CIS: Beckwith Park takes centre stage as Ottawa Gee-Gees open home schedule against McMaster Marauders

Ottawa showed potential on the offensive side of the ball against the Lions, with fourth-year quarterback Aaron Colbon (Orleans, Ont.) running for 132 yards and passing for two touchdowns. The Gee-Gees also had a strong returning game against York, as rookie Vincent Campbell (Gatineau, Qué.) averaged 28.5 yards per kickoff return. However, a big turning point of the game came in the second quarter when Campbell appeared to have scored a 95-yard punt return touchdown, but the play was called back due to a Gee-Gees’ penalty. On the next play, Colbon was sacked in the end zone for a safety.

“What we’re doing these last two games is that we’ve left a lot of plays on the field—opportunities unrealized. But it’s a double-edged sword. The positive side is that everything is correctable and these are all things that university football players can do on a consistent basis,” said Gee-Gees head coach Gary Etcheverry.

And while the Gee-Gees defence started out well, making two interceptions in the first quarter alone, the unit faded down the stretch as the Lions successfully ran out much of the clock in the fourth quarter. Ottawa will have to improve defensively against the Marauders, who are led by a Hec Creighton favourite quarterback in Kyle Quinlan. McMaster also has a strong rushing offence and averaged over 200 yards on the ground per game in 2011.

“McMaster is a good running team. Last year, they were among the top five rushing teams in the country and their quarterback is arguably one of the best in the nation,” said Etcheverry. “Defensively, they’ve done some great things as well and we’ll have our work cut out for us, but it’s an opportunity for us to turn things around significantly.”

After two long road trips to Windsor and Toronto, the Gee-Gees are extremely excited to play their first home game of the season at Beckwith Park. Etcheverry explained that the team will be hoping to turn things around in front of a supportive home crowd come Saturday.

“It’s going to be an exciting adventure for everybody because it’ll be in Beckwith and it just so happens that a championship-calibre team is coming into town. It should be a great atmosphere. We’re looking to break out in this game and move in the direction of having a very strong season.”