Not-so-Golden day for Wilfrid Laurier as Queen’s wins Yates Cup (& seven other thoughts)

Photo courtesy: Christian Bender/Laurier Athletics.

On a chilly afternoon in Waterloo, Ont., the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks were left stunned as the Queen’s Gaels pulled off a dramatic 30–27 upset to win the OUA and capture their first Yates Cup since 2009.

Here are my thoughts on the game.

Costly turnovers at the worst time

When you’ve thrown only four interceptions all season, you wouldn’t expect those to be the problem come playoff time. But on Saturday, however, Laurier quarterback Cal Wither was picked off four times, including a costly pick-six to Queen’s linebacker Justin Pace, which ultimately decided the Yates Cup.

“Every day I’m going to go out there, I’m going to grip it and rip it,” said Wither postgame. “I can’t live with any regrets at the end of the day. No matter what happens, it’s a team game.”

“A couple plays here and there is missed timing,” said head coach Michael Faulds. “Sometimes it was the protection, and sometimes it went off of a skilled player’s hands.”

I appreciated the accountability shown by both Faulds and Wither. Ending an undefeated season in such heartbreak is never easy, but they stood by their team and embraced the result without regret. That mindset isn’t for everyone, but then again, I don’t coach a football team — I just tell the story after the final whistle.

Running through

While the Gaels stole the show overall, the player who stood out most to me on offence was running back Jared Chisari.

The Maine native and former UMass player, now in his fourth season with Queen’s, delivered a career year with 1,295 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He didn’t find the end zone in this game, but his 61 rushing yards were crucial as the Gaels leaned on the ground attack to protect what was once a commanding 27–3 lead that nearly slipped away.

The missing link

Laurier’s receivers struggled with a few tipped passes contributing to early interceptions, though the absence of standout receiver and Ottawa Redblacks draft pick Ethan Jordan loomed large.

Jordan had an exceptional 2025 season, recording 67 receptions for 1,061 yards and 10 touchdowns, playing a major role in Laurier’s perfect 9–0 run heading into the Yates Cup. Unfortunately, the OUA MVP and potential Hec Crighton Trophy winner suffered a season-ending wrist injury against Western. As he now turns his focus to earning a roster spot with the Redblacks, Jordan welcomes the challenge ahead.

“I think this year, I proved a lot,” Jordan said postgame. “Came back, worked very hard to improve parts of my game that I had some shortcomings on, and ultimately got released for. I’m still working hard. This is a big offseason for me to come in prepared, so obviously, with a new head coach, that’s important to show him.”

Jesulayomi Ojutalayo led the Golden Hawks with seven catches for 83 yards and one score, while Ryan Hughes made eight receptions for 79 yards.

Bent but not broken

The Gaels’ secondary and linebacking corps were relentless, reading routes, closing gaps, and taking advantage of every mistake Laurier made through the air. The defining moment came from linebacker Justin Pace, whose pick-six not only silenced the Waterloo crowd but completely swung the momentum in Queen’s favour.

Pace looks like a player with real professional potential — smart, instinctive, and physical. He made 7.5 total tackles on the day, flying around the field and making himself known on nearly every defensive series. His interception wasn’t just a highlight, it was the exclamation point on a disciplined, team-first performance that secured Queen’s their first Yates Cup since 2009.

Defensive bright spot

The Laurier defender who really stood out most to me was Maliek Cote. The Ajax, Ont. native went unselected in the 2025 CFL Draft, an experience that can often change a player’s mindset in pursuit of a pro opportunity. That wasn’t the case for Cote.

He stayed true to his game throughout the season and in the Yates Cup, he led all Golden Hawks defenders with five solo tackles and two assists.

“My game has always been the same,” Cote said post-game. “Here at Laurier, we’ve always just focused on us, never exterior things. We’ve always just been doing me and doing us.”

Since going undrafted, Cote will enter the 2026 CFL season as a free agent, a shift from being a draft prospect to someone who can now simply let his game tape speak for itself.

“I hope (to get a CFL opportunity),” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s going to be up to them but I’m just going to keep grinding, keep doing me, and hopefully, I get some looks.”

Agony of defeat

Before the game, I couldn’t help but think that for some of these players, this might be the last time they ever suit up. It’s a sobering thought and one that reminds you how fleeting these moments are.

For years, these players have poured everything into this sport: the early mornings, the long practices, the physical grind, and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. To have it suddenly come to an end can hit harder than any tackle.

But even in that heartbreak, there’s pride — pride in knowing they gave their all, represented their school with passion, and left every ounce of effort on the field. Whether they continue at the next level or hang up their cleats for good, they’ve built lasting memories, brotherhood, and a legacy that no scoreboard can define.

“I’m proud of our guys,” said Faulds. “As always, when you finish the season, I’m absolutely gutted for our fifth-year seniors. Buy a drink for our seniors tonight, stick together, and Laurier football will be back.“

Onto the Mitchell Bowl

Queen’s will now head west to Saskatoon, Sask. to face the Saskatchewan Huskies in next week’s Mitchell Bowl, a matchup many expect the Huskies to win.

Saskatchewan will enter the game with a 9–1 record, including a perfect 6–0 mark at home, making Griffiths Stadium one of the toughest places to play in the country.

Whoever, after what Queen’s pulled off in Waterloo, the Gaels won’t shy away from the challenge. Just as they ended Laurier’s unbeaten run, they’ll look to spoil the Huskies’ path to the Vanier Cup.