'Father figure' resigns as Warriors' coach

McPhee leads his Warriors (Photo: Waterloo Region Record)

Having taken admirable care of his football family, Dennis McPhee has decided to turn his focus on the one closer to home – as he officially resigned as Head Coach of the Waterloo Warriors this past Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview with CTV’s southwestern Ontario affiliate, McPhee explained that he “wanted to step back a little bit and be with my own children for a while.”

Having been at the helm of Warriors' football for the past five seasons, the now ex-coach commented that “those kids at Waterloo, they’ll never be out of my mind.”

“I just want the kids to know that I’ve been thinking about them and I trust the staff,” said McPhee.

University of Waterloo Athletic Director Bob Copeland stated in a press release, posted on the school’s website, that a ‘leadership plan’ for the program will be determined in the next 10-14 days. Assistant Coaches Joe Paopao, Marshall Bingeman and Kani Kauahi will return next season.

While his coaching record at Waterloo stood at 7-25 (having endured a 0-8 season this past campaign), McPhee will most be remembered (and credited) for keeping the school’s football program afloat after the school-imposed decision to suspend the team for all of 2010. With many players having graduated or transferred to other programs, the coach was still able to field a squad this year – albeit with 36 freshmen on the 47-man roster.

When reached by SSN, Warrior all-star receiver Dustin Zender was quick to praise his former mentor.

“Obviously he’s shown great character in staying with the program, not to mention trying to get [the team] through an experience not many other coaches have been through,” reflected Zender, who played under McPhee for four years.

Summarizing the contribution McPhee had on the program, Zender explained the effort his coach made in trying “to show [the team] the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“He did a great job in leading the boys back on the field,” said Zender, adding, “Coach always tried to keep an open-door policy and be a father-figure for us as well.

“He always cared about the individual … He didn’t really care, moreso, about the whole political structure of things. He cares about the kids and he always acted that way.”

Having found out about the news in between one of his classes, the now-graduated receiver reflected on some of his personal favourite ‘Coach McPhee Moments’ – with the man’s pre-game speeches being at the forefront.

“He likes to tell the story of the Alamo a lot. I think I’ve heard that story about 20 times while I was at Waterloo,” said Zender, chuckling.

“They’re inspiring, motivating and really funny too – so it’s definitely one thing I’m going to remember of him.”

“It’s tough to see him go ... He’s going to be missed by everyone,” he added.

“Whatever he does next, I wish him the best of luck.”

Getting over the hump

McMaster receiver Mike DiCroce

For all the praise and analysis that McMaster Marauders receiver Mike DiCroce had for his teammates and opponent leading up to the team’s OUA semi-final (redux?) against the Queen’s Gaels (4:30pm, The Score), you get a sense that he could have summarized it all into a couple of words.

It’s time.

You see, the Marauders are carrying a load on their shoulders – and DiCroce is one to call it the ‘semi-final hump’. Having made it to within one game of a Yates Cup appearance in three of the last six seasons (including the last two years), the country’s leading receiver commented how “we really want to shake this monkey off our back.”

For all the success they’ve had in 2011 (posting a 7-1 record and earning a first-round bye), the team believes it’s of Yates Cup calibre - if not more. It’s all been said before though.

“We need to not talk about it anymore and lead with our actions,” said DiCroce, who led the nation with 908 receiving yards on 48 receptions.

Asked to compare last year’s Queen’s squad to the version they will face this afternoon, it’s obviously the Gaels’ defence that stands out for the Mac pass-catcher.

“Last year, they had so many injuries on their defence… that we could pick our poison and go after their weaknesses,” he explained, adding, “This year, with everyone healthy - and their [defensive] line being so disruptive - it’ll come down to that line of scrimmage.”

“They’ve been riding that kind of Cover-4 defence and giving up the holes ... here and there – so hopefully we’re going to attack those zones and just try to march the ball each and every time and not get stuck in that second-and-long [situation].”

While DiCroce admitted that there’s “a lot of pressure for us this week to come out flying [after the bye week]”, this wouldn’t be the first time the team has had to rally together to pull through a stressful situation.

Having lost potential Hec Crighton winner Kyle Quinlan to a three-game suspension in Week #3, the Marauders had to stay calm with Marshall Ferguson at quarterback until Week #6. And that they did.

“Both those quarterbacks can play at a high level and, with Marshall coming in, we knew we’d be comfortable - no matter who was playing [quarterback].

“We had to rally together … and we knew we wanted to win those games for Kyle.”

Now they’re looking to rally for their school and make it back to compete for a championship – and they at least know what it will take to do it.

“We cannot shoot ourselves in the foot and make mistakes that we’ve made in the past,” said DiCroce.

“Going forward, we believe we can compete with any team in the country – so hopefully we’ll [get a chance to] do that.”

