KINGSTON, Ont. – The Queen’s Gaels (2-4) are looking to solidify their playoff hopes this weekend as they take on the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (3-3).
The Gaels take to the road this week after dominating the Toronto Varsity Blues (2-4) at home in their last game. With Toronto coming into the game the talk of the CIS after a big upset victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees, much was made over whether or not Queen’s would be able to come out on top against the resurgent Varsity Blues program.
Queen’s responded on Saturday by controlling the game from the kickoff to final whistle, winning the matchup by a 66-1 score. Justin Chapdelaine (Abbotsford, B.C.) was named the CIS Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts as he threw for 284 yards and tied a Gaels record with six passing touchdowns. Chapdelaine also added a seventh touchdown to his stat line on the ground. Jimmy Therrien (Montreal) and Ryan Granberg (Sherwood Park, Alta.) had big days on the ground as they both cracked 100 yards rushing. Granberg had the biggest highlight play of the two as he broke a 96 yard run for a touchdown in relief of Therrien. On defence Sam Sabourin (Stittsville, Ont.) continues to make his case for CIS Rookie of the Year as he contributed 10.5 tackles and an interception to the team. He was named OUA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. Dan Village (Abbotsford, B.C.) completed the Gaels sweep of the Player of the Week honours as his 12 points and 40.3 yards per punt average got him OUA Special Teams Player of the Week honours for the second time this season.
The Wilfird Laurier Golden Hawks come into this game having just lost on the road to Ottawa. One week after defeating the Guelph Gryphons 36-2, Laurier earned the number ten rank in the CIS Top 10. However, they couldn’t overcome Ottawa’s passing attack as they dropped a 44-21 tilt on the road at Frank Clair Stadium. Shane Kelly (Basking Ridge, N.J.) relieved starting quarterback Evan Pawliuk and had the notable offensive performance of the day for Laurier as he went 11 of 22 passing for 152 yards. Kelly also threw a touchdown and a two interceptions.
The all-time head to head record between these two squads is tied at six wins apiece after Laurier handed Queen’s their only loss during the Gaels 2009 National Championship season. The Gaels will be looking to atone for that games so that they may defend their title in 2010.
Kickoff at University Stadium in Waterloo is set for 1:00 pm and will be broadcast on The Score.
by: Christopher Lund (Sports Information Student)
Photo: Jeff Chan
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