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The Western football team is rolling now.
The Mustangs improved to 5-1 and moved into second place after ruining McMaster’s homecoming with a 61-26 blowout victory on Saturday at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton.
Steel City native Evan Hillock threw four touchdowns and St. Thomas Parkside grad Ethan Dolby scored twice in the rout. The Mustangs defence sparked a terrific start when linebacker Ryan Barthelson returned an interception to the end zone seven minutes into the opening quarter.
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That long major was set up thanks to a big hit by Max Nixon on Marauders quarterback Keagan Hall.
Hall came into the game with the best passing numbers in the Ontario conference, but Western made his afternoon miserable. Defensive back Jacob Saunders added a pick and the Mustangs forced Hall repeatedly into off-balance throws.
Defensive co-ordinator Paul Gleason held Mac to four field goals before a couple of meaningless fourth-quarter touchdowns in garbage time.
Western didn’t escape without some bumps.
Big offensive lineman Simon Smith needed to be helped off and all-Canadian Erik Andersen limped off, adding concern for an already injury-filled line.
The Mustangs remain a game behind first-place Wilfrid Laurier. The Golden Hawks (6-0) pounded Queen’s 51-21 at home.
Western is now tied with Windsor, who fell 45-40 at Guelph. The Lancers face Laurier next week at home before heading to London for the regular-season finale Oct. 19 at Western Alumni Stadium.
rpyette@postmedia.com
OUA FOOTBALL
Mustangs 61, Marauders 26
Western touchdowns: Ethan Dolby (2), Ryan Barthelson, Mohsen Jamal II, Jerome Rancourt, Keanu Yazbeck, Seth Robertson
McMaster touchdown: Lucas Barresi (2)
Next: The Mustangs are in Toronto Friday, 7 p.m. at Varsity Stadium
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