Box Score Toronto, Ont. — The McMaster Marauders (0-1) opened their 2025 OUA football campaign on Saturday against familiar opposition: former Marauder quarterback
Keagan Hall and the York Lions (1-0). In the OUA's first Marquee Matchup of the season, McMaster came up just short in a 31-24 thriller at York Lions Stadium.
The Marauders entered 2025 eager to rebound after a first-round playoff exit to Western last fall. With Winnipeg native
Luke Thalman making his first career start at quarterback, McMaster leaned on veteran leadership and defensive experience as they look to chart a new course this season.
York, meanwhile, unveiled a heavily revamped roster under second-year head coach Dexter Janke. Led by 2024 OUA Second Team All-Star Hall, the Lions bolstered their lineup with 17 U SPORTS transfers and four NCAA additions, raising questions about how quickly the group could mesh.
McMaster struck first midway through the opening quarter. A long run from second-year back
Micah Duchene (Brantford, Ont.) set up strong field position, leading to a successful field goal by 2024 U SPORTS All-Canadian
Michael Horvat (Hamilton, Ont.).
The Lions responded immediately, capitalizing on consecutive drives with touchdowns to seize a 14-3 lead. The Marauders answered before the half, sparked by a huge kickoff return from veteran
Isaiah Shields (Hamilton, Ont.) that brought McMaster to York's five-yard line. Thalman connected with fourth-year
Everett Reid (Winnipeg, Man.) for the Marauders first touchdown of the 2025 season, trimming the deficit to 17-10 at the break.
Momentum swung back to McMaster early in the third quarter. A dazzling 60-yard punt return by
Sean Underhill (Hamilton, Ont.) set up Thalman's first of two touchdown strikes to 2024 OUA Rookie of the Year
Jackson Taylor (Hamilton, Ont.), knotting the game at 17 apiece.
York regained control with an early fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Hall, but Thalman and Taylor linked up again for a highlight-reel score to keep the Marauders within striking distance.
With the game tied late, the Lions broke through the maroon's defense, pulling ahead 31-24. McMaster had opportunities to equalize, the closest coming on a determined rush from
Lucas Barresi (Hamilton, Ont.) that was stopped just short of the goal line. The Marauders were unable to convert on third down, sealing York's narrow victory.
The Marauders will now turn their focus to their home opener against the Queen's Gaels on Saturday, August 30 at Ron Joyce Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Come out to cheer on your Birds next weekend! Tickets are available at
mcmaster.universitytickets.com.
