SEASON PREVIEW: Gee-Gees Football set to return to field for 2021

There is plenty of optimism around the new-look Gee-Gees football team in 2021. A new head coach and fresh program culture has the team aiming higher than simply extending their streak of four consecutive winning seasons.

Marcel Bellefeuille is back for his second tenure as head coach of the program. A uOttawa alum, Bellefeuille spearheaded the Gee-Gees from 1998 to 2000, culminating in a 2000 Vanier Cup triumph.

The Gee-Gees are opening the season at the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Varsity Stadium, and the game will be streamed live on OUA.tv. 

The 2019 season was a positive one for the Gee-Gees. Their 31.5 points-per-game in the regular season were the most since the potent offences of the mid-2010s, and a 5-3 record was good for a home playoff date. Ottawa ultimately fell to Waterloo, but the team is motivated to make a statement in 2021. 

"At the beginning of training camp, it was tough because we hadn't done anything football-wise for almost two years," said senior defensive tackle Tramayne Stephen. "As the days progressed, the rust has come off and everyone is coming back together. We're getting used to our different playing styles and what everyone brings to the table."

The 2021 campaign will be a unique one schedule-wise for Ottawa. They will play a condensed six-game regular season schedule, facing both Carleton and Queen's twice. Their final four games will be at TD Place Stadium, including the annual Panda Game against Carleton.

Quarterback Ben Maracle is looking to improve on a rookie campaign that saw him take over the starting role midway through the 2019 season.

"It's a completely different for me, coming into the season knowing my position on the team," said Maracle. "I have experience and I know what I'm getting myself into. The whole team has done a really good job keeping the mentality that we're coming back even stronger than 2019."

Defensively, an experienced group of defensive backs will be led by safety Luke Griese and reigning OUA All-Rookie Team member Kevin Victome.

"We're taking it one game at a time, one practice at a time," said Griese. "Vanier Cup is the goal for everyone. Personally, I want to lead these young guys, show them the ropes and make sure we continue on the legacy."

Quote from head coach: Marcel Bellefeuille

"The fun part has been being able to get back on the field, the energy that everyone around the team has and the excitement and anticipation after 18 months off. The chance to come in as a new head coach and the opportunity to get to know the players better, and for them to get to know me better, and keep developing our culture is exciting."

Head Coach: Marcel Bellefeuille

• Number of seasons as head coach with Gee-Gees (including 2021): five
• Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2021): five
• Career regular season record with Gee-Gees: 26-5
• Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 26-5 

OFFENCE

Number of returning starters: Seven

Key returning players: Ben Maracle (QB), Dawson Odei (RB), Bryan Latouche (OL), Julian Iamundo (OL), Dylan St. Pierre (REC), Daniel Oladejo (REC).

Key recruits or transfers: J-P Cimankinda (RB), Nathan Walker (REC), Derick Calixte (OL)

Key losses: Carther Matheson (REC), Kalem Beaver (REC), Jordan Burgher (RB)

DEFENCE

Number of returning starters: Seven

Key returning players: Luke Griese (DB), Kevin Victome (DB), Tramayne Stephen (DT), Christopher Cyril (DB), Michael Pezzuto (DL)

Key recruits or transfers: A.K. Ismail (DB), Johari McGregor (LB)

Key losses: Abed Hamidi (LB), Reshaan Davis (DE), Cody Cranston (DB)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Key returning players: Campbell Fair (K), Daniel Oladejo (KR/PR)

Key recruits or transfers: Nathan Walker (KR/PR), Maximilian Joseph (KR/PR)

Key losses: Loic Legendre (P), Kalem Beaver (KR/PR), Jordan Burgher (KR)