It’s all about heart for D’Amore

Lancer Head Coach Joe D'Amore

Windsor Lancers football fans will remember September 17^th – or Week #3 of the 2011 OUA season – as one that provided a heartbreaker.

Down 15 points heading into the fourth quarter and playing under the lights, the Lancers – in front of a home crowd – came within a two-point conversion of completing a comeback in the game’s final seconds.

Interim Head Coach Joe D’Amore, while obviously focused on the game at hand, had other things on his mind though: the birth of his (and wife Sarah’s) second child; a girl named Ashlyn.

Much like the joy felt by the D’Amores with the new addition to their family (which also includes two-year old Tienna), Lancer players, alumni and fans alike are probably feeling something similar as, since that loss, the first-year Head Coach rallied his team and has them headed into the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Not to rub salt in the wounds, but it’s also only the fifth time in the last 11 years that the Lancers will be playing post-season football.

So what’s changed for what's been a moribund program the last couple of years?

“We really wanted to bring a positive approach [to coaching]. We wanted to bring an idea where the kids build some confidence,” explained D’Amore, who played 40 games as a Lancer receiver (and captain) between 1996 and 2000.

“We really believe that we have the talent here to win and it was more of a mindset. We have to get these kids believing in that they can compete in every game, that they can win football games.”

And win they did, as the team went 2-2 after the aforementioned loss to McMaster to wrap up the season at 5-3. In fact, it’s only the third time Lancer football has achieved a better-than .500 record since 1990.

A lot of that has been due to the new quarterback under centre – second-year player Austin Kennedy.

Having coached Kennedy prior to the player moving on to the University of Windsor, D’Amore commented how he offers a “pass-run dimension that not every quarterback can bring” – while also noting his competitiveness.

Asked to describe what thoughts went through the players heads when original starting QB Sam Malian suffered a season-ending arm injury at Laurier, the coach  reflected on how “the kids looked at Austin as a starter as much as they did Sam.”

“When he took over the team, we really weren’t feeling like we were lost,” said D’Amore, adding that, with using their quarterbacks as a tandem, “there wasn’t any leadership lost in the process.”

While Kennedy officially only has 11 ½ games played under his belt, D’Amore was quick to mention how his pivot has protected the football so effectively – anbeit taking a load of sacks in the process – is what has impressed him the most.

The confidence exuded by the team’s quarterback has let the passing-oriented squad go full steam ahead into the playoffs – and into the record books – as Kennedy set new school records in total passing yards (2,108 – surpassing Scott Mallander 1,821 in 1979) and touchdowns (20 – beating out current offensive coordinator/QB coach Jon Dent’s mark of 16 in 2004).

Make no mistake though; D’Amore is clear when he comments that “we’ve done a great job in running the football – and that’s really opened up our passing game.”

“We’re more of a speed-oriented team too,” he added. “We don’t really have a lot of size … Overall, compared to the Westerns and the Queens, we’re undersized. But the way we look at our team is that it’s one that’s going to work really hard. We’re going to limit the mental mistakes.

“We’re not a good enough football team yet to overcome the mental mistakes like maybe some of the stronger teams in our league can … and still come out victorious.

But that doesn’t diminish their confidence though heading into their quarter-final match-up on Saturday in Ottawa (1pm, SSN Canada) – which is the site of another heartbreaking loss this season, having lost to the Gee-Gees on a last second field goal. D’Amore commented how crucial playing “a real clean and strong brand of football” is to the team’s success moving forward - this season and beyond.

“We want to be more of a disciplined team as far as … not taking too many chances; just being a team where we play base coverages,” he said.

“That’s a learning process though; it’s not going to change overnight. We can’t expect our kids to just, all of a sudden, become everything we want them to be.”

“We’re looking for kids who are going to be mentally tough. We’re going to have our highs and we’re going to have our lows and we want kids who are going to fight through either-or; they don’t get too excited when things are going well and they don’t get too down when things are going bad.

The next obvious question to ask of D’Amore then is how motivated he is to have the ‘Interim’ tag removed from his title, whenever this season is over.

With the very-much needed support of his wife, he now "plans be here for a while; the next five to ten years” – if all goes according to script is.

“I didn’t necessarily think that I would get this kind of opportunity so early [in my coaching career], but when they approached me about it obviously I was very excited. Being an alum, it was a chance to put the program in the direction where I thought it should go.”

When asked what has made the transition a lot easier, he credits a couple things – beginning with his supporting cast.

“There are a lot of good coaches in this city – and I was able to get some of the best ones here. I was excited about that; surrounding myself with guys that I trusted and believed would work together and weren’t in there … to maybe take care of themselves.”

He also describes how he brings a ‘new-era’ style of coaching to the table.

“I like to look at myself as a player’s coach. I’m very approachable; my door’s always open. Kids nowadays – you’ve got to be able to relate to them. You want to get the most out of them. I don’t think you can come in with an iron fist and just bark orders around. You’ve got to understand where they’re coming from,” he explained.

