Shifting into playoff gear

By: Justin Parker

The McMaster football team traveled to London on Oct. 22, in a three-way tie with Western and Laurier for first place in the Ontario University Athletics standings. After a hard fought game that pitted McMaster’s top defence against Western’s high-powered offence, the Mustangs ultimately came out on top 19-18, dropping Mac to third place in the OUA heading into the playoffs.

High winds hindered both teams in their attempts to put points on the board.

“Certainly, the wind presented challenges for our offence, and so did the Mustang defence,” head coach Greg Knox said. “But it was tough sledding against the wind. You still got to throw the ball, but it certainly limits what you can do offensively.”

The high winds and tough Mustang defence lead the Marauders to rely on their run game, a factor Knox stressed heading into the game.

“We have been progressing well over the season. We have been able to run the ball successfully. In order for us to be successful on Saturday we are going to have to establish our run game. We definitely got our work cut out for us,” he said in advance of the game.

However, the running game fell short, only managing 76 total yards throughout the game. After a strong display of offence on the ground against York in their last game with 356 rushing yards, the Marauders run game was held to under 100 yards for the first time since their Sept. 10 loss to Ottawa, and for only the third time this season.

“We struggled getting enough push up front. Ultimately, I thought that Western did a good job. They’re a good football team,” said Knox.

Despite a strong standing by the Marauder defence, including two interceptions and two forced fumbles, minor mistakes in this tight game cost McMaster. Led by third-year defensive lineman Hassan Barry (two sacks, two and a half tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles), Western was held well below their 49.1 points per game average and were mostly shut out in the second half, only scoring a fourth quarter rouge that would ultimately be the winning point.

Heading into the postseason, the Marauders look to regain their momentum this weekend at home as they play host to sixth-place Guelph. McMaster beat Guelph earlier this season in a 27-15 homecoming win, where running back Chris Pezzetta rushed for 143 yards.

Guelph is winless on the road this season, and ranks sixth in the OUA in points allowed per game (28.4), whereas McMaster boasts the lowest points per game allowed (10.9).

Despite the statistical advantage, Knox is more concerned about the performance of the Marauders themselves.

“If we play to our potential, I like to think that we will be able to beat them again. Frankly, I’m less concerned about Guelph or any of our opponents. I’m more concerned about taking care of our business internally in terms of our preparation and focus.”

“It’s playoff football, so you know the sudden death nature is not lost on us,” he added.

Everything looks to be in place for the Marauders to make a formidable run in the playoffs. As long as they play their game and execute, their sturdy defence can take them far.