The No. 10 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens used a strong running game to defeat the York University Lions by a score of 50-7 in the annual Homecoming game at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 24).
 
The Ravens picked up a total of 430 yards on the ground, led by running back Jayde Rowe's 258 yards on 21 carries. Nathan Carter also surpassed 100 yards, rushing for 103 on 15 attempts.
 
The Ravens improved to 3-2 with the win, while the Lions dropped to 2-3.
 
Carleton scored touchdowns on its first two drives to take a 14-0 lead after the first quarter of play. On their third drive they attempted to put more points on the board but kicker Mike Domagala missed a 40-yard field goal try and the score remained at 14-0.
 
The Lions defence settled in after that and forced three straight punts, and on the third one rookie defensive back Kadeem Thomas (Toronto), returning kicks for the Lions for the first time on Saturday, electrified the home crowd with a beautiful 50-yard return touchdown in which he shed numerous tackles before falling into the end zone draped in defenders. The major made it 14-7.
 
The Ravens added another three points on a field goal by Domagala, and on their next drive got into the red zone but were stopped on the one-yard line when York defensive back Ian Lawrence (Paris, Ont.) picked off Carleton quarterback Jesse Mills. However, two plays later the Lions gave it right back when quarterback Brett Hunchak (Calgary) threw an interception himself and the Ravens took over on the eight. Kyle VanWynsberghe scored his second touchdown of the game on the next play to give the Ravens a 24-7 lead at the half.
 
Rowe scored both of his touchdowns in the third quarter, a one-yard rush at 10:28 and a 19-yard score at 6:03. The Ravens added another 12 points in the fourth quarter on a field goal by Domagala, a York conceded safety and a five-yard touchdown run by Carter.
 
Hunchak finished 13-of-30 for 159 yards with two interceptions. He was replaced in the fourth quarter by Matt Krason (Brantford, Ont.), who went 3-of-7 for 50 yards.
 
Receiver Colton Hunchak (Calgary) continued his strong season with another impressive performance, picking up 84 yards on six catches.
 
Mills was 22-of-35 for 218 yards, with the two touchdowns and one pick on the afternoon. The Lions held former CIS all-Canadian receiver Nate Behar to a season-low five catches for 62 yards.
 
Lawrence had a strong game on defence, leading all players with 9.5 tackles and adding a pass break-up to his one interception.
 
The Lions have a bye next week and will return to action on Friday, Oct. 7 when they travel to Ottawa to face the Gee-Gees at 7pm.