Wendel and Campbell tame Lions

Sophomore Vincent Campbell broke through the York Lions defence to lead the Ottawa Gee-Gees to a 46-16 win at York's homecoming game on Saturday afternoon. York's lone touchdown of the day came in the first quarter, while Ottawa's Derek Wendel took over quarterback duties and threw for four majors.

Campbell started off the game with a series of big returns, forcing York to work around him for the remainder of the day. The Lachute, Que., native accumulated 177 total return yards, highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown at the start of the second quarter. Campbell also broke through for a 74-yard return in the fourth quarter and later scored the final touchdown of the day on a 41-yard reception.

Second-year quarterback Derek Wendel (Belleville, Ont.) did not start but replaced Aaron Colbon at the start of the second quarter and had an impressive outing. Wendel, who last saw significant action for the Gee-Gees in 2011's matchup with York, posted a career-high 297 passing yards and four touchdowns before making way for rookie Victor Twynstra late in the fourth quarter.

Errol Brooks was the bright spot for the Lions, rushing for 199 yards in front of the homecoming crowd. Brooks, who ranks in the CIS top ten for rushing yards per game, also scored the lone major for the Lions, which came at 10:14 in the first quarter. The rookie back accounted for almost all of the Lions' 236 yards on the ground.

Held scoreless through the opening frame, Ottawa used the second quarter to build a 20-10 halftime lead. After Campbell's return touchdown, the first of the season for Ottawa, kicker Lewis Ward added two field goals. Andrew Mullings scored his first of two touchdowns on the day on a six-yard strike just before half time, capping off an eight-play, 75-yard drive.

The Ottawa defence contributed two interceptions in the first half – the first by fifth-year safety Matt Bond and the second by fifth-year corner Ty Rusznak, who picked up ten yards on his return. The picks were the first for the Gee-Gees defence this season. Ottawa stifled the Lions through the air all day, allowing just 101 net passing yards.

Mullings, who led all receivers with 138 yards, struck again to widen the Ottawa lead to 27-13 in the third quarter, and following the third York field goal of the day at the 6:23 mark of the third, it was all Gee-Gees on the score sheet. First-year Nicolas Dagher caught his third touchdown pass of the season before Ward added his third field goal of the day.

Of note, the Gee-Gees had their least penalized game of the season with only 35 yards lost while York was pegged for 105 yards, several of which were no-yards flags on would-be Campbell returns.

The victory moves Ottawa's record to 3-3, right in the middle of the pack in the OUA standings. The Gee-Gees will now return to Ottawa and host the Panda Game on Saturday, October 5 against the Carleton Ravens (0-5). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and the rivalry game will be broadcast on Sportsnet 360 and Team 1200 in Ottawa.