Saturday, September 22,
1pm
Alumni Stadium, University of Guelph
Guelph Gryphons vs Queen's Gaels
Online: www.oua.tv
GUELPH, Ont. – Homecoming. It's a theme that dates back to the 19
th century, the topic of movies and books, a time when high school queens and kings are crowned. At the University of Guelph, Homecoming is about acknowledging the great history of the students and athletes who have defined the institution. Every year, those faces come back to the campus that played a part in shaping who they are now.
And of course, Homecoming is about football. For veteran Gryphons, the significance of this special week isn't lost on them. Focus will be razor sharp and the memories of experiences from over the years still vivid.
"This game in particular has really made me appreciate how important it is to live in the moment and take it all in because five years passes in the blink of an eye," said linebacker
Luke Korol, who has a bit more emotion than usual this week with the final Homecoming game of his career looming. "Coming in as a rookie, you're told so often by alumni 'cherish every moment and appreciate what you have because it all happens so fast.' And it could not be more accurate. You never truly understand how fast your university years pass until you are in your final year and realize that this is your last shot.
"While I think this way going into every game, I would be lying if I didn't say that Homecoming held a special place in my heart. Playing in front of all my family and friends in one of the best atmospheres is something I will always remember in my time as a Gryphon."
Theo Landers keeps it in the Gryphons' 2017 Homecoming Game
The team has established some important traditions during Homecoming week. Each current Gryphon is expected to research an alum who played at their specific position, which enables them to learn not only about that individual but also the program as a whole.
Before Saturday's game,
Mark Brown, a former Wildman Trophy winner, Gryphon great, and the son of legendary Gryphon coach Dick Brown, will deliver the pregame speech in the locker room.
"We have these traditions set in place to honour the past and make that connection to the present," said head coach
Todd Galloway. "They open our players eyes to the great people who have made this football program what it is. Some day down the road, maybe they will be the subject of the research during Homecoming week or they will be invited back to campus to do a speech. They will remember these times as some of the best of their lives."
While a whole campus full of alum and current students spends time reminiscing and celebrating, for three hours, an important meeting with the Queen's Gaels will take front and centre. It's a critical game for both teams as the OUA season hits the midway point. Queen's is in search of a rebound after a devastating 42-39 3OT loss to Carleton, while the Gryphons want to keep positive momentum going one week after a successful road trip to Windsor.
"Last week's win was an important step for us," said Galloway. "We were aware of what went wrong in previous weeks and we closed out the game well. As long as we keep learning each week, that's a step in the right direction."
Guelph rode a big second quarter to victory last Saturday, hitting on some big plays to hurt the Lancers.
Theo Landers passed for 145 yards, with a massive second-quarter 55-yard strike to
Kade Belyk for one of the Gryphons' two touchdowns. The fourth-year quarterback also ran for 164 net yards on the afternoon.
This will also be a day where Guelph's emerging defence (second in the OUA in fewest points allowed per game at 16.5) needs another good performance. Queen's ranks third among all OUA teams with 320.8 passing yards per game. Fifth-year quarterback Nate Hobbs has completed 92 of 153 passes for 1,275 yards and an 8:3 touchdown to interception ratio, in addition to running for five scores. Hobbs' primary targets have been veteran receivers Chris Osei-Kusi (24 catches for 345 yards) and Matteo del Brocco (13 receptions for 2013 yards and five touchdowns).
It will be a test for both teams, each of which has playoff aspirations.
"I am so excited for this game with the team that we have this year," said Korol, the reigning
OUA Defensive Player of the Week after registering a season high 16.5 tackles last week in Windsor. "I believe we have so much potential, and that we're much better than our record shows. We have been faced with a lot of tight games, which is tough with a young roster. It's a learning process but I feel like we're meshing and when we're at our best I do not believe anyone can stop us."
Gryphon Team Statistics
Gryphon Individual Statistics
Gaels Team Statistics
Gaels Individual Statistics
