HAMILTON, ONT. – In their final regular-season game, the McMaster Marauders (4-4) defeated the York Lions (2-6) by a score of 24-21, clinching a spot in the 2024 OUA football postseason.
The Marauders started strong with a promising 47-yard kickoff return by rookie Adams Yuseph (Hamilton, Ont.). A few drives later, quarterback Keagan Hall (Burlington, Ont.) scrambled in the pocket and launched a deep pass to receiver Adain Nemeth (North Vancouver, B.C.) in the end zone.
At the six-minute mark of the first quarter, OUA Football Player of the Week Michael Horvat (Hamilton, Ont.) easily converted a 20-yard field goal, extending McMaster's lead to 10-0.
The Lions found their rhythm at the start of the second quarter, responding with a touchdown. On defense, third-year linebacker Anthony Sestanovic (Oakville, Ont.) halted York's momentum with a crucial sack, marking his third sack of the season.
However, the Marauders struggled in the second quarter. Hall was intercepted by the York defense, and McMaster's special teams unit punted on consecutive drives. During the final possession of the half, the Lions drove to McMaster's four-yard line and made a gutsy decision to go for the touchdown with four seconds left instead of opting for a field goal. The Marauder defense stood firm. They stuffed the Lions at the one-yard line on the final play and limited them to just seven points in the first half.
Swinging out the gates, York took a 14-10 lead on their first drive of the second half with a quick touchdown. The Marauders responded, as first-year Lucas Barresi (Hamilton, Ont.) ran in his eighth touchdown of the season, tying him for first place in U SPORTS for most rushing touchdowns this season.
The Marauders' defense stepped up late in the game when Drake Bodi (Hamilton, Ont.) forced a York fumble. This pivotal play gave McMaster excellent field position, leading to a 47-yard field goal by Horvat. On the visitor's subsequent drive, they went three-and-out, leaving the Marauders ahead 20-14.
With just under six minutes remaining, Everett Reid (Winnipeg, Man.) returned a punt up the McMaster sideline to midfield. Later, James Priestner (Burlington, Ont.) made a spectacular catch from Hall, putting the Marauders in field goal range. Unfortunately, Horvat missed the uprights, and McMaster settled for a single point, extending their lead to 21-14.
The Lions, still within reach of victory, failed to capitalize on their next drive and were again stopped without a first down. Priestner then blocked York's punt, which was recovered by McMaster's Jaden Ledgister (Bowmanville, Ont.). The Marauders' special teams set up the offense deep in York territory, leading to another field goal. McMaster had a promising 10-point lead with only a few minutes remaining.
Tension filled Ron Joyce Stadium when the Lions quickly scored a touchdown, narrowing the gap to three points. York attempted an onside kick after the touchdown but was unsuccessful. The Marauders needed to secure a first down to run out the clock, but a tipped pass from Hall was intercepted by the Lions.
York had one last chance to keep their season alive, starting their drive at their 50-yard line with under a minute left. Their first play was incomplete, and their next attempt ended in a sack by Sestanovic and Mitch Price (Caledon, Ont.), leaving the Lions facing 3rd and 19. Their final hope on third down was intercepted by fifth-year defensive back, Josh Cumber (Cambridge, Ont.).
Brandon Ward sealed McMaster's playoff berth by converting a rushing first down, allowing the clock to run out. With the 24-21 victory, the Marauders clinched their playoff spot and will face the 2023 Yates Cup Champions, the Western Mustangs (7-1) in London, Ont. next weekend.
