GUELPH, ON – Kade Belyk (offence), Luke Korol (defence) and Kiondre Smith (special teams) have been named the Gryphon Football Players of the Game following the team's Week 1 game at McMaster on Sunday, August 26.
   
Offensive Player of the Game

#18 Kade Belyk (Receiver)

Fourth-year receiver Kade Belyk takes home Offensive Player of the Week honours after hauling in 4 receptions for 39 yards. The Regina, Saskatchewan native has earned a starting spot in the Gryphons' receiving core in each of the last three seasons and promises to feature as one of the go-to targets for quarterback Theo Landers in 2018.
   
Defensive Player of the Game

#53 Luke Korol (Linebacker)

In what was a dominant performance by the Gryphon defence, no player stood out more than fifth-year linebacker Luke Korol. The defensive captain from Dundas, Ontario recorded a team-high 8 tackles to go along with an acrobatic pass break up. The Leadership & Organizational Management student has emerged as one of the most reliable defenders in the conference in recent years, ranking among the OUA's leading tacklers in each of the past two seasons, finishing 2nd in the OUA in tackles per game in 2016 (8.0) and 3rd in 2017 (8.3 tackles per game).
   
Special Teams Player of the Game

#12 Kiondre Smith (Returner)

Rookie receiver Kiondre Smith impressed in his first career game at the university level, featuring as the Gryphons' primary returner on both punts and kickoffs. The 6-2, 170 pound Toronto native returned 8 punts for over 100 yards. In addition to handling return duties, Smith also earned a starting spot at wide receiver after a strong 2018 training camp.