Fresh off of a dominating 76-7 win over the Windsor Lancers in their season opener, the Western Mustangs will look to keep the good times rolling as the team returns to TD Stadium for their 2015 home opener on Monday, September 7, against the York Lions.

The only thing hotter than the weather on that Sunday afternoon in Windsor was the Mustangs, with both the offensive and defensive units firing on all cylinders. Fourth-year quarterback Will Finch was near perfect all afternoon as he carefully broke down the Windsor secondary. Finch, who was returning to game action following a season ending injury last year, finished 20 for 27 with 226 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions when he exited the game late in the third quarter. Veteran Matt Uren led all receivers with eight receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown, a carefully lofted ball from Finch to the back of the end zone which was Western first major of the game.

Western's running game was led by second-year back Alex Taylor, who racked up a career-high 144 yards and one touchdown on only 11 carries, numbers that earned him the title of Western's Male Athlete of the Week. Veterans Yannick Harou and Adam Sinclair also got into the scoring action, recording one touchdown each, but perhaps the story of the game was the emergence of rookie back Cedric Joseph. A product of Champlain College in Sherbrooke, Que., Joseph was a threat every time he touched the football as he finished with 88 yards on only 5 carries with two of those being for his first OUA touchdowns.

"I love my big guys up front," he said, crediting his offensive line after the victory, "It's a lot easier for me when everyone is in sync and doing their job 110 percent."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Despite the offense putting up 76 points, the defence may have been more impressive. The Mustangs defensive front was a constant presence in the Lancer backfield and the secondary provided blanket coverage over the receivers. The Mustangs limited Windsor to 31 total passing yards and were led by defensive back Malcolm Brown, who picked off two passes.

Linebacker Jean-Gabriel Poulin also made an impact, leading the team with six tackles and registering the defensive highlight of the day, returning a mishandled snap 15 yards for his first career touchdown. Poulin's efforts were recognized by the league as he was named the OUA Defensive Player of the Week.

While the Mustangs are coming into Monday's matchup off of a big win the Lions dropped their season opener to Laurier 38-21. York finished last season 0-8 but their performance against Laurier indicates a much improved team over the one that only managed 63 points all of last season.

York ran a balanced offence against the Golden Hawks, throwing the ball 31 times and running it 27 times. Lions quarterback Jahmari Bennett proved that he is a threat to either throw or run the ball, passing for 70 yards and running for 88 to lead the Lions ground game. Although Bennett holds the starter's spot, two other Lions quarterbacks saw playing time against Laurier with both Brett Hunchak and Eric Kimmerly being given a chance to show off their skills and provide a different look for the opposing defence to consider.

Although the Mustangs are considered the favourites entering Monday's game Western head coach Greg Marshall is certainly not looking past the Lions.

 "They're improved," he said after the victory over Windsor, "We can't take anyone lightly at this point and we have to get better ourselves."

The atmosphere is bound to be electric as students, alumni and Mustangs football fans return for the annual Orientation Week Game under the lights at TD Stadium.