Football Masculin Nouvelles

Carelton Ravens

  • 2018 regular season record: 5-3
  • 2018 regular season standings: 4th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 1-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost 39-13 to Western in conference semifinal

General Write-Up: 

The 2018 team had one of many changes in players and coaching staff.  The year had some ups and downs but overall the improvement form 2017 was remarkable.  Coming into the 2019 season, expectations are high with excitement with the combination of new recruits and returning payers preparing for the upcoming season.

Quote from head coach: Steve Sumarah 

“The 2018 season showed promise but in the end we struggled to move past the semifinals against a very good Western team.  This loss fueled one of the best off-seasons we have had since the programs returned.  An outstanding recruiting class plus a group of recruiting vets has the coaching staff excited to see where we can move this program.” 

Head Coach: Steve Sumarah

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 8 years
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): Entering 14th season
  • Career regular season record with team: 23-25
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 58-37
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only):26-28
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 66-38

Guelph Gryphons

  • 2018 regular season record: 5-3
  • 2018 regular season standings: 3rd in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 2-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost to Western in Yates Cup

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General Write-Up:

The 2019 season will mark the beginning of a new era in Gryphon football with first-year head coach Ryan Sheahan set to take over a program that has earned appearances in three of the past five Yates Cups. Sheahan leads a Gryphon coaching staff full of new faces, including three new coordinators with the additions of Mark Surya (offence), Dennis McPhee (defence) and Donnavan Carter (special teams). While the coaching staff consists of largely new arrivals, the roster features a strong core of returning players, including fifth-year quarterback Theo Landers, fourth-year receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker and fifth-year middle linebacker Job Reinhart.

In 2018, the Gryphons finished the regular season ranked second in the OUA in rushing with 1,631 yards (203.9 per game). In 2019, the Gryphons once again boast all of the necessary pieces to be in the conversation among the league leaders in rushing thanks to the return of several key players. Veteran offensive lineman Eric Starczala returns from CFL camp after being drafted by the Toronto Argonauts to help anchor the Gryphons up front, while a deep stable of running backs features a talented trio of sophomores in J.P. Cimankinda, Kwame Osei and Juwan Jeffrey.

Quote from head coach: Ryan Sheahan

"I look at it sort of as a blank canvas. We get to paint our own picture and draw our own map of the future. We stress hard work and accountability around every turn, and our key to our team's success this year is going to be our work ethic and our attitude."

Head Coach: Ryan Sheahan

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019):  1st
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019):  1st
  • Career regular season record with team:  N/A
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS:  N/A
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): N/A
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only):  N/A

Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks

  • 2018 regular season record: 4-4
  • 2018 regular season standings: 7th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: N/A
  • 2018 playoff finish: N/A

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General Write-Up:

The 2018 season was a difficult one for the Golden Hawks as they failed to make the postseason after making back-to-back appearances in the Yates Cup in 2016 and 2017. A combination of injuries at key positions and narrow defeats (three losses by a combined six points) left the Hawks on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

Despite the loss of some key veterans to the CFL in the offseason, including the OUA’s all-time receptions leader in Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Laurier appears poised to challenge once again for top spot in the conference with a veteran group that is talented on both sides of the ball.

With so much talent on the field, all eyes will be on young quarterback Connor Carusello, who is expected to be the starter for Laurier this season after taking over the role for the team’s final three games last season. If Carusello can get the ball to his playmakers and the defence once again locks down to become one of the best in Canada, the Hawks could be poised to make some noise once the 2019 playoffs roll around.

Quote from head coach: Michael Faulds

“This is one of the better teams we have assembled on paper in my time here. We have great talent at every single position, but as we witnessed first-hand last year, this season will come down to staying healthy and coming together as a team. Internally we are very confident and excited to get back to our winning ways and challenge for the conference championship.”

Head Coach: Michael Faulds

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 7
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 7
  • Career regular season record with team: 26-22
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 26-22
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 30-26
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 30-26

McMaster Mauraders

  • 2018 regular season record: 5-3
  • 2018 regular season standings: 5th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 0-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost 30-25 to Carleton in OUA quarterfinals

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General Write-Up:

What’s old is new again for Stefan Ptaszek and the Marauders in 2019. After stepping away from the Marauders in 2016 and ending a golden decade on McMaster’s sideline, Ptaszek returns to the helm of the program he led to three Vanier Cup appearances this season with a veteran lineup at his disposal. Marauders fans will hope that combination can help the Maroon and Grey to improve on a 2018 campaign that saw the team finish 5-3 in conference play and exit the OUA playoffs in at the quarterfinal stage.

