GEE-GEES CLOSE OUT WIN AGAINST GRYPHONS WITH JAXXON BRASHEAR’S 35-YARD PICK-SIX
In their 2024 season, the Gees lost to the Gryphons in an OUA quarter-final match, but had the chance to redeem themselves on the road last Saturday at the Gryphon Alumni Stadium. This 1 p.m. kickoff had significant stakes as the Gee-Gees had a 2-1 record and were looking to bounce back after a loss to the Mustangs, while Guelph was at 1-2 and attempting to keep from slipping farther behind.
This season, Ottawa’s Josh Janssen stepped into the starting quarterback role, while Guelph’s Tristan Aboud returned for his fourth season at the helm. Despite his experience, Aboud proved far more turnover-prone than Janssen, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble on a sack at the Ottawa 5-yard line, for a total of four turnovers. Janssen, by comparison, remained with no interceptions or fumbles throughout the game.
These turnovers proved costly for the Gryphons as they directly impacted their ability to maintain a lead and allowed the Gees to pull ahead and secure a 30-23 victory.
The game opened with Zachary Copeland’s booming 68-yard kickoff, fielded by Matthew Stam at the Gryphons’ 7-yard line. Stam’s electrifying 113-yard return gave the Gryphons prime field position inside Gee-Gees territory. On 1st-and-goal from the Gee-Gees’ 10, Benjamin Lane’s kick was good, putting the Gryphons ahead 7–0.
The Gee-Gees responded with an efficient drive, as Janssen completed a key 16-yard pass to Noah Avery to move into scoring range. The drive stalled after a short completion and rush, and a punt resulted in a turnover touchdown return by Isaiah Smith, extending the Gryphons’ lead to 8–0 in the opening minutes.
Ottawa tried to recover, but a turnover at their own 45-yard line gave Guelph prime field position. Matteo Dominique-Kech made a field goal, trimming the Gryphons’ lead to 8–7.
On Guelph’s next drive, Tristan Aboud was sacked near the Gee-Gees’ 5-yard line, losing possession and fumbling the ball. The Gee-Gees recovered, setting up another aggressive drive. Janssen’s precise passes and Souleymane Camara’s strong rushing set up Copeland’s first field goal of the day, giving the Gee-Gees a 10–8 lead.
From that point on, the Gee-Gees seized control, converting the Gryphons’ mistakes into scoring opportunities and marking a pivotal turning point.
The Gryphons managed another scoring attempt, but turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Copeland to add another field goal, extending the Gee-Gees’ lead to 20–15 by late in the second quarter.
The third quarter featured dramatic swings as the Gryphons advanced with Mason Duvall’s 27-yard rush and Aboud’s accurate completions, moving into scoring position. Denny Ferdinand electrified the crowd with an 81-yard punt return touchdown, and Lane’s extra point put the Gryphons back on top 15–13 by the 6th minute.
The Gee-Gees mounted a solid drive moving downfield, resulting in Copeland’s field goal that restored the Gee-Gees’ lead at 17–15, keeping the game tightly contested.
The final quarter was a tense back-and-forth as the two teams traded punts, penalties, and key completions. Lane’s field goal brought the Gryphons within striking distance at 20–17, but the Gee-Gees answered with methodical drives. Janssen connected on several clutch passes, moving the ball downfield, and Copeland converted two more field goals, extending the Gee-Gees’ lead to 23–20.
With just over a minute remaining, Guelph faced 3rd-and-10 from their own 35-yard line. Janssen dropped back under pressure, attempting to force a completion. Jaxxon Brashear leapt between two receivers, snatching the ball midair in a perfectly timed interception. The stadium erupted as Brashear sprinted downfield for a 35-yard touchdown. Copeland’s successful convert further pushed Ottawa’s lead to 30–23, dramatically sealing the win.
The win resulted in the Gee-Gees moving up to 3-1, while the Gryphons, currently 1-3, is under increasing pressure to improve as the margin of error lessens. The Gee-Gees return to Gee-Gees field this coming Saturday to face-off against reigning Yates Cup champions, the Laurier Golden Hawks.
