Homecoming heartbreaker

Photo by Kim Jackson

The Laurier homecoming game ended in a bit of heartbreak. With just 14 seconds left on the clock Guelph kicker Daniel Ferraro made a nine-yard field goal that put the Gryphons up 22-19. Three plays later and the game was over leaving the Golden Hawks dismayed with a 2-3 record on the season.

“We’re extremely disappointed,” said Head Coach Gary Jeffries, “I thought we played the first 20 minutes as well as we could play. Our kids played our hearts out and I’m proud of this group.”

Coach Gary Jeffries was optimistic, despite the loss.  When he asked about the effort his team gave during the game he said that the team fought hard.

“I think our kids competed hard for 60 minutes, this is all I ever ask. We fought back from nine down in the second half and had a chance to win with the ball in their end in the last five minutes,” said Jeffries

The game was an extremely close affair between the two teams. Laurier jumped out a 10-1 lead courtesy of a field goal and shortly after a touchdown. Despite the lead the Gryphons didn’t give up and fought back with a couple touchdowns of their own to make the score 15-10 halfway through the second quarter. Before halftime arrived the Gryphons were leading 19-10.

In the second half the Laurier defence stepped up and shut down the Gryphons offence. This allowed the Golden Hawks to work their way back into the game and eventually tie it up at 19 apiece. But with time winding down, that fateful field goal was kicked in and the game was over.

The Golden Hawks squad was again hurt by turnovers in this game by giving up three interceptions and a fumble. This has been a continuous problem the squad has tried to correct since the beginning of the season.

“More physical mistakes than anything. If we could change four or five plays in the game the result would have been different…I know we can’t though! Defensively we must tackle better,” said Jeffries.

The team dynamic is also very good this year, despite the loss. With new young players as well as veterans, the team has become very close.

Coach Jeffries also wanted Brantford campus Golden Hawks fans that they should keep supporting their team.

“Don’t give up on us, these kids are competing day in and day out and working extremely hard, we want to make you proud!” said Jeffries.

Laurier has a couple games left on their schedule that are sure to be entertaining. First up is the always tough Western Mustangs, and rounding out the list is the powerhouse McMaster Marauders. Come out and support the Golden Hawks as they make their push for the playoffs!

 

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