All that being said, the rookie head coach is trying not to get too far ahead of himself - despite his enthusiasm for the gig.

“I hope on getting an opportunity to stay here. That’s kind of out of my hands, but we’ve just approached this season as doing the best that we can.”

Gryphons not ready to quit



Gryphon linebacker Jake Reinhart

Just like one of Jake Reinhart’s OUA leading 56 tackles, the Guelph Gryphons will be taking this season’s most important challenge head on this afternoon in their regular season finale.

With the last playoff spot up for grabs, the Gryphons find themselves needing a win over the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks and a Waterloo Warrior upset of the Toronto Varsity Blues – which would be the Warriors’ first win this season (currently 0-7).

If Reinhart is any indication though, his squad is nothing but confident heading into the 1pm match-up (live on SSN Canada).

“Obviously we expected to start [the season] a bit better than we did. We fell behind pretty quickly but we’ve always believed in ourselves and thought that we could do better,” said the fourth-year student out of Guelph, ON.

“We’ll try to do our part and win against Laurier and hopefully Waterloo can do the same [against Toronto].”

Looking back on some of the positives the last few weeks, Reinhart saw the 33-29 loss to top-ranked Western two weeks ago as a true indication of the team’s potential.

“That Western game – we played like we felt we should have played at the beginning of the season … We thought that we played great as a team,” said Reinhart, who is also second in the CIS in total tackles.

“If we … play like that, we can really make a dent in the playoffs - if we’re fortunate enough to get in,” he added.

Looking back on the challenges that 2011 has brought, Reinhart can’t help being an optimist – as the football culture has somewhat changed in the ‘Royal City’.

“The recruits coming in this year are definitely the biggest recruiting class that I’ve ever seen – with solid talent all around not a single one of them has quit, which is pretty amazing. All the years that I’ve been here, at least 10 guys have quit or dropped out and none of these guys have,” he explained.

“Once these guys get experience ... and our coaches continue to recruit as they are, talent-wise we should be up there and pushing for a better record than this year.”

He also praised the work of second-year Defensive Coordinator (and former Laurier linebacker) Kevin MacNeill – who is “definitely the most intense coach I’ve ever played under”.

“Coach Mac will step in there and fire everyone up,” he said.

“He’s always rallying the troops and gets everyone going for practice and before a game. He’s a great coach to play for – no doubt about that.”

The former high school quarterback, who switched over to linebacker because “[former Head Coach] Kyle Walters wanted me to play on special teams”, noted the personal connection he’s made with his coach - who was a stalwart at the same position during his playing days.

“Playing linebacker himself, he knows a few tricks – so he’s passes that onto us, and it’s great for sure,” said Reinhart.

Will having a former Golden Hawk give them an edge though in the do-or-die game? Interestingly enough, it’s not something that had come to mind for Reinhart.

“I haven’t really thought about it like that. I know he’s watched a tone of film … so if there’s any edge at all, it’ll be from Coach Mac studying [for the game],” he said.

As a linebacker in Guelph’s 3-4 defence, Reinhart has been more-so a ‘student’ of the game behind the graduated all-star Adam Dunk. The time has obviously come for the Geography major to flourish - and he’s grabbed the opportunity by the horns.

“With [Dunk] having graduated, I do feel like the next [leader] in line,” said Reinhart.

“Playing behind Adam Dunk, who was a great mentor, I learned a lot from playing behind him.”

And what was it that he learned about himself as a player?

“I’m not as vocal or intense as Adam was, but I like to lead by working hard, being tough and just doing my best at all times."

A warrior fighting to the end

Waterloo receiver Dustin Zender

While Dustin Zender may not be remembered for helping to fill the University of Waterloo football trophy case when his university career comes to an end in two weeks time, there are few who will ever epitomize what a true Warrior is more than him.

From fighting for what he believed in off the field to excelling in the midst of futility on it, Zender may sound a little cliché in saying so, but states the reason for his success in 2011 with conviction.

“Pretty much, it’s all come down to hard work,” said the fifth-year receiver from Kitchener, ON who, up until last week’s final home game loss to Laurier, led all OUA receivers in reception yardage. He currently sits second - both provincially and in the CIS - with 688, as well as first in receptions with 51.

“Hard work is always going to be that thing that gets you to that level and gives you that chance [to perform],” added Zender.

That effort was also reflective as one of the team’s most vocal advocates as a team suspension loomed in the summer of 2010 – and was eventually handed down. It was even more evident as he sucked up his pride and donned the purple and gold of city rival Laurier that season - so as not to let a year of playing football slip through his fingers.

“Thinking about it now, I made a lot of great friends [because of the move],” said Zender.

“Those guys, they’re just really nice. They really do care about you on the field as well as off of it.”

