The Western Mustangs needed some late-game heroics from their backup quarterback to complete an undefeated regular season, toppling the previously unbeaten Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 33-30 in the final week of the OUA schedule.
The number one ranked team in the country trailed No. 3 Laurier 28-27 in the fourth quarter when star quarterback Evan Hillock tossed a rare interception to Duncan Naudie. The third-year starter was hobbled on the play and limped to the medical tent, unable to finish the contest.
The Mustangs’ defence held firm and backup Jerome Rancourt stepped up to the plate. The native of Quebec City found top receiver Savaughn Magnaye-Jones for a 25-yard touchdown pass on his second series to put Western up 33-28 and take control of the game.
Golden Hawks’ quarterback Taylor Elgersma found receiver Ethan Jordan for a 52-yard gain to kick off the next drive in response but came up short on two incompletions to turn the ball over on downs just outside of the red zone. Western milked the remaining clock and conceded a safety as time expired to secure the victory.
The tight finish was a far cry from the way the game started, as the Mustangs scored on their opening drive thanks to a Rancourt touchdown plunge and flew out to a 27-0 lead before halftime. Laurier battled back with 28 unanswered points in the third quarter, punctuated by a pair of touchdowns from Jordan and a 75-yard touchdown return from Tyriq Quayson after a Ryan Speight punt block. Running back Quentin Scott also pounded in a score.
Western successfully fended off the comeback and secured the top seed heading into the OUA playoffs, earning a first-round bye. However, the victory came at a high price as Hillock — who was 25-of-36 for 327 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions prior to his exit — may be in jeopardy of missing time. The team will certainly be without star running back Keon Edwards, who had to be carried off the field in the first quarter and was diagnosed with a broken foot.
On the losing side, Hec Crighton candidate Taylor Elgersma went 23-of-32 for 369 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but was sacked five times. Ethan Jordan caught a game-high eight passes for 172 yards and two scores, while Quentin Scott led all runners with 16 carries for 116 yards and a major.
Laurier (7-1) will now prepare to face the Waterloo Warriors (3-5) in the OUA quarterfinals next week.
