KINGSTON, Ont. - The Gaels and Marauders matched up Saturday afternoon in OUA action in what was the lowest scoring game in the conference this season, so far (with the exception of York's 1-0 victory). Queen's snuck past McMaster in the fourth quarter to narrowly escape with a 14-10 victory.
The Marauders broke the deadlock with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter on a 28-yard field goal by
Michael Horvat (Hamilton, Ont.). Just three minutes later, the Gaels got on the board after McMaster conceded the safety for better field position to make the score 3-2 after one.
The next 15 minutes saw quick series from each side. The maroon and grey added a rouge at the midway point of the quarter. Queen's recorded the longest drive of the second, holding the ball for just over three minutes which resulted in a 13-yard field goal for the home team. At the half, the score stood at 5-4 in favour of the Gaels.
McMaster came into the second half with a renewed energy, moving the sticks six times on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Marauders found the end zone on a 1-yard run by quarterback,
Andreas Dueck (Winnipeg, Man.) but missed the 2-point conversion to go up 10-5. Dueck was picked off twice during the third quarter but the defence held strong to maintain the Marauder lead headed into the fourth and final quarter.
Queen's scored a touchdown in the opening minute before McMaster conceded a safety late in the fourth quarter to make the final 14-10 in favour of the Gaels.
Defense was on display throughout the entirety of the game. The Gaels and Marauders combined for 88 solo tackles.
Devonte Ballantyne (Strathroy, Ont.),
Dylan Hillier (Cambridge, Ont.) and
Owen Hubert (Hamilton, Ont.) led the Marauders with twelve solo tackles between the trio. Queen's and McMaster recorded a total of just 447 yards of offence throughout the contest thanks to the impressive defensive performances on both sides.
For the Marauders, Dueck completed 25 of 41 attempts for 256 yards, recorded one rush touchdown and two interceptions in the contest and was sacked four times.
Daniel Bosett (Brantford, Ont.) and
Jawaun Smith (Hamilton, Ont.) split the running game for a combined 48 yards on the ground.
Nicholas Adair (Kingston, Ont.) led all receivers for the Marauders with 73 yards, including a long of 30 yards.
Alex Vreeken took all snaps for the Gaels, going 9 for 25 on pass attempts, including one interception and rushed for a touchdown. Yann Longa had 54 yards on the ground and Richard Burton recorded three catches for 31 yards. The Gaels' defense totaled four sacks for a loss of 42 yards.
The Marauders fall to 2-5 on the season while the Gaels extend their 2022 record to 6-1.
Next Up
The Marauders return home to Ron Joyce Stadium next Saturday October 22nd for the regular season finale. The Varsity Blues will be in town with tons of playoff implications - game time is set for 1pm.Tickets are available at www.marauders.ca/tickets.
