BURLINGTON, Ont. - The defence and special teams units were outstanding for the Guelph Gryphons football team in their win on Sunday night over the No. 8-ranked Carleton Ravens. As a result, a pair of Gryphons have earned conference-wide honours as Clark Barnes (special teams) and Jared Beeksma (defence) have been named OUA Players of the Week.
Week 2: OUA Players of the Week
Offence - Clay Sequeira (QB, Toronto)
Defence - Jared Beeksma (LB, Guelph)
Special Teams - Clark Barnes (KR, Guelph)
Jared Beeksma (OUA Defensive Player of the Week)
Gryphon third-year linebacker Jared Beeksma had the biggest game of his university career on Sunday night in Ottawa, helping propel the Gryphons to a 37-20 victory over the No. 8-ranked Carleton Ravens. Beeksma's memorable performance included the first touchdown of his OUA career when the Cambridge native sniffed out a Carleton screen in the 2nd quarter and intercepted the Tanner DeJong pass before taking it back 31-yards the other way for the pick-six. The defensive score gave Guelph a 20-17 lead heading to the 3rd quarter.
With the game tied at 20-20 late in the 3rd, Beeksma would come up big once again, this time coming untouched off the edge and delivering a huge hit on Ravens quarterback Tanner DeJong. The hit from Beeksma knocked the ball loose and right into the hands of teammate
A.J. Allen, who would cruise 25-yards the other way for Guelph's second defensive score of the game to put the Gryphons up 27-20. Beeksma finished the night with 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and played a starring role in both of Guelph's defensive touchdowns on the night.
Clark Barnes (OUA Special Teams Player of the Week)
Two weeks ago, Clark Barnes was not a familiar name around OUA football circles. It sure is now. The rookie receiver from Brampton has stole the spotlight through the first two weeks of his OUA career. A week ago, Barnes provided the fireworks in Guelph's season opening game against McMaster, taking the opening kickoff back 100-yards for a touchdown. Seven days later, Clark Barnes did the unthinkable by repeating the feat.
Barnes would quiet the soldout Carleton crowd at MNP Park by taking the game's opening kickoff back 106-yards for his second kickoff return for a touchdown in as many games. The electrifying return gave the Gryphons an early 7-0 lead and would set the tone for an impressive 37-20 road win over the No. 8-ranked Ravens.
