Kingston, ON - Keon Edwards led the Mustangs with three TD's as Western blanked Queens 29-0 to capture the 113th Yates Cup.

"It was a big win," said Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall. "Our kids showed resiliency. The perseverance, sticking it out (and) with Brett Ellerman, Antonio Valvano, Trey Humes coming back, it was awesome to share it with them.

The highly anticipated matchup of the two top teams in the OUA was heavily dominated in the early going by the Mustangs on both sides of the ball. It started with Nicolas Theriault who got a strip sack against Gaels' quarterback James Keenan and Lineman of the Year, Deionte Knight, pounced on the early turnover to give Western prime field position.

"It's what I expected," Marshall said. "We knew they had good defence but they weren't ranked any better than Guelph, Waterloo or Laurier. We played good defences and I don't think they played a defence like ours.
That was quickly followed up by Edwards stepping up with a 5 yard run that ended with him taking a hard hit and spun through the air and in for his first TD of the day.
  "We worked for this moment," said Edwards, the game MVP. "We had guys come back and spend their time helping us win this thing — and I love them for it. The O-Line (offensive line), they block for me. They do everything for me. I have to give it to them."

Before the end of the 1st quarter Edwards would once again break out for a big run, this time for 24 yards and put the Mustangs up 14-0.
 
In the 2nd quarter Edwards would strike again for a 36 yard run that gave the Mustangs a commanding lead at 23-0.
  "I love these kids and we spent a lot of time together the past two years. Every team is different. This team is really special." said Marshall.

With the win, Western now moves on to host the Mitchell Bowl next Saturday, Nov. 27 where they take on St. Francis Xavier X-Men at Western Alumni Stadium.

"Great game, great win," said QB Evan Hillock. "The o-line played unreal and so did the defence. They held a great offence to zero points. We're looking forward to next week."

Tickets will be available Monday at noon at WesternMustangs.ca/Tickets.The game will also be aired on CHCH tv and streamed on CBCsports.ca and OUA.tv.

KEY STATS:
RB Keon Edwards - 21 carries for 158 yards and 3 TD's
QB Evan Hillock - 14 for 20 for 193 yards
LB Riley Macleod - 7.5 tackles 
DL Austin Fordham-Miller - 6.5 tackles
K Brian Garrity - 2 for 2 on FGs