Dika-Balotoken leads No.2 Gaels over No. 6 Marauders with two interceptions for touchdowns in 31-24 win
September 2, 2013
KINGSTON, Ont. - Yann Dika-Balotoken (Toronto) had two interceptions for touchdowns as the No.2 Gaels (2-0) topped the No.6 Marauders (1-1) 31-24 in their home opener at Richardson Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Dika-Balotoken blew the game open in the third quarter, returning a deflected Marauders' pass 99 yards to score, and put the Gaels up big in the fourth quarter when he returned another arrant pass 70 yards to the endzone
After both teams struggled through a scoreless first quarter, the Gaels took an 11-7 lead into halftime thanks to a Doug Corby (Burlington, Ont.) fumble recovery in the endzone. The Gaels widened the margin in the second half, leading 31-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Marauders' quarterback and Kingston native Marshall Ferguson threw for 446 yards, including two fourth quarter touchdown passes to make the game interesting and bring the Marauders to within one score 31-24.
McMaster failed to recover an onside kick however, and the Gaels shut down the Maruaders last-second lateral attempt to hold on for the win.
Billy McPhee (Burlington, Ont.) threw 114 yards and Jesse Andrews (Arnprior, Ont.) had nine rushes for 51 yards. On defence the Gaels were led by Dika-Balotoken with his two interceptions for touchdowns along with Justin Baronaitis (Rexdale, Ont.) who led the team with 10.5 tackles.
McMaster was led by Keldyn Ahlstedt who had eight tackles on the day including one for a loss.
The Gaels snapped their five game losing streak against McMaster dating back to 2009 and now sit at 2-0 on the season while the Marauders settle in at 1-1.
The 2-0 Gaels take on the 1-1 Windsor Lancers on Saturday at 1pm at Richardson Stadium while the Marauders hosts the Western Mustangs.
Source: Queen's Sports Info
Dika-Balotoken blew the game open in the third quarter, returning a deflected Marauders' pass 99 yards to score, and put the Gaels up big in the fourth quarter when he returned another arrant pass 70 yards to the endzone
After both teams struggled through a scoreless first quarter, the Gaels took an 11-7 lead into halftime thanks to a Doug Corby (Burlington, Ont.) fumble recovery in the endzone. The Gaels widened the margin in the second half, leading 31-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Marauders' quarterback and Kingston native Marshall Ferguson threw for 446 yards, including two fourth quarter touchdown passes to make the game interesting and bring the Marauders to within one score 31-24.
McMaster failed to recover an onside kick however, and the Gaels shut down the Maruaders last-second lateral attempt to hold on for the win.
Billy McPhee (Burlington, Ont.) threw 114 yards and Jesse Andrews (Arnprior, Ont.) had nine rushes for 51 yards. On defence the Gaels were led by Dika-Balotoken with his two interceptions for touchdowns along with Justin Baronaitis (Rexdale, Ont.) who led the team with 10.5 tackles.
McMaster was led by Keldyn Ahlstedt who had eight tackles on the day including one for a loss.
The Gaels snapped their five game losing streak against McMaster dating back to 2009 and now sit at 2-0 on the season while the Marauders settle in at 1-1.
The 2-0 Gaels take on the 1-1 Windsor Lancers on Saturday at 1pm at Richardson Stadium while the Marauders hosts the Western Mustangs.
Source: Queen's Sports Info