Waterloo, ON – The Mustangs took advantage of some undisciplined play by the Laurier Golden Hawks and opened the 2019 season with a 32-19 win on the road.
The Mustangs marched into Waterloo having come off an undefeated 2017 & 2018 OUA season and were looking to continue their 3-game winning streak over the Golden Hawks.
Both teams limited any major offensive pushes in the first quarter as Laurier was able to kick a field goal while the Mustangs got a rouge point to finish our 3-1 through the first quarter.
In the second quarter Western stepped it up when
Chris Merchant fired a deep pass to
Justin Nickson who pulled the ball down around the 30 yard line and fought off some pressure from the Golden Hawks to rumble into the end zone and take an 8-3 lead just over two minutes in.
Later in the quarter the Golden Hawks were lining up for a punt when
Brett Ellerman ran through the defence and blocked the attempt and then jumped on the ball in the Laurier end zone to extend the Mustangs lead to 15-3.
Laurier would get a field goal before the end of the first half to make it 15-6.
In the third quarter the Mustangs would continue to open things up through the air. At the 8:40 mark Merchant, off a play action would connect with
Savaughn Magnaye-Jones for a 36-yard touchdown and the Western lead was 22-6.
Laurier would add another field goal before the end of the third quarter to close the Western lead to 22-13.
In the fourth quarter Laurier continued to run into penalty trouble. After a 15 yard penalty, the Mustangs would drive the ball down the field and end with
Trey Humes punching in a 2 yard run which added to the Western lead at 32-13.
The Golden Hawks would add a late touchdown to make the game 32-19 but it was too late.
With the win the Mustangs continue their undefeated regular season run which stretches all the way back to week two of the 2016 season.
Chris Merchant was 15 for 24 with 236 yards throwing with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Cole Majoros had 5 receptions for 54 yards in the game. With the long touchdown reception Justin Nickson led on receiving yards with 62.
The Mustangs now prepare for #PurpleKickOff when they host Queen's at TD Stadium on Monday, Sept. 2nd at 7:30pm. The game will feature many exciting events in and around the stadium including food trucks on-site, inflatables for the kids, live entertainment & fireworks!
Western students get free admission with their Western ONECard.
Tickets can be purchased at
westernmustangs.ca/tickets.
