HAMILTON – Fourth-year running back Chris John averaged 5.3 yards on 14 carries for 74 yards to lead the Windsor Lancers (1-0) to a 21-17 victory over the McMaster Marauders (0-1) in the season opener for both teams.
 
McMaster was able to move the ball at times but struggled to finish drives and was hurt by turnovers including a fumble and interception. Senior tailback Danny Bosett led McMaster in rushing with 34 yards on four carries while third-year quarterback Keagan Hall rushed for 31 yards on 7 carries. Hall completed 19 of 37 pass attempts, including one touchdown, for 200 yards.
 
After a slow first quarter, it was the Marauders who broke the deadlock just moments into the second quarter on a 20-yard field goal by Michael Horvat. Eight minutes later, McMaster doubled the lead to make the score 6-0. Windsor stole the show late in the first half. Lancer quarterback Danny Skelton scored the first touchdown of the game with just 22 seconds remaining in the first half to give the visitors a 7-6 lead at the break.
 
The two teams came into the second half with focus which resulted in exchanged drives for each side. The Marauders added their third field goal at the midpoint of the third quarter but Windsor responded late again to go up 14-9 headed into the final frame.

McMaster had some of its longest drives of the game in the fourth but turned the ball over twice, one of which led to the Lancers' third touchdown of the game. The Marauders responded late with a touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion but it was too little too late as the Lancers walked away with their first W of the season – 21-17.
 
First-year Marauder, Jacob Patten, led all receivers with 6 passes for 89 yards, including a long of 25 and recorded McMaster's only touchdown. Everett Reid and James Priestner combined for 72 yards of total offense.
 
Sophomore kicker Michael Horvat provided McMaster with the home squad's first nine points of the game.
 
The McMaster defense was led by defensive back Devonte Ballantyne with 6.5 tackles while senior defensive end Ryan Leder finished with 5.5 stops. Carter Blad recorded two interceptions throughout the opening contest.
 
McMaster will now travel to face the defending Yates Cup Champions, the Western Mustangs, on Sept. 3 at Western Alumni Stadium.