In an intense home match, the Lions’ late gamble didn’t pay off
Robert Weese
Contributor
The York Lions narrowly lost to the Waterloo Warriors 23-22 on September 22, a day reserved to celebrate the past and current members of the Lions’ organization.
Coming off a 24-20 loss to the Laurier Golden Hawks on September 15, the Lions’ season record dropped to 1-3 in a hard-fought battle against the Warriors.
Tensions ran high into the last 30 seconds of the game when quarterback Myles Gibbon took an unnecessary gamble going for the touchdown, but getting picked off by Waterloo’s defensive back Harrison Mair.
Gibbon attempted to steal the game from the Warriors, with a pass to York’s star receiver Jonelle Tolbert, the quarterback’s third interception of the game.
Lions’ head coach, Warren Craney, lamented the team’s lackluster finish to a tightly fought game.
“[The Lions were] significantly better than the Warriors in many areas,” says Craney. Although Craney was disappointed, he says they have to remain positive for the remainder of the season, so the team can continue to improve within the Canadian Interuniversity Sport.
In the first half, each team’s defence proved unshakable. Lions’ linebacker James Tuck led the defence with five unassisted tackles and one sack, and defensive end Patrick Russell earned one sack, both of whom troubled the Waterloo offence.
The Lions’ defence, however, lacked at key times during big plays, a reoccurring problem for a defence that gave up over 350 yards to the Warriors’ offence.
Waterloos’ quarterback, Jamie Cook, connected with wide receiver Nick Anapolsky for a 79-yard touchdown.
Another 46-yard touchdown pass from secondary quarterback Brian Chris to wide receiver Michael Robson in the third quarter resulted in 362 total offensive yards for the Warriors.
Although the Lions showed signs of a comeback near the end of the game with two key defensive stops, fueled by sacks from Tuck, their offence didn’t capitalize on those opportunities.
Gibbon shined for the Lions, with two touchdown passes, throwing 352 yards. Gibbon led the Lions late into the fourth quarter on a 90-yard touchdown drive, going 6 for 7 passing on the drive.
The Lions next game is away against the Windsor Lancers on September 29.