It certainly wasn’t a rosy experience either though, as the Hawks started 0-3, forfeited a win (due to using an ineligible player), then came up one game short of reaching the Yates Cup final.

All in all though, Zender (who was fourth on the team with 235 receiving yards) still feels fortunate for having done the switch.

“It was a tough experience back at Laurier, but look where we went; we lost by one point in the [OUA] semi-finals. Up to that point, that’s the first time that I’ve ever even played in a playoff game.

“To get that far was an amazing experience for me,” said Zender.

With the return of the ‘black and yellow’ to the OUA fold this season though, all friendships were put aside as Zender and the Warriors got to the task at hand of simply fielding a complete squad.

With a considerable lack of players with OUA experience, it’s no real surprise that the team is currently in last place at 0-6. That being said, Zender speaks highly of Head Coach Dennis McPhee.

“He’s had to persevere through a lot. He’s been through things other coaches obviously haven’t had to go through,”  said Zender, adding “I feel for him; it weighs heavy on him but he’s doing the best that he can – and doing an amazing job.”

Coming up just shy of 100 yards receiving in a 69-3 loss to his former teammates just prior to the Thanksgiving weekend, Zender described it as a “bittersweet moment”.

“The fact that it was my last home game and the first time … playing Laurier, and seeing all those guys, a lot of stuff was happening on that one night.

“When it was over, I did take a bit of a step back to realize what just happened. It’s tough to think that that was the last home game and that I’ll never play on that field [again],” he said.

For ever having run onto the football field in the first place though, he places much of the credit with his father Carl – who was the receivers coach at Waterloo before moving with his son to Laurier. He has since stayed on staff with the Hawks.

“I’ve been blessed, just because of the relationship with my dad. He’s my father but he’s always been my coach as well. Even from a younger age playing basketball then switching over to play football, he’s always supported my choices,” said the younger Zender.

“I know he’s pushed me a little bit harder … just to make sure that he’s not showing favouritism,” he added with a laugh.

Asked to reflect on how he and the rest of his teammates have been able to stay positive through a campaign having to endure so many growing pains, Zender fell back on his coach’s adage.

“[Coach McPhee] always says they can’t take away your heart; you have to play and not surrender – and he preaches that to us all the time,” explained Zender.

“You can see that it’s shown through the players on the field too.”

Ottawa defence hits the ground running



Ottawa linebacker Tyler Sawyer

The Ottawa Gee Gees will forgive those taken a little aback by their strong start. They’ve been simply misunderstood – in the eyes of defensive leader Tyler Sawyer anyway.

“We were definitely underrated coming into the year,” commented the fourth-year linebacker, during a phone chat from his residence near the University of Ottawa.  

“Especially with losing [Brad] Sinopoli, three All-Canadian receivers, most of the offensive line, three-time Canadian on the defensive line … we lost a lot of fifth-year guys and talent,” he added.

Yes, a lot of talent.

Sinopoli, for one, is now a back-up quarterback with the Calgary Stampeders – a year after becoming the fourth Gee Gee to win the Hec Crighton Trophy. It’s no wonder then that most OUA prognosticators and fans would have expected a rebuilding period to follow for the garnet and grey.

That was never in the team’s blueprint though, according to Sawyer.

“People looking at us didn’t understand the hunger of the guys that were on the scout team servicing these guys for years. They wanted it. Everyone wanted it,” he explained with emphasis.

It’s been that passion that drove Ottawa to a 3-1 start on the season, and listed as the second best defence in the OUA before Saturday’s loss to Laurier on the road.

Not to mention speed as well.

“Our defence is predicated on speed and getting to the ball. We want to finish with 12 guys on the tackle.

“We are undersized … but our scheme allows for our athleticism to shine and just let us do what we do,” said Sawyer.

On top of that, without having any of their defensive linemen coming close to the standard playing weight of 300 pounds, Sawyer (who, as a linebacker, is a tad undersized at 6’0, 210lbs) credited the unit’s cohesiveness as the key to their surprising success.

“All of the guys now are getting into their third or fourth year, so we’ve been playing side-by-side for a couple years now, so you start to create that chemistry; it’s really huge,” said Sawyer.

“In the back-end with our defensive backs, they are really comfortable with one another. Our front seven, we’re just really tenacious in trying to go after the ball,” he added.

That athleticism is something that Sawyer is exuding even more of now - and it has him ranked in the top five in the OUA and top ten in the CIS in total tackles with 30. It all comes part in parcel of trying to be a leader, according to the 21 year-old from Metcalfe, ON.

“I’ve learned a lot from some good players … about leadership and work ethic. I’ve felt that every year that I’ve been in this system I’ve progressed more as a leader.

“I’ve been training a lot harder every year and understanding more of what it takes to succeed at the CIS level. I think I’ve found the formula and that’s why everything seems to be clicking,” he said.

