Western hosts Queens in Homecoming showdown

As the Western Mustangs celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, during the 100th Anniversary of Western Athletics no less, the team also gears up for a showdown with one of its original rivals: the Queen’s Gaels. The nationally televised matchup will be a fierce battle of two of the top CIS teams as the undefeated number three Queen’s Gaels head to TD Stadium to face the also undefeated and second-ranked Western Mustangs.

The Mustangs enter the contest with a 5-0 record and numerous OUA and CIS honours so far this season. The Western squad is full of momentum, leading the nation with 307 points scored in five games, including their most recent 45-24 defeat over the Laurier Golden Hawks last Saturday. The game marked the Mustangs eighth consecutive win over the purple and gold to extend the winning streak that began in 2008 and allowed Western to maintain their hold atop the OUA standings.

Leading the way for Western this season has been the team’s high-powered offence that has averaged 61.4 points and 672.2 yards per game. Second-year quarterback Will Finch has emerged as one of the nation’s top passers so far this season, throwing 1,884 yards with 15 touchdowns and completing 73.9% of his throws. Alongside Finch are receivers Brian Marshall and George Johnson who have both been having stellar years of their own as the two lead the country in both total receiving yards and receiving yards per game, while Marshall also leads with seven touchdown receptions.

Queen’s enters this weekend’s game on a winning streak of their own as the team has defeated all four opponents that they’ve faced this season. Averaging 42 points and 405 yards per game, the Gaels are led by fourth-year quarterback Billy McPhee and receiver Giovanni Aprile on offence. McPhee finished 16-32 with 305 yards passing and two touchdowns in the Gaels recent 36-21 victory against the Ottawa Gee-Gees last weekend. Linebacker Sam Sabourn is leading the team’s defence and is coming off an impressive performance against the Gee-Gees that saw him rack up an interception, two tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked extra point.

Saturday’s game is expected to sell out as part of the biggest Homecoming celebration across the country. With two undefeated CIS teams going head-to-head in front of a packed stadium, the stage is set for what could be a classic contest. Fans across Canada can watch the game on Sportsnet 360 or listen live on 94.9 CHRW Radio or on NewsTalk 1290 CJBK with Tom McConnell and legendary Mustangs coach Larry Haylor calling the action.

Photo Credit:  Corey Stanford

Source: Serena Quinn, Western Mustangs Sports Information