OUA FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENCE: Michael Faulds, Western Mustangs, Quarterback
The Western Mustangs defeated the Ottawa Gee-Gees 31-17 in the 101st Yates Cup presented by Pioneer Petroleums, led by fourth-year captain and quarterback Michael Faulds (Eden Mills, Ont.). Faulds led by example to win his second straight Yates Cup MVP award, the Dalt White Trophy. The QB was effective on many fronts, running the ball 12 times for 52 yards and five of his teams 24 first downs, and throwing for another 6 first downs going 15 for 29 for 201 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. He guided the Mustangs to 341 yards of total offence.
DEFENCE: Craig Butler, Western Mustangs, Defensive Back
In two years, Craig Butler has played a major difference in helping the Western defence to win the Yates Cup. The magic number so far must be two, as the native of London, Ont., had two solo tackles, two assisted tackles and two break-ups for the Mustangs in a 31-17 win over Ottawa on Nov. 8. The Mustangs defence as whole was dominant, limiting the Ottawa running game to negative-two (-2) rushing yards, and forcing two Josh Sacobie interceptions. Most of Sacobie’s completions came with the game out of reach and desperation setting in.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Darryl Wheeler, Western Mustangs, Kicker/Punter
With yet another dominant kicking performance, Darryl Wheeler (Hamilton, Ont.) kicked two field goals and three converts and booted 10 punts, many into the wind, to average 38.1 yards punting in a 31-17 win over Ottawa on Nov. 8 to win the Yates Cup. In swirling wind at TD Waterhouse Stadium and with the flags around the building often blowing in different directions, Wheeler was calm and collected to help his team to victory. Three of his 10 punts were inside the 20, with his longest a 54 yard bomb. Twice pinned deep inside Western territory, Wheeler let off two booming kicks to get Western out of trouble. He added four kickoffs for 207 yards, averaging over 50 yards per kickoff.
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