The Marauders return 23 of their 24 starters from a season ago, including all 12 of those on the defensive side of the ball, and see much of their offensive core enter its third season together in 2019.

Defensively, McMaster will lean heavily on a veteran-laden backfield, including fourth-year East-West Bowl hopeful Nolan Putt at corner, OUA All-Star Noah Hallett at halfback and fifth-year senior Lucas Bill at safety. The trio of Nate Edwards, Eryk Bujalski and 2019 CFL Draft pick Eric Blake return to headline the linebacking corps, while American import Enoch Penney-Laryea enters his second season at the defensive end spot after leading his team with five sacks in 2018.

Defensive coordinator Scott Brady enters his second season at the controls of the Marauders defence, after guiding his unit to the second lowest points (163) and yards per game (378.4) allowed in the OUA in 2018.

On the other side of the ball, McMaster brings new leadership to a maturing group in 2019, with the hiring of former CFLer Corey Grant as the team’s offensive coordinator. Grant and Ptaszek inherit an offensive group losing just one of its 2018 starters in the form of guard Jon Grant.

Andreas Dueck returns under centre for his third year, after assuming starting duties in 2018, and has familiar weapons to work with, including the running back tandem of senior Jordan Lyons and third-year Justice Allin. Fresh from a breakout 2018 that including a 233-yard performance against Toronto, Tommy Nield returns to anchor the Marauders receiving corps in 2019 with the help of second-year starters Xander Tachinski and Levi Paul.

In front of Dueck, the Marauders offensive line gained valuable experience and stability in 2018 and returns four starters, including veterans Joe Bencze at tackle and Jakub Szott at guard.

Quote from head coach: Stefan Ptaszek

"Our defence attacks and will dictate pace and do what it wants to this season. Offences will feel that pressure immediately, and it’s been fun to watch that defence go so far with such an aggressive unit. Offensively, Andreas Dueck is our leader and he’ll take us where we need to go. Look for us to be balanced and be patient in trying to establish the run as well as the pass and set up our bigger shots.

"Our veteran leadership has been vital in getting us ready on a tight turnaround, especially with their investment throughout the spring and summer workouts. We came to camp with a pretty good idea of who we are, and the young guys are following the great example that the older ones are setting."

 

Head Coach: Stefan Ptaszek

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 11 (first in return)
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 11
  • Career regular season record with team: 60-20
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 60-20
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 73-29
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 73-29

Ottawa Gee-Gees

  • 2018 regular season record: 6-2
  • 2018 regular season standings: 2nd in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 0-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost 27-22 to Guelph in conference semifinal

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General Write-Up:

In many ways, the 2018 season was a step forward for the Ottawa Gee-Gees football program. A 6-2 record en route to a second-place finish in the OUA had the Gee-Gees return to a Top 5 ranking in the U SPORTS Top 10. A five-game winning streak through the middle of the season was highlighted by a 38-27 victory in the 50th Panda Game.

This era of the Garnet and Grey has been marked by stellar defensive teams, which looks to continue this season. A squad that led the nation in interceptions last year remains noticeably intact and has the benefit of developed depth. The Gee-Gees return 10 of 12 starters on defense including their complete linebacking corps, and all but one player in the secondary and on the defensive line.

Offensively, head coach Jamie Barresi has a quarterback in Sawyer Buettner that excelled in his first season and now firmly holds the reigns of the offence. With a talented core of receivers, experience on the offensive line, and solid depth at running back, the Gee-Gees will strive to move the ball with them in the OUA this season.

The price the Gee-Gees pay for their success last season is a schedule of strong opponents for 2019. With a first-week bye, Ottawa will have eight consecutive weeks of play against the best the OUA has to offer, including 2018 playoff teams in McMaster, Guelph, Carleton, and Western.

Momentum is carrying the Gee-Gees into the realm of contention at a national level, now it is time for them to make the most of their opportunity.

Quote from head coach: Jamie Barresi

“We’ve had a good offseason and a good spring, so I’m hoping to keep that momentum. We have to stay healthy and keep our kids fresh and if we can do that, I think we have a really good opportunity.”

Head Coach: Jamie Barresi

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 7
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 7
  • Career regular season record with team: 30-18
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 30-18
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 31-21
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 31-21

Queen’s Gaels

  • 2018 regular season record: 3-5
  • 2018 regular season standings: 8th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: Did not make playoffs
  • 2018 playoff finish: Did not make playoffs

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General Write-up

The 2019 season marks a new era for the Queen’s Football program as Steve Snyder takes over the reigns as head coach after the departure of longtime coach Pat Sheahan. After finishing with a 3-5 record and on the outside of the playoff picture, the Gaels will be looking to make the postseason under their new leadership in 2019.

