The morning of the 117th Yates Cup was charged with excitement. Staff, students, and supporters alike from both Laurier and Queens came out in droves to cheer on their teams. The Goldenhawks came into the game as overwhelming favourites, as the Hawks had remained undefeated until this point. Additionally, the Hawks collected a long list of OUA awards in the days leading up to the game. However, they were unable to keep their streak alive, losing to the Gaels 30-27.
Laurier came out uncharacteristically unstable; the offence showed flashes of what had guided them through the regular season. However, the Gaels had some firepower of their own; this Gaels team played a rough-and-tumble, aggressive brand of defence. They forced mistakes, including a deflating pick-six, and applied pressure that pushed Laurier out of rhythm. Dawsone Hodge was able to soften the Gaels’ blows with a 36-yard field goal. However, the Gaels were relentless, scoring 17 unanswered points throughout the second quarter. By halftime, the scoreboard read 27-3. You could feel the shock in the crowd. A hush fell over the Laurier stands as the Hawks faithful were unable to believe what they were seeing.
Then came the fight; Laurier refused to let the first half go unanswered and began their counterattack. The offence found its spark again, as in the early third quarter, Quentin Scott scored a touchdown and drew first blood in the second half. The crowd came alive with every big run, every tight throw, every defensive stand that gave the Hawks another chance. The deficit shrank, and hope returned. Scoring play after scoring play was rewarded by the Laurier faithful, elated that their chance wasn’t dead yet.
The Gaels continued to fight; however, their late field goal in the third created a small cushion, setting the game at 30-13 as the final quarter got underway. Laurier was able to keep their newfound offence going with Jesulayomi Ojutalayo and William Russell scoring a pair of touchdowns to bring the Hawks within striking distance,
27-30.
Unfortunately, that would be how the score remained. Laurier’s final drive ended with a pass that did not connect. When the final whistle sounded, the visiting sideline erupted; Laurier’s Cinderella run was unable to be completed. The Gaels’ players sprinted across the turf to hug teammates and hoist the Yates Cup.
This was Laurier’s third straight Yates Cup appearance, and many believed this team was unstoppable and would crown their undefeated regular season with a Yates Cup trophy. They had played like a championship team all season.
Still, even in disappointment, there is something to appreciate. The Golden Hawks did not buckle under the pressure of a big game. They fought until the last whistle in front of a packed home crowd, and the Hawks deserve to be commended for that. They delivered a performance that showed the character of the team and reminded everyone why this team has become a contender year after year.
Head Coach Michael Faulds consoled his squad after the game, saying, “Nothing I can say is going to help the pit in your stomachs… keep your heads up high… and Lauier football will be back.”
While I’m sure the ghosts of this loss will haunt the team in the near future, Coach Faulds’ words ring true: Laurier football will be back.
Contributed Photo/Christian Bender/ Laurier Athletics
