LONDON, Ontario — The Mustangs suffered a heartbreaking end to their 2025 season on Saturday, as the Guelph Gryphons won the OUA Quarterfinal 18-17 on single point rouge after Western wasn't able to get out of the end zone after a missed Gryphons Field Goal.
"We didn't work on it enough (the play to get out of the end zone); their field goal kicker had been inconsistent this year. I think initially, the safest thing was to run the ball out of the end zone, right? But if kids don't do what we tell them to do, then we didn't coach them right." said Mustangs Head Coach Greg Marshall. "Give Guelph credit, they were prepared, and I think they knew how they got beaten the first time. They weren't going to let it happen again."
GAME RECAP
The game commenced with Western kicking off, and Brian Garrity sending the ball 59 yards to Guelph's 6-yard line. The Gryphons managed a sustained drive, advancing 51 yards in nine plays, culminating in a 44-yard field goal by Trey Thompson at 10:01, putting the Gryphons ahead 3-0.
Western responded with a drive starting at their 35-yard line. Ethan Dolby was instrumental, rushing for 12 yards on the second play, and Evan Hillock connected with Dasani McIntosh for a 9-yard gain. However, the drive stalled, leading to a punt by Oliver Grittiths. The first quarter ended with the Gryphons maintaining a 3-0 lead.
Western's defence made a significant impact early in the second quarter, with Angelo Longo and Jude Buchanan teaming up for a sack on Guelph QB Tristan Aboud, resulting in a loss of three yards. This defensive stand set the tone for the Mustangs' subsequent offensive efforts. Despite a turnover midway through the quarter, Western regained possession, with Thomson Silcox intercepting a pass at their own 6-yard line to thwart the Gryphons' advance.
Western capitalized on the interception with a drive led by Hillock, connecting with Sandro Pierini for a 31-yard gain. The drive culminated in a successful 9-yard field goal by Garrity, putting Western on the scoreboard. The quarter concluded with both teams tied at 3-3.
Western seized control in the third quarter with a critical defensive play. Jackson MacKay forced a fumble on Guelph's Isaiah Smith at the Gryphons' 1-yard line, which he recovered, setting up a subsequent successful extra point by Garrity. Earlier, Hillock connected with Seth Robertson and Brayden Misseri for significant yardage gains, although a 40-yard field goal attempt by Garrity was missed. The quarter concluded with the Mustangs leading 10-3.
Western took control early in the fourth quarter with a pivotal drive highlighted by Hillock's 25-yard touchdown pass to Robertson at 12:12, followed by a successful extra point from Garrity. However, the Gryphons responded with a determined effort, as Isaiah Smith's 22-yard rush at 08:41, coupled with a successful kick, narrowed the gap.
The Gryphons continued to press, taking the lead with Jaxson Zurby's 20-yard touchdown reception from Aboud at 04:17, after which Thompson's extra point was good. Despite a late drive by Western, the game concluded with Guelph narrowly winning 18-17, as Thompson's missed a field goal attempt to the left of the uprights, Western's Seth Robertson caught the ball but was unable to scramble out of the end zone, giving Guelph the single point rouge and the win.
"I'm not disappointed in our players. We've got great kids. Proud of our kids. They battled today. They played hard," said Marshall. "I said to them, We've got to get up tomorrow and answer the bell and get out of bed and carry on. That's what we learn in sport. It's a game, and it's a game that teaches us some pretty special lessons, and more importantly than that, we get to be with a lot of really special people. Certainly, for me, it's pretty special that I get to work with these guys."
KEY STATS
QB Evan Hillock
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- 15 completions on 23 attempts
- 208 passing yards
- 1 passing touchdown
WR Seth Robertson
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- 6 receptions for 73 yards
- 1 touchdown
DB Jackson Mackay
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1 Forced Fumble
1 touchdown
3.5 Tackles
RB Ethan Dolby
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- 124 rushing yards on 21 attempts
DB Thomson Silcox
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- 5 tackles
- 1 interception
THANK YOU!
The loss on Saturday ends the Mustangs 2025 season. The Western Sports & Recreation department would like to thank all the student-athletes, coaches, alumni, partners, and supporters for their enthusiasm this season. We greatly appreciate everything you have done this fall.
