The Gee-Gees fell to 1-1 with a 57-42 defeat at the hands of the McMaster Marauders (2-0) in what was the highest scoring game in McMaster history. It was truly the story of two halves for Ottawa which, despite allowing a touchdown in the early going, stormed back and finished the first half with a 32-24 lead.
The second half was another story as the Garnet and Grey managed to score 10 total points and failed to keep up with the Marauders offence led by first year quarterback Asher Hastings. Hastings threw for 373 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. Marauders running back Wayne Moore gained 132 yards on the ground. The McMaster receivers also had a decent outing as Dan Petermann, Dan Vandervoort and Max Cameron finished with 135, 88 and 72 yards respectively.
It was not all bad for Ottawa as Derek Wendel threw for 301 yards and Ian Stewart had 93 yards receiving as well as a touchdown. However, the pass catchers' inability to hang on to the ball along with McMaster's run defence went a long way in limiting the Gee-Gees offensive options. The offensive line, which had a stellar outing against the Gaels, had trouble handling the Marauders as Wendel was often under pressure or hit and running back Bryce Vieira was held in check. Vieira who was named OUA Offensive Player of the week last week was limited to 41 yards rushing and a single reception for 8 yards.
Despite getting outscored 33-10 in the second half, Ottawa still in it in the final minutes but their fate was sealed by an onside kick. The Marauders seemed to be going for it on third down when receiver Mitch O'Connor who received the snap then punted the ball, which was caught by Petermann who then ran in for an uncontested touchdown.
The Garnet and Grey will now return to Ottawa where they'll prepare for their next game at Gee-Gees Field. They will face the Windsor Lancers (0-3) in the 2000 Vanier Cup reunion game on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m.
