Western Mustangs, Laurier Golden Hawks set for clash of OUA football titans

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The Western football team hasn’t lost to an Ontario foe in a long time.

But no one makes them sweat quite like Wilfrid Laurier.

The Mustangs beat the Golden Hawks twice last year, by a field goal at home to clinch first place in late October, then by two touchdowns in the 115th Yates Cup after the visitors held the half-time lead. The nationally No. 1 ranked Stangs will put their impressive OUA winning streak on the line – 30 straight in the conference, including playoffs – when they visit the Hawks Saturday, 1 p.m. at University Stadium.

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“It’s a big game,” Western head coach Greg Marshall said. “It could very well determine who gets the (first-place) playoff bye, which is big. But you have to beat them again sometime down the road.

“It would be nice to do it (in the Yates Cup) here at home.”

Laurier is taking the same approach. Would you expect anything less from head coach Michael Faulds, the former Mustangs quarterbacking great?

They’re well aware of Western’s long winning history and feel like they measure up well. They have the reigning conference MVP in pivot Taylor Elgersma and strength and depth in all three phases of the game.

“We remind our guys this most likely is the first of two meetings with this team,” Faulds said. “What this game determines is the likelihood of where that second meeting is. If we’re on the winning end of this, we’re shaking their hands and getting ready for Waterloo next week.

“We’re looking at the longevity of this season and we know we’re going to see them again.”

RESPECTFUL RIVALS: Keon Edwards’ 2023 season ended in that first meeting with Laurier last fall. He broke his ankle in a pile and he will never forget the Golden Hawks’ response to his injury.

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They were visibly gutted for him.

“I respect all of them,” the veteran Western running back said. “The guy who got me injured was one of my friends, my boy Brandon (Omonuwa, the now-graduated defensive lineman). It’s one of those things where we play a game where anything like that can happen.

“I don’t blame him for anything. It just happens like that, right? So you can’t change anything. They’re a good program.”

Both teams want to win, but also to do it with the other team at full strength. Western was not a healthy squad when it lost the national semifinal to Montreal last year, but they have both Edwards and Keanu Yazbeck running at full steam now.

“You don’t want any excuses,” Faulds said. “Seeing Keon go down last year, it’s the same for our guys. It’s such a short season. You’re only guaranteed eight games and the most you can play is 12 or 13. Any time a student-athlete has to miss any of it, it’s a shame.

“Western has its big offensive line and great tailbacks. You’re not going to hold them to 50 yards. You’re looking for timely stops, then have your offence take advantage. Both will make a lot of good plays.

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“But can your team be the one that makes more good ones and limits mistakes?”

THE VENUE: Western has a new video board in the end zone at Alumni Stadium and great attendance in its first two home games. Laurier has a new playing surface, new lights and a new scoreboard, but the same partial bleachers made necessary after the stands were condemned.

Last week, Quebec heavyweights Montreal and Laval played a mid-season classic at the Rouge et Or’s home stadium and drew a crowd of nearly 21,000. This week, the No. 1 Mustangs and fourth-ranked Golden Hawks will play in front of around 2,700 fans.

It’s a missed opportunity.

“It’s unfortunate, but it will be a packed atmosphere,” Faulds said. “Every team circles its Homecoming game. Every game here at Laurier is like a Homecoming. Every little bit of partial stands we have is full, the standing room and beer gardens are full. It’s a very intimate setting. We’re happy with the (improvements) and it looks nicer than last year.

“It’ll be a lively atmosphere.”

Two years ago, the Mustangs endured a 90-minute weather delay at Laurier. It didn’t stop them.

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“I can’t wait for it,” Edwards said. “Generally, we’re taking it one week at a time. Our focus (now) is on Laurier.”

ON THE SIDELINES: Special teams could decide it. Roman Campanaro ran back a 101-yard kick return for Western against Carleton last Saturday. Golden Hawk Tayshaun Jackson topped that with a 108-yard kick return against Guelph last week . . Laurier had an inconvenient bye in its second week. Western will have its in-season break after this one before facing Queen’s at home Sept. 28 . . . This year, Western defensive co-ordinator Paul Gleason has sprinkled in a ‘30’ defensive system, which means using just three defensive linemen up front and more linebackers. Guelph tried it against Laurier to some success last week. “Teams think of Taylor Elgersma and the receivers and this passing game,” Faulds said. “Oftentimes, we’re seeing eight to nine players drop into (pass) coverage. We have to be patient with that. We’ve got to take what the defence is giving us. If they’re going to want us to run the ball, then we’re going to do so.” . . . Elgersma, the London Oakridge product, is averaging 229.5 pass yards in his first two games. Western’s Evan Hillock is at 215 in the first three . . . The Mustangs lead the conference with six interceptions and five fumble recoveries. No one else is close (Queen’s has four of each). Laurier has one interception to date.

rpyette@postmedia.com

OUA FOOTBALL

Western (3-0) at Wilfrid Laurier (2-0)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m. at University Stadium in Waterloo.

The matchup: The Mustangs-Hawks was last year’s Yates Cup game, and it might happen again in November.

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