GUELPH, Ont. – Saturday afternoon (Sept. 24) at Guelphβs Alumni field, the Guelph Gryphonβs football team dropped a tough matchup to the McMaster Marauderβs 37-13 in front of a sold-out Homecoming crowd of 9,500 excited fans. The Marauders outscored the Gryphons 34-3 in the second half to advance to a 3-1 regular season record while the Gryphons drop to 1-3.
βIt was nice to have all the fans here for homecoming and I think we played reasonably well in the first half,β said University of Guelph Head Coach Stu Lang. βI said to the guys after the game, what I was most proud of is that they battled till the end. We had some mistakes and things but they never gave up. We realize itβs one game at a time, so Windsorβs next and hopefully it breaks for us in the end before the playoffs.β
McMaster running back Christopher Pezzetta had a strong rushing game, collecting 106 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Marshall Fergus led the Marauders passing attack, collecting 236 yards on 19-of-29 completions to go with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Guelph quarterback Chris Rossetti (Mississauga, Ont.) completed 16-of-35 attempts for 216 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Receivers Kevin Campbell (Pickering, Ont.) and Jedd Gardner (Niagara Falls, Ont.) each had five receptions, with Campbell scoring the lone Gryphon touchdown.
Guelph started off the game strong in front of a packed stadium for Guelphβs Homecoming festivities. The Gryphon defence was the key to their first half success, forcing five McMaster turnovers in the first half alone. Unfortunately, the offence struggled to capitalize on the Marauderβs turnovers, leaving the door open for McMasterβs comeback.
A missed field goal by Guelph early in the first quarter, McMaster saw a promising return end in a fumble recovery for the Gryphonβs, giving them great field possession. On the ensuing drive, Rossetti was able to find Campbell on a one yard touchdown throw to give the Gryphonβs a 7-0 lead. Guelphβs defence continued its early dominance with another fumble recovery to finish the first quarter.
The Gryphonβs opened the second quarter with a strong drive, ultimately ending in a missed field goal. On McMasterβs first play after the miss, defensive back Bryan Dunjko (Aurora, Ont.) made his first of two interceptions on the day to give the Gryphonβs fantastic field position. Guelph made a field goal soon after to go up 10-0 early in the second.
After another interception by Dunjko, Rossetti threw his first interception to McMaster linebacker Nicholas Shortill, scoring a field goal on the next drive to close the Gryphon lead to 10-3. After trading turnovers, the teams went to the half with Guelph leading 10-3.
Guelph started the second half strong, adding another field goal early to extend their lead to 13-3. After that though the game was all McMaster, as they would score on a one yard run by Pezzetta and a 24 yard pass by Fergus to Matthew Peressi, giving McMaster a 17-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
McMaster would open the fourth quarter with an early field goal to give them a 20-13 advantage, and would score once more on a touchdown pass, once more to Peressi to go up 27-13. McMaster would add a field goal and a long interception returned for a touchdown to round out the scoring.
While the score might have been one-sided, the Gryphonβs received a strong showing by their defence, who were able to keep Guelph involved for most of the game. Guelphβs inability to capitalize on McMaster turnovers was ultimately the deciding factor in their loss.
The Gryphonβs will hope to put an end to their two game mini-slump when they hit the road to take on the Windsor Lancers Saturday, October 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Guelph Sports Info
The #6 McMaster Marauders overcame a slow first half start to score 34 unanswered points on their way to securing a 37-13 defeat of the Guelph Gryphons in front of a sold-out Homecoming crowd of 9,500 at Guelph’s Alumni Field Saturday.
Matthew Peressini caught six balls for 66 yards and two touchdowns against the Gryphons. In doing so he moved to fourth all-time in McMaster history in career receptions with 118 and to fifth on the career receiving yardage list with 1633 yards. His two touchdown receptions moved him into a tie for fifth spot in career receiving touchdowns as well.
Michael DiCroce made big grabs all afternoon to spark the McMaster offence. He finished with seven catches for 81 yards adding another 21 yards on the ground.
With McMaster starter Joey Nemet sidelined early in the game rookie running back Christopher Pezzetta had a break out game rushing for 106 yards on 13 rushing attempts and a touchdown. Marshall Ferguson led the Marauder passing attack, collecting 236 yards on 19-of-29 completions with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Getting his first start, rookie linebacker Aram Eisho made seven solo tackles to lead all defenders.
