Playoff ramifications as Gee-Gees close out home schedule against Windsor

On October 15, the nationally 10th ranked Gee-Gees football team will play their final regular season home game against the Windsor Lancers—one of the teams tied with uOttawa for third place in the OUA. Windsor, led by new interim head coach Joe D’Amore, is enjoying a remarkable turnaround season, after winning just two games last year. Ottawa beat the Lancers on the road last season, by a 23-14 score.

“They always had great athletes, and I think their new coaching staff has done an amazing job getting a team together that can compete with the best teams in the league,” said Gee-Gees head coach Jean-Philippe Asselin. “Nobody will take Windsor for an easy win from now on.”

By winning their final two regular season games, Ottawa can clinch the second seed in the OUA, earning themselves a first round playoff bye. The Gee-Gees will travel to McMaster next weekend.

“It’s definitely the goal,” said Asselin about finishing among the top two teams. “It would be great, but Windsor is a good challenge for us, and we need to focus on this week first.”

For the Gee-Gees to win their final two games, veteran receiver Simon Le Marquand (Gatineau, Que.) will be counted upon to continue his strong play. Le Marquand has had over 100 receiving yards in three straight games, and is ranked among the top five receivers in the CIS.

“He’s as good as it gets. Simon’s a kid that always works hard,” said Asselin. “With his athleticism, speed, and understanding for the game, he’s going to be a weapon for us moving forward.”

Playoffs are quickly approaching for the Gee-Gees, and there are no more easy games for uOttawa on the schedule. However, uOttawa has steadily improved since the first preseason game at McGill, and are now poised to make a deep postseason run.

“On offence, we’ve learned to limit our mistakes, while making the other team pay when we’ve had the opportunities,” said Asselin. “Defensively, our guys are getting more confident and that’s a big positive going forward into big games.”

Tickets to the football game are just $6 for students. Be sure to cheer on the Gee-Gees as they embark on an exciting playoff journey!

Football (4-2 OUA, 4-3 overall)

Host Windsor (4-2 OUA) Saturday, October 15, 1:00 p.m. at Frank Clair Stadium (SSN Canada, Rogers Cable 22 tape delay starting at 2 p.m.)