MATT MAHLER PICKED UP THREE TOUCHDOWNS
The beginning of the end was seen Saturday for numerous Gee-Gees entering their home field. As senior night dictates, the senior players were accompanied by their respective supporters on what was sure to be one of their most memorable nights, honouring their Gee-Gees career. However, for the rest of the game, the Gee-Gees showed that their season is far from being over.
Ottawa started the game with kicker Zachary Copeland showing impressive skills and leg strength which placed the ball on Toronto’s 10-yard-line, initiating a power battle and pressure play within the field.
Failing to obtain any groundbreaking yards, the Varsity Blues punted, earning two flags on the spot and a personal foul, ensuring no yards were gained. This means the Gees got the ball on Toronto’s 40, ensuring an advantage to an already powered-up team.
Riding the power high, running back Charles Asselin impressed us with his rushing skills, making sure he flaunted his cruciality within the game. Asselin led the ball down the middle, gaining immense ground and allowing the Gee-Gees to have the first opportunity at a first-and-goal. With only seconds on the clock, Copeland kicked the ball and ensured a three point lead to finish the first quarter.
The second quarter started right off and gave us the first touchdown of the game by third-string quarterback Matt Mahler — which was his first, but far from last appearance on the scoreboard. The fifth year has long been the player tapped to rush quarterback sneaks on the goal line and added some slotback duties to his resume this year. He finished with three rushing touchdowns on sneaks.
When asked about how it felt to provide so many points for the team on his senior night, he commented, “It is unreal, goes straight to the core, and it is poetic – but ultimately [I am] just following my boys up front, and I’m just doing my job.”
After making sure the garnet and grey stayed in the lead with seven more points, Ottawa made sure the pressure kicked in, forcing the Varsity Blues to commit numerous mistakes, such as the quarterback not finding any hands within his own team or even finding the ball himself.
Asselin showed off again with a return and a big rush, gaining 72 yards for the Gee-Gees, placing the ball two yards away from the endzone, ensuring a second touchdown by receiver Romeo Lussier, which coincidently placed his number 17 up on the scoreboard with the U of O now having 17 points against Toronto’s zero.
With about two minutes left in the second quarter, the garnet and grey rushed to fit in another touchdown and a kick, summing up 7 points which didn’t last long with Copeland showcasing once again that he will deliver every time, ensuring the first rouge of the game. The first half would end with the Gee-Gees having 25 points right at the blow of the whistle.
The third quarter seemed to be a one-team game, with the Gee-Gees getting four points right off the start from two safeties by the Varsity Blues. This was straight-up followed by an Ottawa touchdown plus its respective kick, making the score 35-0.
Fourth and last quarter showed the emotional push from the team, and demonstrated they aren’t ready to give up, claiming their place as a strong finisher. The U of O team increased the score by 14 points and made sure to showcase one of their best games this season with immersive and cohesive plays.
The Gee-Gees with a flair for the dramatics, left the last down for the very end. Souleymane Camara ran in the last touchdown with 32 seconds on the clock, creating an eruption of noise and emotion within the crowd.
Mahler also commented on the team’s feelings about the future of the team. “It’s Week one, here we go, we are dangerous for sure, and people may not know what they’re getting into if they step in the field with us.”
Make sure to follow the team by watching the quarterfinals against Guelph this Saturday at 1 p.m. Ontario OUA offers a livestream on OUA.TV, making Saturday a football afternoon while showing your support and spirit.
