York’s football team travelled to Ottawa on September 21 to take on the Carleton Ravens in a matchup full of playo? consequences for the Lions. Carleton battled hard to keep the game close but by the time the ?nal whistle sounded, the Lions stood victorious 50-34.
Reversing a trend of slow starts, York came out slinging the ball in the ?rst quarter, opening the game with a two-yard touchdown run by Errol Brooks. The Lions went on to score two more touchdowns through the air, building a 21-0 lead after the ?rst. But Carleton got into their groove before half-time, taking advantage of some sloppy play by York. They cut the lead to 13 after scoring on a quarterback sneak and a ?eld goal. York’s only points came o? a safety conceded by the Ravens’ punter.
Lions’ defensive receivers with over 50 yards receiving, as well as three separate playerslineman Kellen Aiken — who ?nished with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries — came up with a massive play before halftime, blocking a Ravens’ ?eld goal attempt to reserve a 23-10 lead going into the break.
After a hotly contested second quarter, the Lions blasted the Ravens for another three touchdowns in the third, increasing their lead to 47-17. Lions’ quarterback Myles Gibbon was able to ?nd three di?erent receivers for touchdowns in the quarter, ?nishing with ?ve in total on the day.
The ?nal quarter proved to be the most successful for Carleton but came too late as the Lions’ o?ensive game propelled them to a 50-34 win. The story of the day was York’s o?ensive explosion.
The Lions ?nished with a staggering 669 total yards against the Ravens.
The Lions’ offensive included four receivers with over 50 yards recieving, as well as three seperate players with over 60 yards rushing. The re-emergence of 2012 Ontario University Athletics all-star William Austin gave a massive lift to the Lions’ passing game. York struggled to get the ball into his hands early on this season. Austin torched the Ravens’ defence for 147 yards on just six catches, adding a couple of touchdowns along the way.
Fellow wide receiver Jason Charland also had a big day, ?nishing with seven catches for 51 yards while also scoring a pair of touchdowns. A couple of key matchups are ahead of the Lions with the Ottawa Gee-Gees coming to York Stadium this week, followed by a visit from the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in a couple weeks. Both match-ups will likely decide the Lions’ playo? fate, as both squads are battling with York for a berth in the playo?s.
Ryan McCabe
Sports and Health Editor
