Christina Strynatka
Contributor
York Lions mascots slow-dancing, cheerleaders cheering, and the McMaster Marauders trampling the York Lions 64-6; what more should one expect from a day of football fever at York?
From the time the match started, quarterback Nick Coutu got sacked on York’s first possession, which receiver Jonelle Tolbert’s outstretched hand tipped right into the clutches of the opponent.
It was evident from there on out that McMaster would give the Lions trouble. During the first quarter, McMaster’s Tanner Forsyth, Alex Francella and Matthew Peressini took advantage of York’s bad decisions and lack of concentration by scoring three touchdowns. Andrew Waugh, third-year kicker for the McMaster team, made good on all three field goal attempts, and carried a 21-0 lead into the second quarter.
York continued to lack presence and McMaster almost tripled their lead 53-0 as the game continued. Finally, after a wake-up call, wide re- ceiver Michael Boyd leapt in the air and batted out of bounds a touchdown pass intended for opponent Forsyth.
However, the star player of the game was York’s top receiver of the season Tolbert.
“I just try to step up and make plays for my team,” said Tolbert. “I see they were a little flat, so I know our team relies on me to make big plays down the field.”
This was especially true in the second half, when the chemistry between Tolbert and substitution quarterback D. J. Frank lit up the field like a fireworks display. When Frank finally took a break from throwing solely to Tolbert, it gave other Lions an opportunity to step up. Chidi Small, third-year slotback, finally staunched the flow by pulling York six yards closer to their opponents.
“It was a great feeling at that moment, but we have a lot of work to do,” said Small, the only player to score an outstanding touchdown for the team. “I think we practice great, but when we get to the games, at times we only have spurts of good play. We just need to maintain good play throughout the game.” Tolbert agreed. “As a team, we just have to get on the same page,” he said. “I know that everyone’s trying to give it their all, but sometimes if we make a big play, we just got to stay up, keep our energy up.”
Their energy certainly was up in the third as they locked the Marauders out of their end zone for a full 15 minutes. They managed to stave off McMaster rookie Ryan Kotar until the fourth quarter, when they were spectators to the running back’s first touchdown as a Marauder.
“It’s a very exciting feeling,” said Kotar, grinning. “Very exciting so far, and hopefully it leads to bigger and better things in the future.” But for York, it’s not Kotar that people should take note of. It’s Tolbert.
“Jonelle’s a great athlete and a great player,” said Frank. “He’s, in my opinion, one of the best wide receivers in the league, and you know what? He shows game in and game out that he is one of our top receivers and working with him kind of makes your job a little easier.”
A real example of a superb athlete displaying leadership, Tolbert shares why he came to York. “I came out of a no-name high school in Mississauga,” said Tolbert. “So I wasn’t really heard of, and York was pretty much one of the only schools that saw me and saw potential in me. Every game I play, I play for my grandmother.”
Unfortunately, this team still has quite a journey to take. New head coach Warren Craney and new offensive assistant coach Michael Faulds maintains a positive attitude that they share with their players every day.
The team faces off against Windsor Lancers Oct. 9.