He also credits part of that formula being the team’s second-year Head Coach Jean-Philippe Asselin.

Asselin (from Quebec City) led the team to a 7-1 record and their first Yates Cup appearance since 2008 last season – as the interim coach. This past summer, it was made official that he would be handed the reins, and it’s been a move that the players couldn’t be happier with.

“Coach JP is a player’s coach. He’s very organized and very good at setting out what we need to do; not concentrating on ten different things. We concentrate on one thing and put all of our attention onto that,” explained Sawyer – the Week #4 OUA defensive player of the week.

And what would that one thing be?

“It’s just basically wins or losses. Every Saturday, you’re playing for your life – especially when it comes to late October and start of November.”

Dillon Heap: finding a niche

Laurier receiver Dillon Heap

To Laurier’s Dillon Heap, the game of football is a lot of things. It’s about wins, family and God. At the very core of it all, however, it’s about competing.

And boy, can ever he ever do that.

If there will be one stat to prove it, once his career is said and done, it’ll be as the new OUA record holder for most career punt return yards. He needs just 15 yards to supplant Windsor’s Don Hollerhead (1971-75) from the top of the list, but what adds to Heaps allure is that he’s done it all as possibly the smallest man on the team.

Listed at 5’10” and 175lbs, the fifth-year receiver/return man from Waterloo, ON, Heap admits that he hasn’t “achieved the strength of the strongest guy at my position.”

“But I’ve definitely improved it. And that’s the important thing; where I was worst at I got better,” commented Heap, after attending practice this past week.

To say that he got ‘better’ would be an understatement.

Coming to Laurier via Waterloo Collegiate in 2005, Heap departed for his two year mission – in conjunction with the requirements of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – and didn’t step back onto a football field until 2008.

By the end of 2009, he had broken a CIS single-season record by returning 60 punts for 962 yards and been named the team’s MVP. At the end of 2010, he led the team’s receivers in touchdowns – on top of his astronomical return yard numbers.

Ask Heap what he credits to finding success in the OUA as an undersized, but shifty, player, it’s simply been a matter of “just using what I did have to the best of my ability, rather than focusing on my weaknesses … and becoming a niche player in that sense.”

“Part of the major concern for myself was, in high school, I was always able to compete – despite my weaknesses in my size … but coming into university was a big shock. Ultimately, I think it’s whether or not you can play football,” said Heap.

And football is something that has run through Heap’s veins since he picked it up playing with his two older brothers as a child. With the desire to beat his own siblings engrained in him at such a young age, you can take Heap at his word when he says he “hates to lose.”

With that being said, that’s one of the reasons a second season full of adversity has been so tough for Heap.

“As an individual, you can be content with what’s happened but, as a competitor, I want to win games,” said Heap, adding, “Going into [last] year, I had high expectations going in for myself. I think we ALL had high expectations … We thought we were going to be good. We went through a lot of stuff …

“This year, it’s kind of been the same thing. It’s hard when it ends up on the scoreboard that we’re down and have an ‘L’ in the loss column.

“We’ve dug ourselves into a little bit of a hole, but offensively and defensively we have good athletes with lots of potential and it’s just a matter of gelling and seizing the moment,” he summarized.

Despite the tough spell thus far for WLU, it will never overshadow the benefits of being a part of the Hawks.

“It’s been such a ‘family’ environment; a place where Coach Jeff does such a great job of … caring about each player,” he said.

“We also do a good job of looking out for each other. I can still meet guys from the past … and embrace them as brothers.”

And, aside from being an environment where he could grow athletically, how he’s been able to evolve spiritually has had an even bigger impact.

“My faith does play a role … [Football] has been a great platform for me to demonstrate what I believe in and talk to other people about what I believe because some of my habits and my actions and my characteristics are a little bit different than the typical university athlete,” commented Heap.

Put that all aside for the moment though and Heap still only has one current goal in mind – and it’s not the OUA record that he’s so close to achieving.

“I remember taking a look at [the record] in the off-season but, other than that, I’ve deliberately not looked until earlier this week when my brother emailed me. I didn’t really know where I was, I don’t really want to know where I am. I think that creates a little bit of expectation for me and it’ll make me force things during the game,” said Heap.

“I want the team to come first. However many stats I get, it’s all about winning games. At the end of my career, I think I’d rather have a Yates Cup or a Vanier Cup over a new record.”

Strength in numbers

We're officially past the halfway point of the OUA football season, and I for one cannot WAIT to see how the remaining four games affect the playoff horizon.

So, with another four agonizing days until teams across the province hit the gridiron again, what better way to pass the time then to try and predict the future. It would only be the logical choice considering how predictably the season has developed thus far (note the sarcasm).

