Lancers dominated by Mustangs

 

by Nikko Ocampo

The top CIS ranked Western Mustangs kept their winning streak alive as they defeated the University of Windsor Lancers 51-23 at Alumni Field Oct. 5.

Western controlled the first quarter with the help of quarterback Will Finch who scored on a one-yard run and threw for a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Tom Marshall. The score at the end of the first quarter was 24-0 in favour of the Mustangs.

The Lancers retaliated in the second quarter after kicker Dan Cerino made a 20-yard field goal following an eight-play drive. Cerino kicked another field goal after quarterback Austin Kennedy threw a 19-yard TD pass to wide-reciever Beau Lumley.

The Western Mustangs took control over the remainder of the quarter with kicker Lirim Hajrullahu kicking two field goals extending Western’s lead to 30-10.

Lancers coach Joe D’Amore said he knows exactly what challenges they may face against the number one team in the country.

“They have a lot of talent on the roster and we have to control their run game and try to make them one-dimensional,” said D’Amore. “We have to get after their quarterback, so if we let him sit back there and throw darts, he’ll do that.”

Hajrullahu kicked off the third quarter with another field goal, adding three rouge points and five-overall PAT’s, making him the Mustang’s overall scoring leader.

Lancers back-up quarterback Casey Wright came in to substitute Kennedy who suffered an injury earlier this month.  Wright completed two touchdown passes to wide receivers Scott McEwen and Dylan Whitfield.

The Mustangs gained some breathing room on a six-yard touchdown run by Yannick Harou.

“We came up a little flat and obviously they’re a good team,” said Wright. “We could’ve given a better run but a couple of mistakes really hurt us.”

Western University is currently the number one team in CIS Football, standing with 7-0 in the OUA.

“Any time you face the best teams in the country, it’s a challenge for our kids,” said D’Amore. “I was excited to see how they would step up against what is the best team in the country right now.”

Wright said every game is a learning experience for their team. “We’re going to go over the good things and the bad things that happened, but we’ll move on from it,” said Wright.

Though they fell short, the Lancers are making progress with a standing score of 4-3 in the OUA. They plan to take on the Ottawa Gee-Gees Oct. 19.

“We’re obviously confident going to Ottawa,” said Wright. “They’re a good team, but we figure we can give them a good run and hopefully win the game.”