The Gaels' rookie head coach Snyder achieved a successful run during his tenure as offensive coordinator with the Western Mustangs, assisting the program to two consecutive undefeated OUA seasons and a Vanier Cup title in 2017.

The key to the Gaels' success will rest on the ability to retool a young offensive core after the graduations of QB Nate Hobbs and receivers Chris Osei-Kusi and Matteo Del Brocco. With the quarterback job up for grabs, the competition in training camp has been fierce with a handful of young QBs vying for the first-string spot. The Gaels return talented skill position players on offence with running backs Jake Puskas and sophomore Rasheed Tucker, not to mention a top receiver target, one of the fastest in the OUA, in Ben Arhen. The offensive line will once again feature stalwarts Josh Mosely and the emerging talent Jacob Butler.

The Gaels boast a veteran defensive core, led up front by linemen Cam Lawson and linebacker Kurtis Schaefer, while being anchored by standout defensive backs Ejaz Casuer, Zackary Kealey, and Oliver MacKenzie all looking to wreak havoc on opposing offensives. The Gaels return all but one starter from 2018.

“We have to integrate our new players quickly, we have to establish our brand of football and we have to become the most respected team on campus and in the community,” said Gaels head coach Steve Snyder. “If we can get 12 guys on the same page, aligned properly and playing right through the whistle then we’ll be fine. We’re going to become better every day that’s the goal.”

Head Coach: (Steve Snyder)

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 1
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 1
  • Career regular season record with team: 0-0
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 0-0
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-0
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-0

Toronto Varsity Blues

  • 2018 regular season record: 0-8
  • 2018 regular season standings: 11th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: N/A
  • 2018 playoff finish: N/A

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General Write-Up:

Under the direction of second-year head coach Greg Marshall, the Varsity Blues are a young and determined team, looking to improve upon last season’s results.

Toronto’s defence will be bolstered by five returning veterans: defensive linemen Malcolm Campbell and Jackson Mayer, linebackers Damoy Robinson and Matt Renaud and defensive back Jordan Gillespie. 

On offence, the Blues return quarterback Clay Sequiera and a deep receiving corps, led by third-year standouts Will Corby and Daniel Diodati, as well as fourth-year veteran Nick Stadnyk. Toronto’s running game will see the likes of sophomores Maxwell Gyimah and Adam Williams split duties, while the Blues also return their entire offensive line in 2019.

Quote from head coach: Greg Marshall (2nd Season)

“Our young guys have had an extra year in the weight room. We are more mature and stronger and physically ready for the challenges that we face. We expect to win. We are not going out there hoping and wishing. We have to go out and play at a high level and execute. We need to do the things we are capable of doing and do them well.”

Head Coach: Greg Marshall (2nd Season)

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 2
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 2
  • Career regular season record with team: 0-8
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 0-8
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-8
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-8

Waterloo Warriors

  • 2018 regular season record: 4-4
  • 2018 regular season standings: 6th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 0-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost 45-34 to Guelph in OUA Quarterfinals

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General Write-Up:

Twelve seconds. That’s all it took to erase 16 years of suffering.

On Sept. 15 of last year, the Warriors walked into University Stadium and scored 17 fourth-quarter points to defeat crosstown rivals Laurier in an instant classic.

OUA MVP and First-Team all-star Tre Ford took a snap from his own 22-yard line, down 32-27 late in the fourth, and sent a rocket down field to Tyler Ternowski who did the rest with his legs in a play that took 12 seconds - stunning the Golden Hawk faithful with the 34-32 victory. The win was Waterloo’s first over the Hawks since 2002, and as fate would have it, would end up being the victory needed to win the tiebreaker over Laurier to clinch their first playoff berth since 2003.

The Warriors will look to continue that momentum going into 2019 with most of their core intact and some key recruits joining the squad.

Waterloo’s season kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. ET against Toronto on Warrior Field, while many will have Thursday, Oct. 10 circled on their calendar, when the Battle of Waterloo hits Warrior Field at 7 p.m ET.

Quote from head coach: Chris Bertoia

“It’s been a total team effort from top to bottom to turn this program around.From the players to the coaching staff, everyone has bought in to have only positive expectations and work our tails off each and every day. From Day 1 of taking over this program, the respect has just never been here for the Warriors. We have always been the have-nots. Not anymore - we have shown the last two seasons we can compete with and defeat all OUA football programs and you can see it in our player’s eyes before they enter the field. They expect to win and that’s the culture we have built and continue to preach.”

