Right from day one, York students are taught to hate U of T. If you are a Lion, you hate the Varsity Blues; if you’re a Blue, you hate the Lions. It is as simple as that.
Most York students resort to chanting their hate for U of T’s snobbery during frosh week, but those on the Lions football team get the yearly chance to smack some U of T students around on the field.
The Red and Blue Bowl, as the game between the rivals is affectionately called, has become a fall football tradition for the two Toronto schools, which met on the gridiron for the first time on September 14, 1970. The Blues triumphed over the brand new York Yeomen 36-0. Despite the lopsided victory, a rivalry was born.
As much as York doesn’t want to admit it, it wasn’t until the 15th edition of the Red and Blue Bowl that we were able to come out on top of the despised Blues. Streaks like the one constructed by the Blues early in the series have become a common trend. From 1987-1995, the Blues reeled off an impressive eight wins in a row over their rivals. York then answered with an eye-popping streak of their own, defeating the Blues on 12 consecutive occasions.
In 2007, U of T regained control of the series, winning four straight Argo Cups (the trophy awarded to the winner, donated by the Toronto Argonauts in 1992). Last season they looked to make it five in a row, but the Lions had different plans. Head coach Warren Craney was able to secure his first ever Red and Blue Bowl victory, defeating the Blues in a close-knit contest 36-24.
Fans of both teams have become used to the game meaning nothing in the standings, and everything for the student bodies, but this year’s edition is a different animal.
The Lions and the Blues have identical 2-4 records after six games this season, and are tied for seventh in the standings. Ultimately both teams’ playoff fates rest in the hands of the McMaster Marauders, who at 3-3 hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the Ontario University Association.
While both squads will need a few wins in order to make the playoffs, you need to at least give yourself a chance and a win for both teams will keep that chance alive.
The Lions have been led by stellar offence all season, headed by quarterback Myles Gibbon and running back Errol Brooks. Brooks is averaging an astonishing 8.2 yards per carry, and is ranked second in the OUA in total rushing yards. It has been vital all year that Brooks keeps the chains moving along the ground, but it is when Gibbon is able to get the passing game going that the Lions’ offence becomes a serious threat to the other team. Gibbon has struggled as of late, throwing four interceptions and no touchdowns in York’s last two games, but a big performance against a suspect Blues pass defence should be expected in what will be Gibbon’s second and last Red and Blue Bowl.
On the other side of the field, York’s defence will have their hands full with two of the best receivers in the OUA. Blue’s star receiver Paul de Pass ranks third in the OUA with 583 yards per game, while averaging just under 100 yards per game, but has left the scoring duties up to his partner in crime Alex Pierzchalski. Pierzchalski has been on the receiving end of six touchdown passes this season, and has hauled in 39 catches in total.
The Lions’ defence has been victimized this season by opposing teams passing attacks, allowing on average 307 yards per game. Shutting down U of T’s top receivers will be crucial if the Lions’ want to come out on top Thursday night.
Considering both teams’ offences have led the way all season, don’t be surprised to see a shoot out ensue at York Stadium. If either team can find a way to get a couple stops on defence, it could go a long way as this game could come down to a case of who has the ball last.
But playoff implications or not, all signs point towards the 44th meeting for the Argo Cup being one of greatest chapters yet. This edition of the Red and Blue Bowl will have a special twist for York fans, as the two teams are set to battle under the lights October 10 at York Stadium. NFL Canada will also continue their Canadian campus tour, providing students at the game with a chance to win prizes and participate in a bunch of different contests and games.
Last season, the Lions hosted the number-one ranked McMaster Marauders in the first-ever night game at York Stadium. The Lions were on the losing end of a McMaster beating that night, but that didn’t stop the Lions’ faithful from having a blast. With the Blues rolling into York Stadium, there is no telling how much crazier York’s student body will be, but I can guarantee you’ll want to be there to experience it live.
Ryan McCabe
Sports and Health Editor
