OTTAWA– The exciting inauguration of the University of Ottawa’s new football stadium, the suitably named Gee-Gees Field, took place Saturday afternoon with uOttawa hosting the Toronto Varsity Blues. The garnet and grey prevailed with an impressive win and a commanding final score of 34-10.
The cloudy September day did not manage to put a damper on the Gee-Gees or their fans’ team spirit. The squad made their Gee-Gee fans, most notably Prime Minister Stephen Harper, proud with aggressive defensive plays as well as tactical offensive ones.
Quarterback Aaron Colbon orchestrated another noteworthy performance at the home opener. This game’s 523 passing yards helped shoot him to the number one spot on the CIS list. His total passing yardage is now 1,310 over the opening three games. In the 2011-12 season, he finished third on that same list.
Bringing his A-game to the stadium, Gee-Gee Andrew Mullings racked up 192 receiving yards and is ascending the ladder of the CIS towards the top receivers. Always optimistic when it comes to his team, Mullings is eager to watch them excel throughout the season. “Week in, week out we’re moving the ball. We’re better on defense. We’re getting better in all aspects of the game.”
Team captain Brenden Gillanders scored two big touchdowns, the latter thanks to a 53-yard pass from Aaron Colbon, thus greatly contributing to his team’s success. Top rusher between both teams gaining 102 yards, Gillanders thought it was an all in all successful home opening game. Although, he was quick to emphasize that there is always room for improvement. “We left some points on the board offensively so I think that there are still things that we need to work on and capitalize on.”
As for Toronto, they were able to bring down uOttawa’s quarterback Colbon three times throughout the game. In the first quarter, the team rallied together and Eric Hewitson scored a field goal in an attempt to counter the previous touchdown made by Gee-Gee Gillanders. Head coach Greg Gary and his Varsity Blues scored a touchdown in the second quarter resulting from a 17-yard pass from quarterback Chris Jugovic, who is ranked ninth in the CIS for passing. The convert scored by Hewitson rounded up their total points for the game.
Throughout the game, uOttawa got slammed with 21 penalties and the loss of 142 yards. Head coach Jamie Barresi is determined to discourage multiple game penalties in the future. “I’m disappointed, we have to do something about it.”
Jacques Lalande, a uOtttawa alumnus, attended the game, as he is an avid football fan and holds season tickets. He had nothing but praise for the Gillanders’ agility skills. “I’ve always liked his quickness.”
The next game for uOttawa is at the University of Western Ontario where the Gee-Gees will attempt to win a third game and keep their momentum going.
Photo credit: Bill Blackstone
Source: Jen Elliott, Ottawa Gee-Gees Sports Information
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team fell 34-10 to the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, September 7 at Gee-Gees Field.
With the loss, the Blues drop to 1-2, while the Gee-Gees improve to 2-1 after Week 3 of OUA action.
Second-year quarterback Chris Jugovic of Hamilton, Ont., was 21-of-32 for 287 yards and one touchdown.
His main target was fifth-year receiver and Ajax native Paul de Pass, who tallied 128 of his team-high 135 receiving yards in the first half. Alex Pierzchalski (London) added 85 yards on nine catches and one major in the loss.
Fifth-year safety Kevin Kinahan (Whitby, Ont.) led all players with 9.5 tackles, while Trevor Harvey (Scarborough) had 7.5. Defensive lineman Aaron Jervice (Oakville) had two tackles and 1.5 sacks on the day.
Ottawa’s Brendan Gillanders opened the scoring midway through the first quarter, capping off a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a two-yard pass from QB Aaron Colbon. Blues kicker Eric Hewitson added a 21-yard field goal as U of T trailed 7-3 after the first 15 minutes of action.
The Gee-Gees went ahead with another major from Adam Valchuk, but the Blues responded as Jugovic connected a 17-yard pass with Pierzchalski with 6:54 to go in the first half.
Unfortunately for the Blues, Colbon extended the home team’s lead further and a 27-yard field goal to end the half saw Toronto trailing 24-10 at the midway point of the game.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Gee-Gees made it a three possession game on a 26-yard field goal and Gillanders secured the win with a 53-yard touchdown reception with 7:52 remaining in the game.
The Varsity Blues return home this Saturday, September 14 as they host the No. 7 Guelph Gryphons in their #BLEEDBLUE Spirit Game at Varsity Centre. One lucky fan will walk away with a 10-day Contiki Tour, courtesy of the TravelCuts halftime contest. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.
Photo credit: Bill Blackstone
Source: Toronto Varsity Blues Sports Information
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