Guelph Quarterback Chris Rossetti (Mississauga, Ont.) completed 16-of-35 attempts for 216 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Receivers Kevin Campbell (Pickering, Ont.) and Jedd Gardner (Niagara Falls, Ont.) each had five receptions, with Campbell scoring the lone Gryphon touchdown.
The Gryphon defence was the key to their first half success, forcing five McMaster turnovers. With a missed field goal by Guelph early in the first quarter, McMaster saw a promising return end in a fumble recovery for the Gryphonβs, giving them great field possession. On the ensuing drive, Rossetti was able to find Campbell on a one yard touchdown throw to give the Gryphonβs a 7-0 lead.
The Gryphonβs opened the second quarter with a long drive, ultimately ending in a missed field goal. On McMasterβs first play after the miss, defensive back Bryan Dunjko (Aurora, Ont.) made his first of two interceptions on the day to give the Gryphonβs positive field position. Guelph kicked a field goal soon after to go up 10-0 early in the second.
After another interception by Dunjko, Rossetti threw his first interception to McMaster linebacker Nicholas Shortill that resulted in a Tyler Crapigna field goal on the ensuing drive to close the Gryphon lead to 10-3. After trading turnovers, the teams went to the half with Guelph leading 10-3.
Guelph started the second half scoring, adding another field goal early to extend their lead to 13-3. Things turned around for the Marauders after that. Pezzetta would score on a one yard run followed by a 24 yard touchdown pass by Fergus to Peressini, giving McMaster a 17-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
McMaster would open the fourth quarter with another Crapigna field goal to build their lead to 20-13. Ferguson would connect again with Peressini, this time on a six yard touchdown strike, to go up 27-13.
A field goal and Stephen Ventresca’s 70 yard interception return late in the game would seal the deal for the Marauders and they improved to 3-1 on the season. With the loss the Gryphons fell to 1-3.
After the two game road portion of their schedule the Marauders return home to Ron Joyce Stadium for the annual Homecoming game on October 1 against the Waterloo Warriors. Kickoff is at 1:00 pm.
McMaster sports info
| McMaster 37 |
Guelph 13 |
| McMaster (3-1) | 0 | 3 | 14 | 20 | 37 |
| Guelph (1-3) | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| Guelph, Ontario | Alumni Stadium |
Box Score Play by PlayDrive Summary
| 1 | 08:18 | Guelph – K Campbell 1 yd pass from C Rossetti. (D Ferraro kick is good). Drive: 4 plays, 32 yards in 1:40. |
0 – 7 |
| 2 | 10:22 | Guelph – D Ferraro 22 yd field goal. | 0 – 10 |
| 2 | 04:55 | McMaster – Tyler Crapigna 42 yd field goal. | 3 – 10 |
| 3 | 12:31 | Guelph – D Ferraro 14 yd field goal. | 3 – 13 |
| 3 | 05:34 | McMaster – C. Pezzetta 1 yd run. (Tyler Crapigna kick is good). Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards in 4:07. |
10 – 13 |
| 3 | 01:21 | McMaster – Matthew Peressi 24 yd pass from Marshall Fergus. (Tyler Crapigna kick is good). Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards in 1:51. |
17 – 13 |
| 4 | 13:56 | McMaster – Tyler Crapigna 25 yd field goal. | 20 – 13 |
| 4 | 07:16 | McMaster – Matthew Peressi 6 yd pass from Marshall Fergus. (Tyler Crapigna kick is good). Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards in 2:20. |
27 – 13 |
| 4 | 02:57 | McMaster – Tyler Crapigna 9 yd field goal. | 30 – 13 |
| 4 | 02:35 | McMaster – S. Ventresca 70 yd interception return. (Tyler Crapigna kick is good). | 37 – 13 |
| 24 | FIRST DOWNS | 15 |
| 11 10 3 |
Passing Rushing Penalty |
10 4 1 |
| 454 | TOTAL NET YARDS | 300 |
| 66 6.9 |
Total Offensive Plays Average gain per play |
59 5.1 |
| 236 | NET YARDS PASSING | 263 |
| 19-29 8.1 0 for 0 2 |
Completions-Attempts Net yards per pass play Sacked:Number-Yards Had intercepted |
