The York Lions have recorded their first non-forfeiture win since 2019, defeating the Toronto Varsity Blues by a score of 19-17 on Saturday.
Avontae McKoy broke a run for a 75-yard touchdown to give York a 19-11 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Varsity Blues came roaring back late as Dane Hurley caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb O’Donoghue with 36 seconds remaining, though Toronto was unable to convert the two-point convert or recover the ensuing onside kick.
York was outgained by over 100 yards of net offence but got three field goals from Tucker Almert, two of which came from 44 yards out. Sam Henke, Toronto’s kicker, went one-for-three on his field goal attempts, missing from distances of 45 and 36 yards.
Roaring to victory! 🦁
The @yorkulions collect their first win of the Dexter Janke era, and what’s more, do it in the annual Red & Blue Bowl against their cross-town rivals. 🏈#QuestForTheCup | #YRKvsTOR pic.twitter.com/xpCi5b2QJS
— Ontario University Athletics (@OUAsport) September 21, 2024
The Lions’ last win occurred on Sept. 3, 2022, when the McMaster Marauders retroactively forfeited their matchup due to the use of an ineligible player. The Marauders originally dominated the game by a score of 39-1. York’s most recent non-forfeiture victory came on Oct. 11, 2019, when they defeated the Varsity Blues by a score of 34-14.
York lost all eight of their games last season by a combined score of 560-42. Former CFL defensive back Dexter Janke, an alumnus of the school, took over as the team’s head coach this past off-season, making him one of the youngest head coaches in U Sports football history at the age of 31.
The Lions now sit ninth in the OUA standings with a record of 1-3.
