The York University Lions football team entered their regular-season finale against the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday afternoon looking to make recent program history.
The Lions entered the day at 3-4, coming off a 34–10 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues to retain the Argo Cup and capture their third straight, York needed one final win to secure a postseason berth for the first time since 2004, while a loss would bring a heartbreaking end to another tremendous season of growth for the program under the leadership of head coach Dexter Janke.
The first quarter opened with intensity as York looked to establish control early. First, Matt Linn connected with Avery Ford on a four-yard touchdown pass to give York an early advantage. Then, Nathan Walker put the Lions up 10-0 with a 40-yard field goal. The Lions showed urgency on offence, looking to capitalize on their opportunities and build momentum with their season at stake. Waterloo answered with a big play of its own when Nick Orr completed a 59-yard touchdown pass to Yinka Ogunnote. Evan Astolfo converted the extra point, keeping the Warriors close and setting the tone for a competitive matchup.
The intensity continued into the second quarter, with both teams trading scoring opportunities and refusing to let the other pull away. Linn connected with Jayden Shallow on an 85-yard touchdown pass on a great run by the dynamic Lions receiver, giving York another major offensive highlight and making it 17-7. After Astolfo cut it to 17-10 with a 55-yard field goal to make it 17-10, Walker added a 42-yard field goal as the Lions continued to put points on the board, making it 20-10.
Waterloo responded another field goals from Astolfo, a 15-yard attempt, before the Warriors conceded a safety near the end of the opening half, giving York a 22-14 lead at the break. With both sides finding ways to respond, the second quarter became a crucial stretch in the battle for momentum, as York tried to protect its advantage and Waterloo worked to stay within striking distance.
York added another field goal in the third quarter, with Walker connecting from 26 yards to put his team up 11, 25-14. Waterloo answered with a 22-yard field goal from Astolfo before shifting the momentum on special teams. Following a Walker punt, Matthew Jonah-Eleweke returned the ball 86 yards for a touchdown, and Astolfo converted the extra point to make it a one-point game, 25-24. The long return provided a major boost for Waterloo and increased the pressure on York as the Lions attempted to regain control of a game that could determine their postseason future.
In the fourth quarter, after an Astolfo go-ahead field goal was tipped at the line, it rolled out of bounds at the 2-yard line, pinning York back deep. A first-down run went for a loss of a yard, and the Lions then took a time count violation, resulting in a loss of down. The Lions decided to concede a safety, giving Waterloo the lead, 26-25, and putting further pressure on the Lions as they searched for a response. With their playoff hopes on the line, York needed to generate more offence and close the gap.
The Lions got the ball back with under two minutes left, still down a point. A solid punt return from Malik Gagne-Smith gave the Lions the ball on the Waterloo 45-yard line. However, a short run called back by a hold made it 1st and 20, before a procedure made it 1st and 25. On the next play, Linn was intercepted by Arden Martinez, sealing the victory for Waterloo.
The matchup marked the end of York's regular season and its final chance to qualify for the playoffs. The Lions will look to build off what was another tremendous season, which saw them win three games for the first time in eight years, and win consecutive games in the same season for the first time since 2005.
The Lions will lose the four seniors they honoured Saturday in Evan Guizzo, Peyton Ryder, Maxim Sansfacon and Walker, among others, but bring back a terrific young core, especially on the defensive side of the ball, offensively, the likes of Shallow, Ford, and Maurice Sodja – who dressed Saturday but did not play after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 8 – will all return, as can the entire York offensive line. This sets the Lions up for an even stronger season in 2027 as they look to continue their upward trajectory in the OUA.
