Mac looks to make a comeback
Despite a revamped coaching staff, a fearless offense and heavy-hitting rookies, this season is proving so far to be no easy battle for the McMaster Marauders.
Although the team opened the season with a crushing 51-24 win against the Ottawa Gee-Gee’s last Sunday, the Marauders were shown that each game will be harder than the last after being handed a 31-24 loss in Kingston on Monday evening.
This loss now ends the Marauders untarnished 19-game-winning streak against Ontario university opponents.
The Marauders have been successful on the road in the past but this time learned that winning on the road isn’t always an easy battle.
The no. 2 ranked Gaels took advantage of playing at home and defeated Mac by a mere seven points.
With a scoreless first quarter Queen’s soon picked up speed, taking an 11-7 lead at the half then a 24-10 lead after three dominating quarters. Sadly, time was not on the Marauders’ side and Queen’s was able to cling to a win. Starting quarterback
Marshall Ferguson had a break out game for the Marauders last Sunday afternoon, as did newcomer Danny Vandervoort who returned six punts for 65 yards in his first start.
After speaking with Ferguson after the team’s home opener win, he looked to the future, understanding that the upcoming games would be no easy win.
“The Queens and Westerns of the world are going to be the teams we need to be ready for” Ferguson said of the top ranked OUA teams. “Maintaining our focus is going to be a key factor in ensuring we secure a W.”
Every game is a new battle and according to the team’s leader, staying focused no matter what will be crucial to the team’s success.
“We need to stay focused no matter what the scoreboard reads” mentioned Ferguson.
The game against the Gaels proved to be everything the team expected and a loss of focus ended up costing the Marauders a win on the road.
It was the turnovers and penalties that proved lethal for Mac’s hopes of a win.
The maroon men have some strategizing to do this season as some well constructed plays might prove to be a key component in the success of their season.
“We need to limit our turnovers and maximize our time of possession to keep our defense fresh so they can play at the high level they did in week one.” the QB stated.
“We really need to be having complete four quarter games with a high level of execution,” he added.
With a fresh knowledge of the game and a unique understanding of his teammates abilities, Ferguson will surely be more than capable to lead his team back into the spotlight.
The boys face their next tough battle against OUA powerhouse Western Mustangs this weekend at Ron Joyce Stadium.
The much-anticipated contest kicks off this Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
