The York University Lions football team opened the road portion of their 2026 season at Western Alumni Stadium in London on Sunday night coming off their dramatic come-from-behind win over the Carleton Ravens in Week 1.
The Lions won the opening kickoff and deferred their choice to the second half. After a 41-yard return, the Mustangs were set up near midfield. They were able to drive down to the Lions 17 before a second-down sack from Sena Biya forced the hosts to settle for three. On the ensuing York drive, Maurice Sodja moved the ball well, completing four passes, but was then picked off by Nathan Summers while trying to avoid a sack, giving the Mustangs the ball back at the Mustangs 47. That led to a 27-yard scamper from quarterback Jerome Rancourt, making it 10-0 Western.
The Lions were pinned deep in their own territory on their next drive, and after Nathan Walker punted from his own goal line, the Mustangs took over at the Lions 42. Three plays later, Rancourt ran in his second touchdown of the night on a read option from four yards out to make it 17-0. Western's next drive was highlighted by a 54-yard reception from Emmett Charles, which led to a 13-yard touchdown connection from Rancourt to Nick Shewchuk. The home side added two more scores late in the half and took a 38-0 lead to the break.
First half standouts for the Lions included receiver Zack Smith, who made a team-leading five receptions for 35 yards in the opening half, while on defence, Biya and Jay Shepherd each recorded first-half sacks. Both Roberts, Maxim and Jack, led the Pride in tackles in the opening half with six apiece.
The Lions came out of the break and put together their best drive of the night. The series was punctuated by an acrobatic catch along the sideline from Jayden Shallow for a 40-yard pick-up. That was the first of his three catches on the drive, the final being a juggling grab for a 7-yard score to put the Lions on the board and complete a 7-play, 90-yard scoring drive.
The Mustangs went on to win this one by a 78-7 score, dropping the Lions to 1-1 on the season.
Sodja put together a solid night despite the lopsided scoreline and three interceptions, going 19-for-26 for 156 yards and a touchdown. Jack Roberts led the team in tackles with 13, while Smith finished with eight receptions for 44 yards, and Shallow finished with four grabs for 68 yards.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will look to bounce back next weekend when they return home to duel with the McMaster Mauraders. York will look to move to 2-1 for a second straight season. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. You can get your tickets at yorkulions.ca/tickets or watch the game live on OUA TV.
