Gryphons thunder for 273 yards on the ground as Gee-Gees season ends heartbreakingly
After winning their last two games against Carleton and Toronto to secure playoff position, the Gee-Gees travelled to Guelph to take on the Gryphons on Saturday. It was a back-and-forth contest, but ultimately, the U of O fell under the weight of turnovers and a powerful Guelph rushing attack.
Guelph came out strong from the outset, capitalizing on two early turnovers that allowed them to build a 15-0 lead. Head coach Marcel Bellefeuille said turnovers were a big part of the loss. “We turned it over three times to their one,” acknowledged Bellefeuille.
“The two in the first half resulted in eight points and field position.” This early Guelph lead forced the Gee-Gees’ offence to play from behind, making it difficult for Ottawa to establish its running game or maintain control of possession.
Before the end of the first half, Ottawa managed to get on the board with a rouge, and shortly after that, kicker Zachary Copeland added a 29-yard field goal. These late-second-quarter scores chipped away at Guelph’s lead, providing Ottawa with some momentum heading into the locker room, though the Gryphons still held a 15-4 advantage.
The third quarter marked a turning point as Ottawa began to find its stride offensively. They narrowed the gap early in the quarter with another field goal from Copeland, reducing Guelph’s lead to 18-7. The Gee-Gees’ offence continued to click as Josh Janssen orchestrated a series of effective plays, connecting with Noah Avery and Romeo Lussier to advance down the field.
This offensive push was capped by a crucial 2-yard rushing touchdown from senior quarterback Matt Mahler, playing in his final game in a Gee-Gees uniform, bringing the U of O within a single score.
On the ensuing kickoff, Copeland added a rouge, further tightening the score to 18-15 as the third quarter wound down. Ottawa’s defence also stepped up, delivering a strong performance that included standout plays from linebacker Jaxxon Brashear. Brashear led the defensive unit with nine tackles and a critical sack, applying pressure to the Guelph offence and helping Ottawa keep the game within reach.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Ottawa trailed by just three points, setting up a thrilling finish. Both teams traded defensive stands, with each squad vying to control possession and gain the upper hand. However, as time ticked down, the Gryphons’ offence pieced together a methodical drive, which ultimately culminated in a decisive touchdown with just 55 seconds left on the clock. This final score dashed Ottawa’s hopes of a comeback, pushing Guelph’s lead to 26-15 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Individually, several Gee-Gees players turned in strong performances despite the loss. Quarterback Josh Janssen completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts for a total of 224 yards, demonstrating poise under pressure. Noah Avery led the receiving corps with eight receptions for 93 yards, showcasing his reliability and playmaking ability. Running back Charles Asselin was a steady presence in the ground game, rushing for 65 yards on 15 carries, while Mahler contributed with his short-yardage rushing touchdown.
The defence, anchored by Brashear, showed resilience throughout the game. Brashear’s nine tackles and sack underscored a strong defensive effort that held Guelph in check for much of the second half, giving Ottawa a chance to rally. Despite their efforts, however, Ottawa’s defense ultimately could not contain Guelph’s last-minute scoring drive, which proved to be the game’s turning point.
The Gryphons’ victory sends them into the OUA semifinals, where they will face the powerhouse Western Mustangs, a team known for its dominant performances and postseason experience. Meanwhile, Queen’s will take on Laurier in the other semifinal matchup, setting up an exciting stage for the next round of playoff action. You can watch the action here on OUA TV.
