Marauders and Huskies Face Off in Preseason Showdown

The 2017 McMaster football team will get its first test of the season on Friday, August 25, when it hosts the Saskatchewan Huskies in preseason action at Ron Joyce Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

The Marauders are entering the second year of the Greg Knox era and will be fighting to contend in the OUA, after a 2016 season that saw the team finish third in league standings and narrowly lose to Laurier in the semi-finals. Substantial graduation losses made it necessary for McMaster to restock the roster and the team brought in 50 recruits, eager to make their maroon debut. Coach Knox traveled far afield to deepen the Mac talent pool, with new players making their way to Hamilton from across Ontario, the western provinces, and the USA.

The clash with Saskatchewan is the first time the two teams have ever played. The Huskies are breaking in a new coach, as Scott Flory has taken over from long-time coach Brian Towriss. In 2016, Saskatchewan finished in third place in the Canada West Conference with a 5-3 record.

Featuring a dynamic offense, Saskatchewan is led by senior quarterback Kyle Siemens, who hands off to All-Canadian running back Tyler Chow or throws to All-Canadian receiver Mitch Hillis. The Huskies attack should be a good test for the Marauders defense.

The Huskies have played in Hamilton before, but it wasn’t a very pleasant experience, as they lost to Laurier in the 2005 Vanier Cup, in a game played at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

By playing the Huskies on what would otherwise be his team’s bye week, Coach Knox is hoping to better prepare his young Marauders squad for the rigours of the OUA grind. Expecting his defense to carry the load early in the season, Coach Knox knows OUA parity is narrowing the gap between the top of the standings and the basement.

“On a week to week basis you know you have a battle no matter who you are playing,” Knox said. “Success is defined by meeting our potential and being the best we can be.”

“At the end of the day we’ll compete for championships like we always do.”

Friday’s game will be the first time McMaster has hosted a preseason game since it hosted Bishop’s at Les Prince Field in 1994.

Tickets are still available for Friday’s game, and can be found at marauders.ca.

 

Source: McMaster Marauders Football

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