Football (3-0 OUA, 3-1 Overall)
Host McMaster Marauders (2-1 OUA, 2-1 Overall) Saturday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m. (live on Rogers Cable 22, Cable 14 in Hamilton, SSN Canada)
1
2
3
4
Final
McMaster
7
14
14
0
35
Gee-Gees
10
7
16
10
43
The Gee-Gees pulled off another come-from-behind victory to remain unbeaten, and claim top spot in the OUA standings. In a rematch of the 2009 OUA quarterfinals, it was the garnet and grey who were able to pull off the victory, and at last redeem themselves against the McMaster Marauders at Frank Clair Stadium. With the final score at 43-35 for the Gee-Gees, the 2,427 fans in attendance were treated yet again to a great game between these two CIS Top Ten teams.
Early in the first quarter, Gee-Gees fourth-year quarterback Brad Sinopoli, Peterborough, Ont., connected with third-year receiver Ezra Millington, Newmarket, Ont., for the game's first touchdown. However, the lead would be short lived as McMaster third-year quarterback Kyle Quinlan, South Woodslee, Ont., was able to make complete a touchdown pass. On the ensuing kickoff return, fifth-year defensive back Chayce Elliott, Burnaby, B.C., gave the Gee-Gees great field position after a 62-yard return on the play. The Gee-Gees were then able to capitalize with a 27 yard field goal made by third-year kicker Matthew Falvo, Welland, Ont. The first quarter ended with the Gee-Gees leading 10-7.
The second quarter opened with McMaster capitalizing on an interception deep in the Gee-Gees red zone, and would lead to their second touchdown of the game. The Marauders would then capitalize again on a penalty to uOttawa for having too many men on the field, and eventually score another touchdown on the ensuing drive. Still, Sinopoli would to find third-year receiver Alex Fortier-Labonté, Gatineau, Qué., in the end zone for a touchdown, and finish the first half down 21-17.
The third quarter is perhaps one that Sinopoli would rather forget on this day. After throwing three costly interceptions, McMaster was able to convert two touchdowns which seemed to put the game out of reach for the Gee-Gees with the score now at 33-17 for the Marauders. Yet, and much to their credit, the Gee-Gees refused to give in.
It was first-year running back Adam Gourgon, Ottawa, Ont., who started things off after taking a hand off from Sinopoli, and running it in for a touchdown. With the crowd back in it, the Gee-Gees would first score two points on a safety; and then score on a 20-yard pass touchdown from Sinopoli to fifth-year receiver Matthew Bolduc, Ottawa, Ont., to end the third quarter.
Clearly feeling the momentum shift into their favour, the Gee-Gees continued to chip away at the lead in the fourth quarter when Falvo made his second field goal of the game. uOttawa would never have to look back again as fifth year receiver Cyril Adjeitey, Ghana, sealed the deal in what was surely the play of the game; running 106 yards for the touchdown, and the come-from-behind win.
Gee-Gees head coach Jean-Philippe Asselin was obviously very pleased with the win, but was more impressed with the character his team showed today. When asked if he felt the game was ever out of reach, Asselin responded: "No. It's never out of reach with the athletes we have, and the big time players we have. I think we showed a lot of character. McMaster is a good team so you have to give them credit. But, we came back strong, and gave ourselves a chance to win this game."
Assistant head coach, and defensive coordinator Sean Hall expressed similar confidence in his team's ability to persevere: "We kept hanging in, I mean they are a great offensive team and they do a lot of things to give you some challenges. I thought our guys kept their composure, and made some great adjustments. They persevered, and did what they needed to do in the end. I am very happy with their performance."
The Gee-Gees are now at the half-way mark of the season, and will travel to Kingston next weekend to take on the Queen's Gaels (2-1 OUA). That game is set for Saturday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m.
