, and from the UBC 35-yard line, quarterback Ryan Schwartz completed a 14-yard, first down pass to rookie receiver Tylor Henry. A pass to Ryley Richardson went incomplete, and then on second down, a corner route end zone toss was picked off by T-Birds DB Chris Adams, which gave UBC the ball, and the opportunity to win the game with just a field goal.

After Birds’ runningback Brandon Deschamps rushed for 21 yards on first down, Van Gylswyk hit the 21-yard chip shot winner.

The Golden Bears piled up 474 yards of offence in the game, including 352 through the air as Schwartz completed 29 of 39 passes. He also tossed a pair of touchdown strikes, as well as the OT interception.

Alberta also had a combined 172 of rushing offence, led by 110 from freshman Ed Ilnicki, who also scored a touchdown.

Unfortunately for the Bears, UBC banked 598 yards of offence, including 332 yards via the running game. Deschamps, who led Canada West in rushing yards in 2012, finished with 217 yards on 28 carries, and two touchdowns.

Williams, meanwhile, passed for 258 yards by completing 22 of 32 passes. He was also intercepted three times and had no touchdown passes.

The Golden Bears had control of the game right from the opening possession, as they marched 58 yards on seven plays, finishing with Ilnicki’s four yard TD run just 1:49 into the game, but couldn’t close out the win.

First-year full back Jon Waters made it 14-0 when he barreled in from one yard out at the 8:16 mark of the first quarter.

Following an Alberta safety and rouge, Richardson took a play action pass 44 yards to the house early in the second quarter to make the score 22-2. Schwartz then rushed in from nine yards out, and the rout seemed to be on at 29-2.

But, a fumbled punt snap in their own end by Alberta, set up Deschamps for a 38-yard TD run, followed by a 37-yard rouge by Van Gylswyk which made the 29-10 score at half.

The T-Birds cut the score to 29-17 when they recovered another Alberta fumble and turned it into a touchdown, and then drew to within five points, 29-24, after Alberta fumbled the ensuing kick-off which led to another Deschamps TD scamper at 10:37 of the third quarter.

Schwartz and Henry followed that up with a 62-yard pass and run touchdown at 1:14 of the fourth, but UBC capped off a 12-play 100-yard drive when Williams pulled the QB for the one yard TD plunge to make the score 36-31.

UBC’s defence then forced the Bears’ offence into a punting situation deep in their own end, late in the fourth, and with Alberta electing to concede the safety, the Birds got the ball back and drove for the game tying points, which set-up the OT winner.

The Bears remain in Edmonton for their next game when they’ll take on the 0-2 Regina Rams on Saturday, September 14 at 5:00 pm MT at Foote Field. That game will be broadcast live on Shaw TV. UBC, meanwhile, will return to Vancouver to take on the 1-1 Manitoba Bisons.

Game Notes:
Henry had a spectacular home debut for Alberta, finishing with 10 catches for 139 yards and one touchdown… Richardson had four catches for 84 yards and a TD, and he now has over 1,000 receiving yards in his Alberta career...Fifth-year slot back Jess Valleau, playing in his first game back from off-season injury, now has over 1,500 receiving yards as a Bear