TORONTO, ON – The Queen’s Gaels defensive line came up huge on several occasions in their 15-10 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees. The Gaels got to Gee-Gees quarterback Josh Janssen six times, including some clutch moments.
Roughly five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Russell Weir threw up a prayer and was intercepted on the one-yard line. Two plays later Queen’s defensive lineman sacked Josh Janssen in the end zone for a safety. On Ottawa’s next drive, Janssen went down on back-to-back plays forcing a punt. Last week, the Gaels’ only got to Janssen three times.
Weir picked an excellent time to have his best game under center. The second-year quarterback completed 13 of his 19 passes for 222 yards. This was his first time throwing for over 200 yards, with his previous best of 142 came in their 29-5 loss against Windsor. He made some really nice plays, he connected with Benoit Cormier for a 34-yard completion on second down. That drive resulted in Anthony Soles running it in from five yards out for their sole touchdown. His best pass was a 48-yard strike to Jack Ashby-Jacobs. The receiver was shaken up after colliding with the ground, after a few minutes Ashby-Jacobs got up with the help of the Queen’s staff. He proceeded to cheer before heading to the sideline celebrating his incredible catch.
Penalties took some points off the board for Queen’s. A holding call during a Jared Chisari run took a potential touchdown off the board late in the third quarter. Luckily, for the Gaels, it didn’t prove costly, neither did the turnovers. Weir threw a pick and fumbled, but the Queen’s defense held Ottawa to just three points off turnovers.
The Gee-Gees were definitely missing star running back Amlicar Polk. Ottawa as a unit only had 84 yards on the ground spread across four different ball-carriers. Charles Asselin was their leading rusher with 62 yards.
The next opponent for the Gaels is still to be determined. Depending on the result of the Windsor Carleton game, Queen’s could end up playing either Laurier or a Yates Cup rematch in the OUA Semifinals.