Zain Rashid | Staff Writer
Featured Image: Lions beat U of T in last game of the season to retain Argo Cup. | Courtesy of York Lions
The 49th edition of the Red and Blue Bowl lived up to expectations as the York Lions and U of T Varsity Blues renewed their rivalry at U of T’s Varsity Stadium last Saturday.
Playing their last game of the season, the Lions were able to put on a spectacular performance, winning 31-15, and claiming the Argo Cup for the second consecutive year.
The Lions drew first blood, as their aggressive defence managed to break through the U of T o-line and score a safety in the 3rd minute. York extended their lead by a rouge in the 6th minute, courtesy of Dante Mastrogiuseppe, giving them a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw the most points scored. U of T’s Ethan Shafer tied the game by connecting on a 36-yard field goal. The Lions, however, responded brilliantly as Luther Hakunavanhu scored a touchdown on a 34-yard pass from quarterback Brett Hunchak.
In the 12th minute, the Hunchak brothers combined for another Lions touchdown, as receiver Colton Hunchack found the end-zone on a 3-yard pass from his brother Brett, giving the Lions a 17-3 lead.
York extended their lead to a whopping 31-3, through back-to-back touchdowns from Kayden Johnson and Eric Kimmerly in the 14th and 15th minutes of the second quarter.
Kayden Johnson’s touchdown came on a one-yard plunge, and Eric Kimmerly’s came on a seven-yard pass from backup QB, Noah Craney.
The third and fourth quarters were quieter, as the Lions stymied the Varsity Blues’ attempt at a comeback.
U of T was nearly shutout in the third, save for a safety. However, they managed to add a touchdown and field goal in the fourth, but it was too little too late, as York cruised to the 31-15 victory.
The Lions defence had a very strong game overall, and defensive back Kadeem Thomas’ set a Red and Blue Bowl record with three interceptions.
Another notable performance was from senior linebacker Ian Lawrence, who was playing his last game for the Lions. He broke up three passes, recorded one interception, and six tackles in the game.
The Lions end the season with a 3-5 record, and are tied for eighth place on the OUA standings. Their three wins this season are the most they’ve won since 2005, when they also won three games.
