LONDON, Ontario — The Mustangs drop one of the toughest losses in recent memory to the rival Laurier Golden Hawks University, 60-13, on Saturday in a matchup between two previously undefeated teams. The Mustangs' defence was under fire all afternoon long as Laurier's offence produced six passing touchdowns and recorded a total of 661 offensive yards.

"We've got to play better. I thought that in the first half our defence hung in there, but we left them on the field too long. Laurie's got a lot of weapons, and the defence hung in for us, but we just didn't give them a chance," said Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall. "We didn't move the football, didn't get out of our own end, we got stopped on 3rd and 1, and it just kind of snowballed from there.

The lone highlight of the day for the Mustangs was Kicker Brian Garrity set a new OUA and Football program record, surpassing Mustangs alum Marc Legghio's career points total of 442, notching his 443rd point of his Mustangs career on an extra point after the Mustangs lone touchdown late in the 4th quarter.

"That was special. He's a great kid who has been here a long time. He's been so consistent for us, it's unfortunate that he broke the record on a day that wasn't the best for us, but 10 years from now, that's his record, and he absolutely deserves it." said Marshall of his kicker. "He's made kicks for us in pressure situations; he's been spectacular. If there's one silver lining today, it's that this is for Brian. He was a special guy."

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with Western receiving the kickoff, and Dasani McIntosh returned it 20 yards to initiate their drive at their own 22-yard line. Evan Hillock efficiently moved the ball downfield with completions to Brayden Misseri and Seth Robertson, but the drive stalled, leading to a punt at their 42-yard line.

After the Mustangs  conceded an early safety, Laurier managed to extend their lead with a late touchdown pass from Cal Wither to Jaxon Stebbings, though the extra point attempt was blocked by Luca Farinaccio. The first quarter ended with Laurier leading 8-0.
 
The second quarter began with Evan Hillock's pass being intercepted by Laurier's Owen Goetz at the Western 45-yard line, giving Laurier favourable field position. Western's defence responded by forcing a quick punt, but the subsequent drive stalled, resulting in another safety for Laurier. The Golden Hawks capitalized on the momentum by scoring a touchdown on a 12-yard rush by Tayshaun Jackson, extending their lead.

Western managed to counter later in the opening half with a 38-yard field goal by Garrity, narrowing the deficit. Laurier held a 17-3 lead as the teams went to the locker room at halftime.
The third quarter began with a momentum shift favouring Laurier as they capitalized on a safety early in the quarter. Following the safety, Laurier extended their lead with a touchdown pass from Wither to Keyon Robinson. Western responded with a drive featuring Ethan Dolby's effective rushing, although it ended without a score as Laurier's defence held firm.

Laurier continued to dominate, adding a field goal and another touchdown pass, increasing their advantage. Late in the quarter, Western's offence struggled to gain traction while Laurier maintained control, closing the quarter with another touchdown. As the quarter ended, Laurier led 43-3, extending their lead significantly.

The fourth quarter began with Western capitalizing on a Laurier holding penalty, advancing to midfield. Despite challenges, including a pass for a loss, the team remained poised. Western's defence then limited Laurier's offensive progress, with Jude Buchanan and Luca Farinaccio contributing to key stops. On the ensuing possession, Jerome Rancourt orchestrated a drive featuring a pivotal 18-yard completion to Seth Robertson and a subsequent 1-yard touchdown rush, followed by a successful extra point from Brian Garrity, which set the OUA and program record.

"It's a great feeling, it's nice to know I've cemented my name in Western history and OUA/U SPORTS history." said Garrity of the record "I also want to shout out the snappers and holders that have helped me along the way, it's important to note how the field goal team really is a unit and not just one guy. It's a testament to the hard work I've put in over the years, and I'm glad I could get it done."

Laurier responded with a 51-yard touchdown pass, but Western immediately regained momentum. Brennan Keba's 43-yard kickoff return set up Marcell Phillips' substantial gains, leading to a Garrity field goal. The game concluded after a defensive stand and interception by Laurier, with the final score at 60-13 in favour of Laurier.

"I think it starts with our defence, we had a little bit of a spark at the beginning. We always try to pride ourselves on getting at least 3 turnovers a game or a 3rd down stop, and you know that didn't happen this game," said Defensive Lineman Max von Muehldorfer. I think as a defence we have to take responsibility for needing to provide that spark, and we didn't execute it today."

With the loss, the Mustangs finish the 2025 OUA regular season in 2^nd place and will host a Quarterfinal game against Guelph next Saturday.

"The roads a little bit longer now, but lucky enough, we'll get that quarterfinal game here at Western so we don't have to travel, which is nice and we kind of stay here and can take care of business," said von Muehldorfer. "Lots of practice, lots of meetings, and we need to take care of business."

NEXT GAME
Western will host the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA Quarterfinal next Saturday (October 25th) for a 1:00 pm kickoff at Western Alumni Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at WesternMustangs.ca/Tickets. The first 400 Western students will receive a free ticket to the game when using the promo code QF25 at checkout. Otherwise, student section tickets will be $10.

"We get another home game and now we've got to clean things up, and we decide what type of football team we are, we've got to be better than we were today." said Marshall.