The Western Mustangs renew their big four rivalry versus the Varsity Blues this Saturday at TD Waterhouse Stadium for the Mustangs home opener. Last year’s late October game featured heavy rain and winds but the Mustangs emerged with a scrappy 21-9 victory at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium. Former Mustang and current Winnipeg Blue Bomber Nathan Riva had a big day offensively running wild over the Varsity Blues defence in a victory that clinched the Mustangs first place in the OUA.
The contest is expected to be a close affair as Toronto, under the guidance of head coach Glen Gary, barely missed the playoffs last season going 3-5 including a nationally televised victory over the Guelph Gryphons. A few members of coach Gary’s staff have connections to Mustangs head coach Greg Marshall as Toronto defensive coordinator Donovan Carter played linebacker for Marshall as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Defensive line coach Johnny Scott also played for Marshall with the Tiger-Cats. New offensive coordinator Tom Flaxman is another former Marshall player, suiting up for McMaster.
On the field the game is a homecoming affair for London natives Alex Pierzchalski, Peter Harris, Jimmy Ro, and Zack Lukings as they have the chance to play in front of friends and family. Pierzchalski and East West Bowl participant this last year in May is a threat in the varsity Blues wide receiving core to make plays every time he touches the ball.
Saturday’s home opener will provide the home fans with their first opportunity to see new Defensive Coordinator Dennis McPhee and his revamped defence. McPhee patrolled the sidelines of Waterloo from 2005-2011. This time around he will be on Western`s sidelines as he reunites with Greg Marshall. The two previously coached together with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and played together with the Edmonton Eskimos. For defensive lineman Brent Wheeler there is a family connection with the Varsity Blues. His older brother Derek Wheeler was a Varsity Blues linebacker from 2000-2004, twice being named an OUA All-Star, and is also their all-time leading tackler. Former Western Mustang kicker Darryl Wheeler also played one season at U of T where he was named rookie of the year in 2002.
The Mustangs are coming off an impressive 54-10 victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Labour Day. The Sanvido brothers were the story of the day with second-year running back Garret rushing for 144 yards and three touchdowns on only 14 carries while rookie receiver Justin caught nine balls for 161 yards and two touchdowns in his CIS debut. Fifth-year quarterback Donnie Marshall got his season off to a great start, completing 18 of 27 passes for 281 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Mustangs head coach Greg Marshall was pleased with his team’s first game saying “I thought we were a bit nervous. We dropped some balls, didn’t hit the holes that were there but other than that it was a well-played game offensively, defensively, and special teams.”
“Can we get better? I’m going to watch the film, I know we can get better, but overall I thought it was a good start to the season.”
Saturday’s game will mark the end of a hectic start of the season for the Mustangs as they will have played two games in a span of only 6 days; similar to how they kicked off their 2011 campaign.
