The York Lions football team does not go into many games labelled as the favourite, but when they face off against the Carleton Ravens at Ravens Field in Ottawa on September 21, they will be just that.
The Lions are coming off a tough loss in Hamilton after falling to the McMaster Marauders 41-27 in a close game, putting their record at one win and two losses on the season. The Lions’ offence went toe-for-toe with one of the best in the Ontario University Athletics league, finishing with 454 yards, just nine yards shy of their opponent’s mark. University of Ottawa transfer Errol Brooks exploded for the Lions, finishing with 193 yards rushing on just 20 attempts.
Brooks’ speed and elusiveness has proven to be a nightmare for defences this season, totalling 389 all-purpose yards in the last two games. With Myles Gibbon leading the way with his dual-threat capability, a team can’t key just on Brooks which gives the Lions’ offence a distinct advantage when calling play action fakes.
On the other side of the field, the Carleton Ravens have spent the last few years reviving their football program and have re-entered competition amongst the other OUA teams this fall. The Ravens have not had the hottest start this season, as they are still looking to register their first win this weekend against York. The Ravens’ program is one modelled around national success, and registering the team’s first win is a milestone each player is eager to get out of the way.
Being the new kids on the block, the Ravens have had to take their share of bumps early this season, including a 71-4 loss to Western, and a 47-8 loss in their home opener against the Waterloo Warriors.
The Lions will be the heavy favourites in Ottawa, especially with a lot more on the line than their adversaries. With a loss to the Ravens, the Lions’ playoffs chances would suffer a huge blow as they prepare to take on Ottawa and U of T in the upcoming weeks, both teams with playoff aspirations of their own.
Look for the Lions to deploy a heavy rushing attack against the Ravens, hopefully getting the ball into Brooks’ hands early and often. If Brooks begins to tear up the Ravens’ defence, everything else will open up for the Lions’ offence as they should have no problems getting by Carleton.
With that being said, the Lions must also remember that they play the role of underdog more often than not, and they would be foolish to believe the Ravens are going to roll over and accept defeat. The Lions can make a huge statement with a blowout win over the Ravens, proving they know how to win games they are supposed to win and not play down to their opponents.
Ryan McCabe
Sports and Health Editor