Nonetheless, here it is; the cold hard facts. Having listed the teams in order of their current standing, I give you the second half outlook:

Western: 4-0 (combined record of remaining teams: 6-10 York, Guelph, Toronto and Queen’s)

After surviving their toughest challenge this season this past Saturday on the road at Laurier, Western's remaining schedule is tied for the most favourable in the 10 team OUA. With how Queen's have turned their season around the last two games though, one would figure that any chance of Western racking up a loss would occur on the road against the Gaels.

Windsor: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 7-9 Guelph, Queen’s, Ottawa, York)

This season's cinderella team thus far, the Lancers - under rookie head coach Joe D'Amore - still have something left to prove as they look to hold onto their current position as the number two team in the OUA. While they scored a huge upset against Laurier and nearly completed a comeback at home against Mac, they undoubtedly have the dates of Oct 8th and 15th circled on their calendar as they'll be hosting Queen's and then travel to Ottawa to face the Gee Gee's. A win in at least one of those games will be necessary to hold onto a sweeter playoff seeding.

Ottawa: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 8-8 Laurier, York, Windsor, Mac)

To say that Ottawa has some tough road games ahead would be an understatement. As the opponents to the Golden Hawks for Laurier's Homecoming this weekend and having to travel to Hamilton to face the abuse of the Marauder faithful, the Gee Gee's definitely can't afford to look further ahead than the immediate game at hand - as they also have the aforementioned match-up against fellow 3-1 team Windsor to worry about.

McMaster: 3-1 (combined record of remaining teams: 6-10 Waterloo, Toronto, Laurier, Ottawa)

With three of their last four games at home, Mac is the team tied with Western as having the most favourable remaining schedule at the OUA midway point. Having been dealt a major blow with the suspension of star quarterback Kyle Quinlan, as a result of laid charges stemming from a bar fight, the Marauders have rallied around incumbent Marshall Ferguson. It's also helped that Ferguson has hit the ground well, er, throwing, in his two starts thus far. Five passing TD's in his two starts will make Head Coach Stef Ptaszek's decision a little tougher - but I would suspect the fifth-year Quinlan will take over the reins again upon his possible return against Toronto. Whichever way they go, Mac will still be racking up some wins in the near future.

Queen’s: 2-2 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Toronto, Windsor, Western, Waterloo)

This is one scenario in which the opponents' record is a little skewed. Full credit to the Blues for starting off the season at .500, but I don't foresee that being maintained the rest of the way. The upstart Lancers certainly won't be a lame duck for the Gaels, but with how the Queen's offence is firing right now, I'm confident that they'll be coming home after their current three-game road trip holding a 4-2 record and getting at LEAST a split at home to wrap the season better than they started it.

Toronto: 2-2 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Queen’s, Mac, Western, Waterloo)

I really hope that the Varsity Blues enjoyed the feel good campaign while it lasted, because things are going to be a lot more painful the rest of the way. With Toronto only tallying 39 points in its first four games and now facing three teams in a row that have scored a combined 443 this season, UT will be blue the rest of the way - but for all of the wrong reasons.

Laurier: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 7-9 Ottawa, Waterloo, Mac, Guelph)

One of two shockers - for all the wrong reasons - has been the Laurier Golden Hawks. Having allowed their last three opponents to rack up a combined 133 points, the traditionally strong defensive squad has been anything but. Despite a third straight loss this past Saturday to hated rival Western, Laurier looked as good as they have all season - and that should provide some hope for the WLU faithful. Adding a high level of pressure to perform and get wins over quality opponents in Ottawa and Mac (who will have Kyle Quinlan back by that time), getting those crucial victories will be a tall task.

Guelph: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 9-7 Windsor, Western, York, Laurier)

The second of the aforementioned shockers this season has been the team setting up camp a short ride down Highway 7 - the Guelph Gryphons. Their defence was initially touted as the most experienced and possibly even one of the best in the OUA heading into 2011. Instead, the team has given up the fourth most points in the league and have a long way to climb as they look to salvage their season. With a match-up almost a four-hour drive down away in Windsor against the Lancers plus having to head into the 'lions den' at Western, the Gryphons have a tough task ahead to guarantee they will not be on the outside looking in come the end of the regular season.

York: 1-3 (combined record of remaining teams: 11-5 Western, Ottawa, Guelph, Windsor)

The up-and-coming Lions have had some highlights this season: holding their own against Laurier for three quarters in the season opener and defeating Waterloo in front of a big crowd on the road. Hopefully there will be some shining moments to remember, because - based on the strength of their upcoming opponents - there won't be too many wins.

Waterloo: 0-4 (combined record of remaining teams: 8-8 Mac, Laurier, Queen’s, Toronto)

Much like the Lions, the rest of the season will find the Warriors' football program finding its feet after a year's hiatus from OUA football action. To their credit, they've competed hard in their four losses - and are no doubt looking forward to re-booting the Battle of Waterloo with their university neighbours Laurier just before the Thanksgiving long weekend.

