With the Ontario University Athletics playoff race shaping up to be a particularly close one, the Lions football team is coming home to play against the Ottawa Gee-Gees on September 28, a game in which both teams will be looking to send a message.
The Lions are coming home after securing a solid 50-34 win against the Carleton Ravens, aided by a stellar performance from quarterback Myles Gibbon, who threw for 381 yards and five touchdowns. With a record of 2-2, York is eyeing a berth in this year’s playoffs. A win against the Gee-Gees would further fuel playoff hopes for York in what is shaping up to be an effective season for the Lions.
While the Gee-Gees are also in a position to make the playoffs, they have yet to prove that they can win against successful teams. Their 27- 83 loss to Western at the TD Waterhouse Stadium in London exposed the weakness of their rush defense, when they allowed 424 rushing yards. At 2-3, the Gee-Gees have lost their last two games and are looking to end that streak when they play the Lions on Saturday.
Taking advantage of the Gee-Gees’ rush defense is certainly going to be a priority for the Lions at their homecoming game. Averaging 219 rushing yards per game, led by quarterback Myles Gibbon and running back Errol Brooks, the Lions have solidified their rushing game as a very viable offensive weapon so far this season.
York’s Brooks, who is a University of Ottawa transfer, will be looking to put up big rushing numbers against his former team.
The Gibbon and Brooks duo has averaged a combined 169 rushing yards per game so far this season, sharing the touches equally and effectively. With that being said, the Lions have yet to win against a team that is also in the playoff picture.
Granted the Lions have improved their running game, the team’s average passing yard-age has dropped since last season. To have a complete game, the Lions will have to compete with the superb passing game of the Gee-Gees. Driven by quarterback Aaron Colbon, who currently leads all OUA quarterbacks in average passing yards at 378.4 yards per game, the Gee-Gees will certainly be looking to come out firing from the start.
Ottawa’s passing game is bound to keep the Lions’ defence on their toes — a defence which has been solid thus far, allowing a respectable average of 402 yards per game this season. Competing against Ottawa’s effective off ence will surely be a great opportunity to solidify York’s defensive team as a tough matchup.
Aside from the action on the field Saturday, fans will also have a chance to win a 10-day trip to Australia, one of just many exciting prizes and events taking place at this year’s homecoming game.
Amjed Alsalman
Contributor
