This week’s slate of U Sports action was a little smaller than normal but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t as entertaining as ever. There are a few underdogs looking to make the postseason for the first time in a number years and a few brilliant late-season matchups setting up over the final three weeks of the regular season. Let’s get into it.
Around U Sports is a weekly feature on 3DownNation that will take readers across the country each week to summarize collegiate football action, highlighting standout performances and tracking possible playoff matchups. It will run through the Vanier Cup on Saturday, Nov. 26.
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, 43 — Waterloo Warriors, 22
Second-year running back Quentin Scott had another dominant performance for Wilfrid Laurier, rushing 22 times for 184 yards and two touchdowns, while second-year receivers Ethan Jordan and Raidan Thorne both had over 100 yards and a touchdown. Fifth-year defensive back Shomari Hutchinson led the way for the Golden Hawks’ defence, intercepting Waterloo quarterback Nolan Kaban twice.
Acadia Axemen, 11 — Mount Allison Mounties, 19
Fourth-year quarterback Justin Vogels threw for 336 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the win, helping the Mounties move closer to clinching a home playoff game. Acadia scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter but a 46-yard potential game-tying drive stalled with 18 seconds remaining. Now 0-6, the Axemen will have to win one of their remaining games against St. FX or Bishop’s if they hope to avoid their first winless season of the century.
McMaster Marauders, 41 — Guelph Gryphons, 12
Quarterbacks Jake Helfrich and Tommy Yanchuk had miserable performances for the Gryphons, throwing for a combined 73 yards and five interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six. McMaster took full advantage of great field position throughout the game as fifth-year quarterback Andreas Dueck accounted for two touchdowns, one passing and one along the ground.
Windsor Lancers, 33 — York Lions, 10
The Lancers swarmed York’s offensive attack, forcing four turnovers and limiting the Lions to 46 yards rushing. Second-year quarterback Danny Skelton threw for 195 yards and rushed four times for 72 yards and a touchdown, including a 59-yard carry in the first quarter. Windsor now has three wins on the season, putting them in an excellent position to make the postseason for the first time since 2014.
Laval Rouge et Or, 37 — Sherbrooke Vert et Or, 10
Sherbrooke made its debut in the U Sports football top ten rankings this past week but Laval knocked them down a peg with this dominant win. Hec Crighton Trophy hopeful Kevin Mital caught nine passes for 82 yards and a touchdown for the Rouge et Or, while first-year fullback David Dallaire ran for three touchdowns. Third-year quarterback Anthony Robichaud had a respectable performance in a losing effort, throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown despite being sacked four times.
Western Mustangs, 56 — Toronto Varsity Blues, 21
Second-year running back Edouard Wanadi had a signature performance for the Mustangs in this game, rushing 13 times for 213 yards and four touchdowns. His partner in the backfield, third-year Keon Edwards, was also extremely productive with 16 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns. The Mustangs are now two wins away from finishing a perfect 8-0, though the Ottawa Gee-Gees should put up a respectable fight on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Bishop’s Gaiters, 10 — St. FX X-Men, 30
Second-year running back Malcolm Bussey had his third 100-yard game of the season for St. FX, carrying the ball 18 times for 115 yards and two touchdowns. First-year quarterback Justin Quirion threw for 105 yards and a touchdown for Bishop’s after third-year Mason McGrisken was chased from the game after throwing a pair of early interceptions. Now 5-0, the X-Men will likely need only one more win to clinch the top spot in the AUS.
Concordia Stingers, 13 — Montreal Carabins, 31
The Carabins showed why they remain undefeated as second-year quarterback Jonathan Sénécal threw for 233 yards and a touchdown, while third-year running back Bertrand Beaulieu scored twice along the ground. Third-year quarterback Olivier Roy played well for the Stingers despite being sacked five times, throwing for 301 yards and two touchdowns. Circle your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 16 when Montreal visits Laval for a game that could determine who finishes atop the RSEQ.
Canada West was on a conference bye this past week, while the Queen’s Golden Gaels (5-1), Ottawa Gee-Gees (5-1), Carleton Ravens (3-3), McGill Redbirds (0-5), and Saint Mary’s Huskies (2-2) also had the week off.
U Sports football standings
Canada West (CW)
Saskatchewan Huskies, 5-0
Regina Rams, 4-1
Alberta Golden Bears, 2-3
Manitoba Bisons, 2-3
UBC Thunderbirds, 2-3
Calgary Dinos, 0-5
Ontario University Athletics (OUA)
Western Mustangs, 6-0
Queen’s Golden Gaels, 5-1
Ottawa Gee-Gees, 5-1
Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, 4-2
Carleton Ravens, 3-3
Windsor Lancers, 3-3
Toronto Varsity Blues, 3-4
McMaster Marauders, 2-4
Guelph Gryphons, 1-5
Waterloo Warriors, 1-5
York Lions, 1-6
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ)
Montreal Carabins, 5-0
Laval Rouge et Or, 5-1
Sherbrooke Vert et Or, 3-3
Concordia Stingers, 1-5
McGill Redbirds, 0-5
Atlantic University Sport (AUS)
St. FX X-Men, 5-0
Mount Allison Mounties, 4-2
Saint Mary’s Huskies, 2-2
Bishop’s Gaiters, 2-3
Acadia Axemen, 0-6
