Source: Bill Malley, McMaster Sports Info / Photo credit Rick Zazulak
2014 regular season record: 7-1
2014 regular season standings: 1st in OUA
2014 playoff record: 3-1
2014 playoff finish: Lost 20-19 to Montreal in Vanier Cup
McMaster football has been among the top programs in Canada in recent years and expects to remain a presence on the national landscape. The 2015 season will mark a decade in Maroon for Coach Stefan Ptaszek, who leads a coaching staff that brings a level of commitment and expertise to the program that is rarely seen in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
The offense has reason to be optimistic with a solid corps intact and depth at every position. Strong-armed Asher Hastings will take over at quarterback and will operate behind a solid offensive line anchored by OUA all-stars Sean Smith and Zack Intzandt, along with veterans Tom Sterling, Nick Firlit, Cody Speller and Dan Younan. In the backfield, veterans Wayne Moore and Kasean Davis are proven performers, while Kingsley Amankwaa has been a versatile player over his career. McMaster will put a stellar group of receivers on the field paced by All-Canadian Danny Vandervoort and OUA Rookie of the Year Daniel Petermann, along with quality targets like: Max Cameron, Declan Cross, Josh Vandeweerd, and Aaron Baker.
Defensively, the team will lean on a front seven that is talented, experienced and deep. OUA all-star Mike Kashak anchors the front-four, along with Kevin Aleinik, Mark Mackie, Fabion Foote and Connor Mackay; while a veteran linebacking crew will be led by Joe Richardson, Jake Heathcote, Kyle Fitzsimons, and Cole Munden. Expected to lead the defensive backfield are veterans Keldyn Ahlstedt, Jeremy Kyei and Steve McNicholl, who all have solid experience. Finding some impact defensive backs from among the returnees and a talented group of recruits will be a focal point for the Marauder defense.
The kicking duties will be handled by Bobby Frame, who showed off a big leg during limited action as a freshman, and he looks ready to take over this key position from graduated All-Canadian Tyler Crapigna. The return game is in good hands with receivers Baker, Petermann and Vandeweerd all dangerous threats; there are also several recruits with return credentials on the roster who will compete for playing time.
Quote from head coach:
"The Marauders will be a different looking team in 2015 but we are not in a rebuild. There are some challenges as we rally behind a new quarterback and replace a big chunk of the secondary. How we handle those issues will determine whether we are fighting for the top of the OUA or a middle-of-the-pack team. We won't be a favourite but we were not a favourite last season and that turned out pretty well. Defending the Yates Cup we are not, but competing to win another one is something we are very excited to do."
Head Coach: Stefan Ptaszek
- Ten seasons as head coach with team
- Number of seasons as head coach in CIS: 10
- Career regular season record with team: 54-18
- Career regular season record in CIS: 54-18
- Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 67-26
- Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 67-26
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
• WR Danny Vandervoort, 2014 CIS All-Canadian & OUA first-team all-star.
44 receptions for 683 yards and 8 TDs
• WR Daniel Petermann, 2014 OUA Rookie of the Year, 35 receptions for 468 yards and 4 TDs
• RB Wayne Moore, 97 carries for 492 yards and 6 TDs. Leading rusher (11 carries for 87 yds) in 2015 CIS East-West Bowl.
• OT Sean Smith, 2014 OUA All-Star, 2014 East-West Bowl Participant
• OG Zack Intzandt, 2014 OUA All-Star, 2015 East-West Bowl Participant
Key recruits or transfers:
• RB Jordan Lyons from Assumption High School (Burlington, Ont.).
• OL Kyle Maertens from Assumption High School (Brantford, Ont.)
Key losses: Marshall Ferguson, Tyler Goldsworthy, Ben O'Connor
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 6
Key returning players:
• DE Mike Kashak, 4th-year, 2014 OUA All-Star
• DE Mark Mackie, 3rd-year
• LB Joe Richardson, 5th-year
• LB Jake Heathcote, 3rd-year
• DB Keldyn Ahlstedt, 4th-year
Key recruits or transfers:
• LB Devin Keeling from Jacob Hespeler High School (Cambridge, Ont.)
• DB Lucas Bill from Carson Graham High School (Vancouver, BC)
• DB Robbie Yochim from CJFL Okanagan Sun (Kelowna, BC)
Key losses: Nick Shortill, Joey Cupido, Steven Ventresca
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
• K/P Bobby Frame
• KR Josh Vandeweerd, 2013 OUA leader in all-purpose yards
Key recruits or transfers: KR Robbie Yochim, LS Nick Nucci
Key losses: Tyler Crapigna, Kevin Malcolm