A convincing win all around, see how Laurier maintained their unbeaten record in the season.
On Saturday, September 27th, the Laurier Golden Hawks Men’s Football team suited up to play the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in front of a packed Homecoming crowd. The Golden Hawks aimed to stay at the top of the table for a 6th week and remain undefeated as they entered the game 5-0. Ultimately, the Golden Hawks overwhelmed the Varsity Blues both offensively and defensively for a dominant 59-21 win.
The Hawks came out swinging as Dawson Hodge (fifth-year Geography major, K/P) immediately scored a single with the first play of the game. To complement the efficiency of Laurier’s offence, Zidain Allen (2nd-year Sociology major, RB) blocked a Blue’s kick attempt, thus forcing a turnover. Rookie Quarterback, Cal Wither (1st-year, other, QB), wasted no time capitalizing on this opportunity with a quick pass to Jesulayomi Ojutalayo (fifth-year Economics major, REC) to put the Hawks up 8–0.
Hodge scored another touchdown to increase the deficit to 9–0, and at the end of the first quarter, the Hawks managed to find the end zone again with the talents of Will Russell (2nd-year Business major, QB). Russell’s touchdown and another single from Dawson Hodge put Laurier up 17–0 at the end of the first.
The second quarter was much of the same as the Hawks continued to dominate both ends of the ball as Ryan Hughes (3rd-year, other, REC) scored to make it 24–0. However, the Blues would get on the board in the middle of the second quarter as the Blues scored their first points with a touchdown from Kaleb O’Donoghue (3rd-year Kinesiology major, QB).
Ethan Jordan stole the spotlight with a 59-yard touchdown that broke Laurier’s career record for all-time receiving touchdowns, and kicker Dawson Hodge added a flurry of scoring kicks all game, maintaining a perfect 7–7 on extra points. Tayshaun Jackson (3rd-year Geography major, RB) capped the half with another touchdown and entered halftime with a commanding 40–7 lead.
The Golden Hawks kept rolling in the third, as quarterback Cal Wither punched in a one-yard run and Will Russell recorded another short-yardage rush, making this his first multi-touchdown game.
In the final quarter, Laurier’s defence continued to dominate, forcing turnovers and limiting Toronto’s chances, sealing a 59–21 victory.
Before the game, Manager of Football Operations and Head Coach Micheal Faulds was cautiously optimistic, noting that his squad had yet to “put 4 great quarters together.” After the game, when asked about his team’s performance, he deadpanned, “We put 3 great quarters together.” He revealed that one of the key factors of the game for him to focus on was maintaining leads, as he admitted that this was an issue in the past, but was overall pleased with the result on Saturday.
The Hawks will suit up on October 10 to remain undefeated against the Carlton Ravens. This game will also mark the Golden Hawks’ senior night, celebrating graduating players. Carlton looks to be an intimidating foe, but Saturday’s game was an example of why the Laurier Golden Hawks are at the top of the standings.
Contributed Photo/Golden Hawks Social Media