20-41 6.4 1 for 8 3 |
| 218 | NET YARDS RUSHING | 37 |
| 37 5.9 |
Rushing Attempts Average gain per rush |
18 2.1 |
| 10 for 322 | PUNTS: Number-Yards | 13 for 420 |
| 32.2 | Average | 32.3 |
| 215 | TOTAL RETURN YARDS | 201 |
| 11 for 116 2 for 21 3 for 78 |
Punt Returns:No-Yards Kickof Returns:No-Yards Int. Returns:No-Yards |
8 for 77 5 for 85 2 for 39 |
| 9 for 71 | PENALTIES: Number-Yards | 10 for 105 |
| 3-3 | FUMBLES: Number-Lost | 1-0 |
| 1 for 8 | SACKS: Number-Yards | 0 for 0 |
| 3 for 78 | INTERCEPTIONS: Number-Yards | 2 for 39 |
| 29:51 | TIME OF POSSESSION | 30:09 |
McMaster |
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| 42 | Aram Eisho | 7 | 3 | 8.5 | – | 1 – 4 | – | – | ||||
| 13 | Shane Beaton | 5 | 0 | 5 | – | – | – | – | 1 | |||
| 26 | Steven Ventresca | 5 | 0 | 5 | – | – | – | 1-70 | ||||
| 32 | Scott Caterine | 3 | 1 | 3.5 | – | – | – | – | 1 | |||
| 54 | Ryan Chmielewsk | 3 | 1 | 3.5 | 1 – 8 | 2 – 11 | – | – | ||||
| 7 | Nicholas Shorthill | 2 | 2 | 3 | – | 1.5 – 15 | – | 1-8 | ||||
| 33 | Stephen Dennis | 3 | 0 | 3 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 3 | Trevor Gary | 2 | 1 | 2.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 18 | Joey Cupido | 2 | 1 | 2.5 | – | – | – | 1-0 | 2 | |||
| 8 | Michael Daly | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 37 | Roberto Filice | 1 | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 0B | Spencer Brown | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 56 | Ryan Saunders | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 99 | Tanvir Bhangoo | 0 | 3 | 1.5 | – | 0.5 – 3 | – | – | ||||
| 1 | Michael Dicroce | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 25 | Zachary Ismael | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 38 | Daniel Baronas | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 61 | Jason Medeiros | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 95 | Kevin Malcolm | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 52 | Benjamin D’Aguillar | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 94 | Kareem Ferreira | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 90 | Mackenzie Dent | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||||||
| TOTALS | 44 | 16 | 52 | 1 – 8 | 5 – 33 | – | 3-78 | 5 | ||||
| 2 | J Duncan | 7 | 2 | 8 | – | – | 1-0 | – | 1 | |||
| 19 | B Dunjko | 7 | 2 | 8 | – | – | – | 2-39 | 1 | |||
| 22 | J Savoie | 6 | 4 | 8 | – | 1 – 2 | – | – | 1 | |||
| 15 | J Reinhart | 4 | 4 | 6 | – | – | 1 | – | – | |||
| 53 | J Rush | 4 | 3 | 5.5 | – | 1 – 1 | – | – | ||||
| 29 | C Macdonald | 4 | 2 | 5 | – | 1 – 2 | 1-0 | – | ||||
| 24 | S Howard | 4 | 1 | 4.5 | – | – | 1 | – | – | |||
| 52 | C Walker | 1 | 4 | 3 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 18 | J Baines | 1 | 3 | 2.5 | – | – | 1-0 | – | ||||
| 23 | Z Androschuk | 2 | 1 | 2.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 1 | M Durigon | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 55 | M Millar | 1 | 2 | 2 | – | 1 – 1 | – | – | ||||
| 97 | C Thorn | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 93 | K Seilis | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 21 | C Davidson | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 31 | I Hutchison | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 54 | C Rukavina | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 68 | A Parle | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 89 | J Gardner | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | – | |||
| 14 | K Campbell | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 44 | J Thompson | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| 90 | H Bowman | 0 | 1 | 0.5 | – | – | – | – | ||||
| TOTALS | 51 | 32 | 67 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 6 | 3 | 3-0 | 2-39 | 3 |
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