It’s Homecoming weekend in Guelph, but it’ll be all business for the Gaels.
Queen’s men’s football team is gearing up for a Saturday showdown against the Guelph University Gryphons, as they look to extend their winning streak to four games.
After a 1-2 start, the Gaels have gone 3-0 in the games since, including their first win at home against the York University Lions. In a media availability, head coach Steve Snyder said the team’s recent success comes from balanced play across the board. “We’re playing really good football right now,” Snyder said. “All three phases are playing well, and it’s resulted in a couple of wins in a row for us.”
The matchup carries playoff implications. At 2-3, the Gryphons are fighting to stay in the postseason hunt, and Snyder expects a high-energy contest. “I think Guelph is a very talented team and they’re widely respected for the quality of student-athletes they have,” he said. “It’ll be a great football game with an excellent environment.”
Queen’s enters the game as U Sports’ 7th-ranked team, up from 6th the week before. They also add some fresh legs thanks to the return of linebacker Justin Pace, ArtSci ’26 and the aforementioned Snyder, having served one-game suspensions against York.
Star Gaels running back Jared Chisari, MSc ’26, enters the game with the second most rushing touchdowns in U Sports, and wide receiver Nathan Falconi, ArtSci ’26, is just one touchdown shy of the most touchdowns caught in Canada. Quarterback Alex Vreeken, Kin ’26, also enters the game on a roll, with his 15 touchdowns thrown good for second in U Sports.
Queen’s defense has also been stellar, with a U Sports-leading 12 interceptions caught, and the fewest yards allowed per game in Ontario. Oliver Jackson, ArtSci ’27, has the second-most sacks in the country, with five on the season.
For this matchup, the Gaels will have to adjust to a rushing-centric style after facing strong passing teams in recent weeks. “They’ll present challenges, but I think our team will be up for it,” Snyder said. Guelph’s dual-threat QB Tristan Aboud is 6th in OUA passing touchdowns, but Marshall McCray stole the show against Carleton University last week, throwing for two touchdowns on two pass attempts and rushing for two of his own.
Defensively, the Gryphons also boast playmakers. Defensive back Gianni Green recorded four interceptions in a single game last week, tying an OUA record. Snyder said Queen’s will give credit where it’s due, but stayed focused. “Our team will have to run our plays really well and focus on our execution,” he said.
As for the party in Guelph this weekend, Snyder isn’t worried about the noise, having beaten the University of Waterloo handily at their Homecoming on Sept. 20. “The reality is, the play on the field will ultimately determine everything,” Snyder said. “It’ll be the 24 players that are actually on the field that have to go and play, that’s what it’s all about.”
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET in Guelph, ON.
Tags
Alex Vreeken, Guelph Gryphons, Jared Chisari, Justin Pace, men's football, Nathan Falconi, Steve Snyder
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