KINGSTON – Ontario University Athletics coaches were fully aware that they would have to contend with a potential Hec Crighton nominee in Daryl Stephenson when facing the Windsor Lancers in 2006. What those around the league didn’t know is that the 2005 Canadian Interuniversity Sport rushing leader would have a partner in crime in the Windsor backfield. Stephenson and his rookie running mate Nick Romain, dubbed “Thunder and Lightning,” h ave already combined for a staggering 11 rushing touchdowns in two games, both Windsor wins. The Lancers (2-0-0) will showcase these two talents in front of a national television audience when they travel to Richardson Stadium to take on the undefeated Queen’s Golden Gaels (2-0-0) during Homecoming weekend on The Score Television Network’s University Rush broadcast. The game is presented by Wilson Sports Equipment Canada.
After rushing for a CIS-high 1,306 yards last season, Stephenson (London, Ont.) has gotten off to a massive start against two of the more vulnerable defences in the OUA, racking up almost 400 yards with five touchdowns. But Romain (Windsor, Ont.) has put up even more shocking numbers – in Windsor’s wins over Waterloo and Toronto, he has tallied 235 yards on a mere six rushes. He has found the end zone in each of those six carries.
“That’s a heckuva start,” Lancers head coach Mike Morencie says with disbelief. “I don’t know what he’s going to do for an encore.”
Morencie says that the two backs have been impressive both in terms of performance and attitude, with each having matured a great deal this season. Team goals have become most important to them. Romain, as incredibly efficient as he’s been with the touchdown output, has blossomed into a strong blocker, enabling Stephenson to keep doing what he does best – run north and south.
“You can’t really stop Stephenson,” says Gaels linebacker Ian Hazlett, a first-team OUA all-star who led the league in total tackles last season with 61. “He’ll eventually break one. It takes four or five guys to stop him.
“He’s not the most elusive guy ever but he’s the most powerful back I’ve seen in the OUA and CIS. You have to hit him low and gang tackle him.”
The Gaels will certainly provide a tougher test for the dynamic duo from Windsor. The Lancers started last season off with consecutive losses to the nationally-ranked McMaster Marauders and eventual Vanier champion Laurier Golden Hawks. This year, both the offence and defence have had the opportunity to work on more packages after establis hing big leads, helping build the confidence of the team rather than forcing them into early crisis mode. The Lancers also feel like they have something to prove after being manhandled in the 2005 playoffs by McMaster 49-19, a game in which Stephenson was hurt in the early going.
“The moment Daryl went down in that game, the air came out of the balloon,” Morencie recalls. “The result was not indicative of where we were at. It really fuelled the guys in the off season. We got our asses handed to us and that left a bad taste in our mouths.”
With quarterback Jon Dent out with a shoulder injury, Dan Lumley (Windsor, Ont.) has come in and done a good job managing the first two games for Morencie. The well-traveled pivot – Lumley has had stints at the University of Kentucky, Saginaw Valley State and Saint Mary’s – has shown a presence and an ability to lead in the huddle. His poise will be crucial if Windsor hopes to reach 3-0. The Homecoming environment at Queen’s is as hostile as it gets for visitors, though the chaos surrounding the weekend also tends to be tough on the Gael players.
“It’s definitely encouraging to have so many people in the stands but it can be a distraction,” says Hazlett. “You have to play through it.”
Queen’s has already displayed an ability to focus two games into 2006, beginning with a blowout win over the Warriors in the opener, followed by a solid 31-10 victory over an improving Guelph Gryphons team last week. The offence clicked in Guelph as wide receiver Brad Smith (Hudson, Que.) tied an OUA record with four touchdown catches (11 receptions, 187 yards on the day). The sure-handed wideout, who leads the country in receptions (20), receiving yardage (283) and touchdowns (five), has become a favourite for second-year quarterback Danny Brannagan (Burlington, Ont.), last sea son’s OUA Rookie of the Year. Brannagan has completed 41 of 64 attempts in the two wins and tops the nation in passing yards with 604.
“The offence is off to a great start this year,” says Hazlett. “They’re brimming with confidence. We’ve had some good competition with them in practice.
“We’ve built some respect for each other, which was maybe lacking in the past.”
The veteran linebacker says there’s an entirely different feeling surrounding the Gaels this season. The energy is positive after already matching last season’s win total. With each squad having the opportunity to start the season 3-0, the stakes are high for this Homecoming match-up.
“It’s a huge game this weekend,” Hazlett says.
“We’ve beaten them two years in a row,” adds Morencie, “so they’ll be motivated.
“We’re walking into a hornet’s nest.”
Windsor Leaders
Passing
Josh Sacobie – 15 completions, 29 attempts, 365 yards, one touchdowns, zero interceptions
Rushing
Daryl Stephenson – 33 rushes, 398 yards, five touchdowns
Nick Romain – six rushes, 235 yards, six touchdowns
Receiving
Glenn MacKay – four catches, 166 yards
Mike Harrington – three catches, 104 yards, one touchdown
Defence
John Celestino – 11 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, one sack
Tyler Horricks – nine solo tackles, three assisted tackles, three sacks
Queen’s Leaders
Passing
Danny Brannagan – 41 completions, 64 attempts, 604 yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions
Rushing
Billy Burke – 24 rushes, 128 yards, two touchdowns
Receiving
Brad Smith – 20 catches, 283 yards, five touchdowns
Rob Bagg – four catches, 120 yards, one touchdown
Defense
Adam Ross – 13 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, one sack
Ian Hazlett – nine solo tackles, four assisted tackles, one sack, one interception
Taken from the files of the OUA.
