After what initially appeared to be a promising start for the York University Lions football team, optimism was quickly replaced by a string of misfortune. ??An upswing in momentum in the third quarter turned things upside-down for the Waterloo Warriors, reshaping the course of the game and leading to a 53-32 victory on Sunday night at the Warrior Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Lions started the game with a bang, as Alfred Olay showcased his incredible speed with a remarkable 110-yard return touchdown on the opening kickoff. Nathan Walker's successful kick added the extra point, giving the Lions an early 7-0 lead just 16 seconds in.
- The Warriors swiftly responded with a dynamic play of their own. Nick Orr connected with James Basalyga for an explosive 63-yard touchdown pass, and Cole Crossett's successful kick levelled the score at 7-7. Crossett then added a rouge point to put the Warriors up one.
- Before the quarter ended, the Lions orchestrated an impressive 13-play drive that covered 75 yards, culminating in a 6-yard pass from Owen Webb to Dane Yuzdepski. Walker's kick was spot-on, putting the Lions ahead 14-8.
- The Warriors continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, with Orr using his legs this time. A 15-yard rushing touchdown made it 15-14 Waterloo. Four minutes later, a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown by Justin Succar, extending their lead to 22-14.
- The Lions managed to respond with a 15-yard field goal by Walker just before the half, closing the gap to 22-17 at the break.
- The third quarter saw Waterloo regaining the upper hand with three touchdowns and a rouge point to lead 43-17. ??However, York showed their resilience with Avontae McKoy taking a direct snap into the end zone, followed by a successful 2-point conversion pass from holder Jake Barker to Hayden Farrar on a fake extra point, which brought the score to 26-43. Tucker Almert added a rouge point, making it 43-26.
- In the final quarter, Warrior rookie Quinten Springer's 12-yard run extended the Waterloo lead to 50-26. A late 6-yard pass touchdown pass from Webb to McKoy, narrowing the contest to made it 50-32, and the Warriors would go on to win it 53-32 over York.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will look to regroup and prepare for their upcoming matchup against the McMaster Marauders. The team will head down the QEW to Hamilton for a second straight year, with kickoff set for 1pm on Saturday, Sept. 9.