This afternoon, the Laurier men’s football team took on the Queen’s Golden Gaels in a game that took shape as a defensive battle, early on. The game ended in a Golden Hawk victory of 37-18.
“A win’s a win, especially in week one when you’re kind of not sure what the other team has. You really don’t know what your team has to offer but our defence played outstanding. Creating turnovers, having sacks,” said head coach, Michael Faulds, on the victory.
It was a competitive game until some late fourth quarter heroics featuring a 43-yard pick six by Godfrey Onyeka and a deep throw to Mario Villamizar, for his first touchdown reception.
They were splitting Villamizar, a fullback, out wide early in the game, only to run the ball. This led to the Queens defence relaxing on him as a receiver and allowed him to score a deep touchdown late in the game.
“Coach Surya did a good job there setting it up…Then we kind of realized they were relaxing when he was out there and then we ran the hitch wheel for a big touchdown,” said Faulds, regarding the big play.
The defence played physical, recording eight sacks. Featuring great efforts by Nakas Onyeka, who gained nine tackles and two sacks and all Canadian defensive end, Kwaku Boateng, who got four tackles and two sacks.
The contributions of Nathan Mesher, went less noticed because of the fourth quarter outburst by the Golden Hawks. However, for the first three quarters, it was looking like his 49-yard field goal and his 40-yard field goal would be some of the only points on the board for the Golden Hawks.
The Laurier offence was stifled early on. Something Faulds knows need improvement.
“Offence, we [have] to clean up a lot of stuff. Obviously [we’re] really comfortable with how we played in Montreal, then not so good today for two and a half quarters,” said Faulds.
Faulds continued his thoughts on the offence and the need to limit turnovers. “The main thing is turnovers, you know. We can handle a two and out but when you’re turning the ball over, that’s an issue.”
Faulds stressed the fact that if they can play without turnovers and the stout defence on the other side, they are a dangerous team.
The Golden Hawks will suit up again to face York University on September 5, in University Stadium.