So there you have it. It would seem like everything's figured out. But I think that's already been said once or twice before this year - hasn't it?

A cold splash of reality

Much like the unofficial Homecoming event dubbed 'Faux-coming' taking place at Queen's this past Saturday, there seemed to be something very fake about the whole ordeal as I ventured up for the game in Kingston.

It all started off when I found out the news about Laurier's highly-touted receiver Shamawd Chambers. Cordial as ever as he walked around during pre-game warm-ups, his ankle didn't seem to be any worse for wear. But who am I to argue with a trainer? Chambers would be sitting this one out after getting clipped late in the game against Windsor.

As I tried to recall the last time Chambers had actually missed any playing time due to injury, I was told by a few people that this game would be as close to a sell-out the team would experience this season.

My gaze was drawn to the large grandstand opposite that of the seats where staff, alumni and the less-inebriated usually watch the home team. Looking at the structure with faded blue, yellow and red paint and unkept foliage sprouting around it - and mostly void of any student supporters whatsoever nearing kick-off - I thought, 'Yeah, right.'

'Nobody would actually WATCH a game from there - would they?!'

Then, as the stands began to fill in a little here and there, the Queen's offence was scoring their first touchdown of the season in this, their third game of the 2011 campaign ... just over two minutes into the game.

Um, excuse me?

More students file in as Queen's quarterback Billy McPhee runs it in himself for another touchdown about ten minutes later.

The band decides to strike it up, which propels the Gaels to their third TD of the quarter.

The once rickety-looking student section has become the life of the party off the field. On it, the home side is having a pretty good time of their own; on their way to a potential season-saving 58-35 win over the Golden Hawks - with the help of Gionvanni Aprile's future OUA Player of the Week performance. Hauling in seven catches for 177 yards and three scores, Aprile also added 191 kick return yards (including a 90 yard run back) to his tally.

As surreal as the whole experience may have seemed to the entire Laurier squad, supporters and fans alike, one thing stood out the most: the whole spectacle was based all too much on reality.

The reality is that neither squad is who they were perceived to be - but there's clearly one rising from the ashes and one on a more treacherous parth. It seemed almost inconceivable that Queen's would start the season not being able to score any points.

That has clearly been dispelled.

Laurier, on the other hand, weren't expected to give this many up.

Both teams are still legitimate playoff contenders at 1-2. Each has the ability to put points on the board - but have to figure out how to stop those going against them. That much is evident.

Add to that the increased pressure trying to record victories now that we reach the mid-point of the OUA football season on Saturday and we'll begin to see how this most recent reality check plays out.

Knockout punch

With news coming out of Hamilton Thursday afternoon that star quarterback (and early Hec Crighton favourite) Kyle Quinlan had not only been charged with three counts of assault stemming from an incident  this past Saturday, but would be suspended immediately, the best I could do was channel  Ray Romano's dad from the show 'Everybody Loves Raymond' in uttering two words.

"HOLY CRAP!"

Details seem to be limited at best, but early reports from The Hamilton Spectator indicate that Quinlan was part of a scuffle at the campus pub TwelveEighty this past Saturday night and has been subsequently charged with one count of assault and two counts of assault of a police officer. While the quarterback was released from custoday that same evening, he now has a scheduled court appearance for October 6.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

With respect to the suspension, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Mac, Jeff Giles, commented that it will remain in place 'until the completion of an internal review'.

Taking a glance at the school's Athletic Code myself - being the document to which Giles pointed  as being the basis for his decision - it's pretty clear cut that Quinlan has a tough road ahead.

It states that, at all times, McMaster varsity athletes are to be 'committed to behaviour that will enhance the image of McMaster University and [their] teammates' as well as 'treat others with the utmost respect and dignity'.

As good as Quinlan's pass completion percentage was on the field, he's swinging an ugly oh-fer on the behavioural front off of it.

With that all being said, it had been a bad start of the week already; a  home-opener loss to hated rival Western compounded by having to rebound this coming Saturday against a newly ranked Windsor Lancer squad coming off a huge upset win over Laurier.

Now, positional experience would seem to dictate that second-year quarterback Marshall Ferguson will have to try to fill the void at the pivot spot. At 6'2, 200 lbs, the Kingston, ON native has only two passing touchdowns and just under 300 passing yards in the OUA to his credit.

I'm curious as to whether head coach Stefan Ptaszek is a praying man ...

It'll be how the remaining talent around the incoming passer perform that should be truly on the minds of OUA football fans, for we'll see whether this team was truly worth considering to be a championship contender - or a one trick, football-throwing pony.

From the pressbox:
- 2010 Yates Cup rematch: This time around, the #9 Gee-Gees travel south to London to face #2 Western, but this time around it'll be Aaron Colbon replacing Brad Sinopli as Donnie Marshall's opponent at quarterback. As good as Ottawa has looked so far, the Marshall experience factor, Mustangs running game already being in mid-season mode and the regularly large home crowd give the Mustangs the edge.

