The backup quarterback was called in to play for the Guelph Gryphons after first-stringer James Roberts was injured late in the 1st Half of the team's homecoming game against the McMaster Marauders on Saturday at Alumni Stadium.
The only other time this season Theo Landers was called into a game for the Gryphons, the team was on its way to a blowout win against the Windsor Lancers.
Roberts completed 11 passes for 125 yards but no touchdowns before leaving the game with an injury, which brought Landers in to a very different game than the one he faced Sept. 9 against the Lancers.
“It was a tough situation today but I was ready, I was prepared. I just need to be better next time,” said third-year player Landers immediately after Saturday's game.
After leading 6-0 after the first quarter, the Gryphons watched their lead slip away after a second quarter field goal, touchdown and extra point by the Marauders.
The Gryphons got to within one point of the Marauders at the end of the half of Saturday's game with a literal last-second feild goal by GabeFerraro from 48 yards out, his third of the game.
In the third quarter, Tommy Nield — a former Centennial CVI receiver — scored on a 64-yard pass for the Marauders and the Gryphons conceded a safety, giving up an additional two points.
The Marauders led 22-9 going into the fourth, where the Gryphons were able to get more going offensively, albeit without moving their side of the scoreboard.
“We started to move the chains a little and got into a rhythm. We just need to capitalize and get the ball in the end zone,” said Landers.
Adam Preocanin kicked a 38-yard field goal for the Maraudersin the fourth and capped off the extra point on a Jordan Lyons run for a 29-9 final score.
The Gryphons, now 2-3, visit the Waterloo Warriors (3-1) on Saturday.
The Marauders are a good team, said Landers. He said the Gryphon defence did a good job holding them to 29 points.
“Hopefully we get to see them in the playoffs and we have a different outcome,” Landers said.
