From the highest of highs back to reality.
Queen’s Football is set for a crucial matchup against the 4-2 Windsor Lancers at Richardson Stadium on Oct. 10. Lancers come into Kingston on an extreme high, embarrassing the York Lions 51-2 a week prior. The undefeated Gaels accomplished a feat no Queen’s team has done since 2007, beating Western on their home field.
READ MORE: Win over Western puts Gaels at the top of OUA football
The Lancers are one of the premier football teams in the country, ranking seventh in the U Sports rankings as of Oct. 5. Their offence ranks second in points per game and yards per game, led by third-year quarterback, Kareame Cotton. He is one of best talents in the OUA, a dual threat both in the air and on the ground.
On the defensive side, the Lancers are first in defensive yards per game and second in sacks, a testament to their defensive line.
During his media availability, Head Coach Steve Snyder said he knows the importance of moving on and preparing for the upcoming game after a big win.
Last year’s regular season matchup against the Lancers saw Windsor steal a victory during the last game of the season, while Queen’s got the last laugh in the OUA semifinals.
Snyder acknowledged that it was a big game to the program, but didn’t want to carry over anything from last season.
“We have respect for all the opponents, but there are certain games on our schedule that have historical significance, the last two games have been those.”
He added, “you don’t need extra motivation to get ready for those games.”
The Lancers defence, particularly their defensive line, seem to be a known threat to the Gaels.
“They pride themselves on the line of scrimmage, and they’ve got a system and an identity on defence that their players clearly understand,” Snyder said.
In the same media availability, linebacker James Gillingham, ArtSci ’27, admitted the significance of his role going into the game.
“Number four [Cotton], he’s a ball player, he can take off with it and throw it too,” Gillingham said, describing how hard it is to defend.
“We’re just relying on everyone [to contribute] their one-twelfth.”
On the offensive side, Snyder admitted that the Lancer quarterback has the Gaels respect going into Saturday’s game.
“Kareame’s a great player, we’re all scratching our head watching film right now because he’s special.”
“I know our defence is going to be excited to play and try to disrupt that offence.”
When asked on injury updates to report going into the game, Snyder kept it to his chest, noting, “there’s a lot of game time decisions.”
The Gaels will look to continue this undefeated streak on Thanksgiving weekend at Richardson. The game will take place on Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.
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Queen's football, richardson stadium, Thanksgiving
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