- Queen's is back at home facing the hard-luck Laurier Golden Hawks, who obviously want to remain within striking distance of the two-spot in the league. The Gaels are still looking for their first win and want to make sure 2011 won't be a lost season. Their front four on defence is something the Hawks O-line will have to contend with, but the large pool of talent on offence, plus the need for redemption on defence, will get the Hawks the needed road win.

- In one hand, we have quarterback Austin Kennedy making headlines for his amazing effort last week and has his Windsor team flying high, back home as a nationally-ranked team and wanting to prove that they're no fluke. On the other, you have a Mac squad simply looking for someone to throw the ball. Windsor in another upset.

- Guelph got the redemption win they were looking for against the Waterloo Warriors and figure to have another winnable game against the University of Toronto. The real question is, which Gryphons team will show up? My belief is that it'll be the one we saw in Week #2. Guelph goes to 2-1.

- It might be closer than games past this season - but York still pulls out the 'W'.

OUA star to shine brighter in NFL

From Negril (Jamaica) to London (Ontario) and finally 'settled' in San Diego (California), former Western Mustang defensive lineman Vaughan Martin – and current San Diego Charger - has travelled a career path that few could have predicted would end with a job in the NFL.

To all those skeptics, Martin has officially MADE IT.
With news coming out of the Chargers’ camp that starting defensive end Luis Castillo’s broken leg (suffered in the season opener) will keep him out until at least Week 8, Martin has been handed the starting role on the team’s defensive line. 

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 draft by San Diego, the team’s 13^th pick that season has played 10 games in each of his first two years. Not only will he see himself taking regular snaps as the new starter, he will be thrust into the role against one of the league’s best teams this week in the New England Patriots – and asked to put pressure against Tom Brady. Also consider that Brady opened up his season last week against Miami by setting a team-record with 517 passing yards. So much for easing into the new role!

In an interview with ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli back when he was drafted in 2009, Martin commented how he knew that there would be “alot to learn” - but if the powers that be had some patience with him, he would “pick up things pretty fast." The Chargers are now being repayed for their diligence.

Rating the effectiveness of the 6’4”, 308 pound Martin playing every down for the Charger's 'D' will obviously be up for debate come the Monday morning after. But for one weekend at least, Western fans and haters alike should put their hands together and applaud the man who’s not only representing the OUA, but Canada as well.
(If you’re still up in the air about this guy, you will have a new found respect watching this feature profile done by The Score a couple of years ago.)




From the pressbox: For those who may have missed it, Windsor Lancer starting quarterback Sam Malian was taken off the field on a stretcher in the first quarter of Saturday’s game at Laurier. According to the Waterloo Region Record, he was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital to address a dislocated elbow.

Sit back and relax!

So, I'm going to forego the standard 'introductory blog' submission and just get right down to it. We don't have much time after all - the OUA season is already a week in!

Saturday already seems to promise an outstanding match-up between two of the league's best, with Western travelling east to take on McMaster. It's being broadcast nationally and is being touted as the game that could potentially determine home field advantage for the Yates Cup.

While that could very well turn out to be good and true, can we not take the foot off the gas pedal a little bit and get a better perspective of what's out there first?

First off, Ottawa looked surprisingly excellent in shredding the experienced Guelph defence for over 600 yards in total offence. If they pick up another win on home turf against Queen's this week, they might very well have to something to say who gets to play in the OUA final. Even as bad as Guelph looked giving up 186 yards rushing to Gee-Gees running back Brendan Gillanders, the motivation they will carry with them will only add to emotion that will be encompassing Warrior Field - as UW takes to the field in front of their own supporters for the first time in almost two years.

The Laurier Golden Hawks took a little longer in producing the lopsided victory everyone expected over York, but what they showed by producing 31 fourth-quarter points is that, when their offence is clicking, it's just plain scary. One would expect their match-up against the fellow 1-0 Windsor Lancers, led by talented running back Shomari Grant, to be a cake-walk for the Hawks. Led by first-year head coach Joe D'Amore though, the Lancers of the last few years this team ain't.

Finally, how many outside of the GTA actually knew that the OUA had its own bowl game? It's the 42nd annual Red and Blue Bowl between York and U of  T tomorrow afternoon! The Blues currently hold the advantage in the series (25-16) since it started in 1970 (highlights from the 2010). Granted, both teams were eventually beat pretty good last week. But you know what happens when the only chance at victory for either squad is by pitting them against each other? It could turn out to be the shoot-out at the OK-Corral!

So, with as much parity in the league as there is, let's make sure we all take a deep breath and let the leaves change colour first before we start looking too far ahead on what's bound to be a great OUA season!