The start of a new varsity athletic season is always an exciting time, and nothing stirs campus pride quite like the first Marauder football game at Ron Joyce Stadium. In 2014, the Maroon gridiron gang has every intention of being right in the battle for league honours, and bringing another championship banner back to Mac is the mission.
The Marauders face the Guelph Gryphons on Monday, September 1st at 1-pm, in a Labour Day clash of fierce rivals. McMaster ended Guelph’s season in 2012 in the OUA Championship game, and last season the Gryphons survived a late challenge to narrowly beat the Marauders at Guelph’s Homecoming.
It’s not hyperbole to say this early contest could factor into playoff positioning as both Guelph and McMaster are expected to be among OUA league leaders. A victory in the opener means an immediate advantage in the standings, but also gaining the benefit of holding the tie-breaker should teams finish with the same record.
The Marauders enter 2014 with a combination of veteran talent, including 12 players that were in uniform for the historic 2011 Vanier Cup victory, and a healthy dose of exciting new blood eager to make an impact. Selecting the weekly 47-man dress list will be a challenge for Marauder Coach Stefan Ptaszek, because there is quality depth across the roster and competition for playing time will be intense.
The Guelph Gryphons can boast the best conference record in the OUA over the last two seasons, going 7 and 1 in both 2012 and 2013. Heading into 2014, Guelph confidence remains high, but the Gryphons did graduate several notable players, including three that are now in the Canadian Football League.
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