The seventh-ranked Guelph Gryphons (3-3) came up just short Saturday afternoon Saturday in Hamilton, falling 27-22 to the McMaster Marauders.
Despite the loss the Gryphons still make the playoffs and will meet the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks Saturday in Waterloo.
The Gryphons ended the 2021 regular season in a four-way tie with McMaster, Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier (all four teams at 3-3). When the dust settled with the OUA's tiebreaking procedures, it was McMaster that was on the outside looking in for the 2021 OUA football playoff picture. With McMaster out, that left a three-way tie between Guelph, Laurier and Waterloo.
Western finished first in the division and will play Waterloo on Saturday.
In what was largely a defensive slugfest on Saturday at Ron Joyce Stadium, the Gryphons had a window of opportunity in the third quarter. However, despite starting three straight drives deep in McMaster territory, the Gryphons were unable to capitalize as a stingy Marauder defence forced three straight turnovers and maintained what was an 11-10 lead at the time.
Although McMaster began to switch momentum as a result of those defensive stands and were able to eventually create a two-possession lead, the Gryphs continued to fight back. Up until the final :57 seconds of the game, Guelph was able to keep themselves in the contest. Unfortunately for the Gryphons, McMaster would recover Guelph's late onside kick attempt and snuff out any remaining hope for the visitors.
Eric Stranz hit field goals of 19, 43, 46 and 47 yards and Shawn Lal connected with receiver Clark Barnes for the lone Gryphons touchdown. There was also a safety conceded by Hamilton.
Lal finished the game 23-42 with 302 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Receiver Kiondre Smith racked up all kinds of yards for Guelph making 10 catches for 123 yards while also picking up 246 yards on kick-off and punt returns.
