McMaster Marauders defeat Gryphons 20-15
With the Guelph Gryphons looking to capture their first Yates Cup title since 1996 in Hamilton on Nov. 15, an injury to the starting quarterback and a relentless McMaster Marauders defence proved to be two hurdles this team couldn’t jump over.
Quarterback Jazz Lindsey, who didn’t practice all week leading up to the game, and was a game-time decision with a separated shoulder, got the start. To open the match-up offensively, Lindsey would throw three interceptions, and after a stellar season of limiting possession turnovers, it was a clear sign that No. 2 was not himself. The fourth-year veteran would be sidelined in favour of rookie quarterback James Roberts, who, despite putting on a remarkable performance against the Western Mustangs in the semi-final, was surely playing in the biggest game of his career to date.
The Gryphons turned to their ground-game to score their only touchdown of the game as Rob Farquharson would run in a 41-yard score to give the visiting Gryphons a 9-2 lead in the first quarter. That would be the fifth-year veteran and All-Star’s final touchdown of his stellar career.
The second quarter saw the Marauders take a 12-9 lead and never look back with Mike Kashak intercepting a Roberts pass for a 30-yard touchdown.
The Gryphons defence, as it has done all season, would put forth a great effort in giving the red, gold, and black a chance at the win. With the Marauders going for it on a third-and-short with just under a minute remaining in the first half, free safety Tristan Douglin forced a turnover delivering a huge hit on Declan Cross of McMaster. The Marauders would remain ahead 12-9 going into the third quarter.
Despite Gryphon defensive back Nicholas Parisotto intercepting Marauders quarterback Marshall Ferguson to breathe some life back into the Guelph squad in the third quarter, the Gryphons would be unable to capitalize on the field position, with Roberts intercepted by McMaster’s Allan Dicks. The Marauders would jump ahead 17-11 heading into what proved to be the Gryphons final quarter of the season.
There was no quit in the visiting team yet, however, as Daniel Ferraro would connect on a 43-yard field goal to pull the Gryphons within three points. The Gryphon defence would follow suit in the comeback attempt next, with Colin Mandich providing Guelph with the third interception of the game. The Gryphons were once again unable to convert on the field position, leaving Ferraro to take to the field once again to face a long field goal attempt. The All-Star kicker was unsuccessful.
McMaster, though, would add a field goal of their own later in the quarter to solidify the 20-15 Yates Cup win.
The Gryphons would have one final push, with the defence regaining possession for one last drive. At third-and-two, Roberts would find Jacob Scarfone, barely making it through to a first down. Immediately following the play, Roberts would be sacked at the Marauders 40-yard-line, causing a slight momentum shift in any ground the Gryphons had gained.
With just 30 seconds left, Roberts would rip the ball downfield on a third-and-13 situation, looking for receiver Alex Charette. The pass would fall incomplete.
The McMaster Marauders earned their third Yates Cup championship in four years, while for the second time in three seasons the Guelph Gryphons conclude the season just short of advancing to the Mitchell Bowl.
The Gryphons received 13 All-Star recognitions on the 2014 season, giving them the tie with the Western Mustangs for most players being selected. First-team offence selections include: Matthew Nesbitt, Matthew Toppan, and Ryan Nieuwesteeg, while first-team defence saw Cameron Walker, Curtis Newton, Tristan Douglin, and Fraser Speakman named. Cam Wilhelm, Alex Charette, A’Dre Fraser, Rob Farquharson, and Daniel Ferraro were all second-team inclusions, with Colin Mandich recognized as a second-team defence selection.