Head Coach: Chris Bertoia

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 5
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 5
  • Career regular season record with team: 8-24
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 8-24
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 8-25
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 8-25

Western Mustangs

  • 2018 regular season record: 8-0
  • 2018 regular season standings: 1st in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: 3-1
  • 2018 playoff finish: Lost 34-20 to Laval in Vanier Cup final

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General Write-Up: 

The Mustangs are coming off another extremely successful 2018 campaign. The team rolled through the regular season undefeated, won the Yates Cup as OUA Champions and then won the Mitchell Bowl over Saskatchewan and made it back to the Vanier Cup for a second year. The result wasn’t the way the team had hoped but those returning for 2019 are hungrier than ever to get back on the field to try and get back there again.

As much as some might think the Mustangs only have their sights set on getting back to Laval in November, head coach Greg Marshall continues to urge his players to only focus on the next opponent and challenge that is ahead.

With Marshalls guidance, some key returning players and some exciting new additions the 2019 season should be a very exciting one.

Head Coach: Greg Marshall

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 13
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 20
  • Career regular season record with team: 81-15
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 158-44-2
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 105-26
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 158-44-2

Windsor Lancers

  • 2018 regular season record: 1-7
  • 2018 regular season standings: 10th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: N/A
  • 2018 playoff finish: N/A

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General Write-Up:

After a long, eventful offseason, the Lancers are ready to kick off the Circelli era in Windsor. After an offseason of adjusting, installing, a coach’s clinic and players camp, the blue and gold are excited to finally strap on the pads and get to work.

Despite the excitement and anticipation for the home opener, the Lancers have to replace stalwarts Drew Dejarlais, Courtney Ellis, Evan Martin and Marcus Kentner. On a positive note, the Lancers have two transfer students to be excited about. Joining the Lancers is wide receiver Chris Osei-Kusi, and defensive lineman Joel Stenning from Guelph.

The Lancers return Dan Metcalfe, one of the best linebackers in the country and anchor of the blue and gold defence. Heading into his second year as defensive coordinator, Jesse Alexander’s unit improved in his first year but still have some work to do. With Metcalfe leading the way there will be no doubt new stats will be recorded on defense in the Lancer record books. 

Offensively, the Lancers return a slew of their skill players including quarterback Sam Girard, running back Marvin Gaynor and wide receiver Tristan Carter. They all return with hopes of a far more effective offense. The success will likely rest on the shoulders of CJ Church and the rest of the offensive line, something head coach JP Circelli has mentioned, so expect to see an improved unit this season.

Quote from head coach: JP Circelli

“We look forward to the opportunity to start the season with a new culture."

Head Coach: JP Circelli

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 1
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 1
  • Career regular season record with team: N/A
  • Career regular season record in U SPORTS: N/A
  • Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): N/A
  • Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): N/A

York Lions

  • 2018 regular season record: 3-5
  • 2018 regular season standings: 9th in OUA
  • 2018 playoff record: N/A
  • 2018 playoff finish: N/A

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General Write-Up:

The Lions took a step forward in 2018 with a 3-5 record and close contests against nationally-ranked opponents, falling just short of the top six in the OUA and a playoff spot. That improvement has provided additional motivation to a veteran squad that is on the precipice of a big breakout.

The Lions lost some key players but still return top-end talent at every position on the field. What has long been an offence-dominated team is shifting to one that is more defensive minded. Last year, the defence gave up 120 fewer yards per game than in 2017 and nine starters return - among them OUA All-Star defensive end Rossini Sandjong-Djabome and a pair of OUA All-Rookie Team members in Kwadwo Boahen and Matt Dean. Head coach Warren Craney’s background is as a defensive coordinator and with the talent he now has on that side of the ball, opposing offences will be hard-pressed to put up points.

The offence still remains solid and will flow through fifth-year quarterback Brett Hunchak. Last year’s squad put up the most points per game in his four years and the Lions will be looking to take advantage of his veteran presence to put up even more this season. Even with the absence of his younger brother Colton, now with the Calgary Stampeders, he will have no shortage of weapons all over the field. The lost talent from last season has been replenished with the best recruiting class in years, a group that is full of highly-regarded receivers and offensive linemen.

The Lions have been on the verge of the playoffs for many years and, with the players slated to line up on both sides of the ball, have the pieces to contend for a postseason berth this year.  

Quote from head coach: Warren Craney

“This is the most talented football team I’ve seen here, I could argue it’s the most talented football team York has ever seen. We feel we are at a point in our program build where we can compete with anybody and it’s just taking that next step. The biggest thing to get there is belief. They have the talent already and they know how good they are. Now it’s about executing and trusting in our tremendous coaching staff.”

Head Coach: Warren Craney

  • Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2019): 10
  • Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2019): 10