Despite impressive late charge, Gryphons come up one point short in final seconds
It was a nail-biter for fans and players alike as the Guelph Gryphons and Queen’s Gaels battled to the dying seconds of Saturday’s homecoming matchup at Alumni Stadium. Despite a disappointing 33-32 loss, the excitement for Guelph Gryphons started far before the game and continued well after it as the Gryphons community rallied around team members of the present while also celebrating those of the past. With a halftime performance by Guelph Alumni, country music duo the Reklaws, as well as a special presentation for Gryphon Hall of Fame inductees, Guelph pride was on full display.
The Pre-Game
Ahead of Saturday’s game, the Gryphon football team was ready to continue their momentum after a 26-20 win over Windsor last week. This was a win that brought the team back to .500 on the season, but more importantly brought them into playoff contention.
The two teams also entered the game with homecoming history, as the last time the two met for a game at homecoming (in 2014), the Gryphons overwhelmed the Gaels 66-0. Certainly this added some fuel to the fire, as the two teams began what was to become one of the closest and most nerve-wracking games of the season.
The Breakdown
In the first quarter, Queens jumped out to an early lead as their offence clicked on all cylinders. Fueled by the success of a fake punt in their opening drive, the Gaels put points on the board in a hurry, finding early success in their running game. This momentum drove the ball forward, with the Gaels scoring again before the end of the first quarter giving them a two-touchdown 14-0 lead.
After a struggling first quarter, the Gryphons finally got going with a massive 46-yard completion between veteran quarterback Theo Landers and Kian Schaffer-Baker that brought life back into the Guelph offense. Landers then completed the drive with 15 of his 85 rushing yards, getting Guelph on the board 14-7. This did not sway Queen’s momentum however, as they kept their foot on the gas and the ball on the ground, running for another touchdown before the end of the quarter.
The success of the Gaels rushing game continued into the second half, as they scored once again on the ground, opening the lead further. This, combined with an additional field goal and the Gryphons found themselves in a 33-7 hole with 1:23 left in the third quarter. It was at this point that Landers began Guelph’s comeback with one of his best games ever in a Gryphons uniform. Supported by a core of talented receivers, the Gryphons put points on the board in a hurry with a picture perfect 45-yard touchdown pass to Zeph Fraser on the final play of the quarter.
The fourth quarter is where Gryphons, pride began to shine, as a recharged Gryphons defense managed to shut out the Gaels completely while the offense led fans to the edge of their seats. Schaffer-Baker put on a show, catching a much needed 22-yard touchdown pass. However, it was Kade Belyk who allowed the fans to hope, as he caught Landers third touchdown pass of the day and brought the Gryphons back into the game, 28-33. Guelph’s final charge continued with a 29-yard field goal, bringing the Gryphons within three points of victory. Armed with both the offensive and defensive momentum, as well as the buzzing energy of the crowd, the Gryphons made one final charge down the field. With victory in sight, the Gryphons set up for a game winning 32-yard field goal with 9.2 seconds left.
Unfortunately, the comeback fell short for the hometown team. Or, more accurately, it would fall just left, as All-Canadian kicker Gabe Ferraro missed the uprights and the Gryphons finished the game one point shy of what would’ve been the biggest comeback of the season.
The Takeaway
“I’m proud of the heart they showed and the effort they put in,” Head Coach Todd Galloway said to gryphons.ca. “I just feel awful for these kids because they worked so hard for a better result.”
Despite the result however, what can fans take away from this game as the Gryphons continue their season?
Fourth-year quarterback Landers looks poised to lead this team to success with easily his most impressive performance of the season. Landers finished the game with 318 yards, four touchdowns, and a game-high 85 rushing yards.
The Gryphons receiving core continued their strong play with three receiving touchdowns. This was led by Schaffer-Baker who reeled in 130 yards alone.
Despite a shaky start, Guelph’s emerging defense showed it can hold its own in crunch time, especially under the leadership of reigning OUA player of the week, Luke Korol.
With this loss, the Gryphons fall to 2-3 on the season and eighth in the OUA standings. However, they will get the opportunity to get back into playoff contention with their next game at Laurier on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Despite a potential storybook ending finishing one kick short, the Guelph Gryphons football team supplied the packed stadium with an exciting game. In an almost perfect homecoming game, Gryphons of all kinds were treated to an afternoon of team and community spirit, beautiful weather and heart-stopping football excitement. Though the game winning kick may have been just left, for the fans at Alumni Stadium the day seemed to end up alright.
Photos by Scott McLaughlin