KINGSTON, Ont. (September 4, 2009) – The Queen's Gaels Football team kicks off their 2009 season this Monday, Labour Day, as they host the visiting Guelph Gryphons.

The Gaels are coming off an outstanding 2008 regular season, finishing in first place in the tough OUA Conference with an 8-0 record and the #2 ranking in the nation. Their quick-strike offense, led by QB Danny Brannagan and RB Mike Giffin, and suffocating defense, anchored by the President's Trophy winner Thaine Carter and DE Osie Ukwuoma, complimented each other perfectly. However, the team stumbled in the OUA Semifinal against the Ottawa Gee Gees, which signalled an abrupt end to their post-season aspirations.

Despite the loss of some key components, including All-Canadians Mike Giffin and Dee Sterling, the Gaels come into today's game with a core of veteran talent that has the Gaels ranked Number 8 in Canada. On the offensive side of the ball, All-Canadian QB Danny Brannagan will have his favourite target back as WR Scott Valberg returns to bolster a very talented receiving core. With the loss of Giffin, the running game should be a two-pronged attack in the form of Marty Gordon and Jimmy Therrien.

The defense, which was ranked number one in Canada last season, will once again be anchored by DE Osie Ukwuoma, a 5th round draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders. Joining Ukwuoma on the vaunted Gaels defense are a strong group of athletes, including Alex Daprato, T.J. Leeper, Chris Smith, David Rooney, Jimmy Allin and transfer Shomari Williams. If this group can replicate the success of last year's defense, which allowed only 14.5 points per game, the Gaels will once again be a force in the OUA.

When Queen's and Guelph met a year ago, the Gaels were victorious as they produced a 41-30 win at Guelph in Week 2. In that game, Coach Sheahan's squad recorded nearly 700 yards of total offense, highlighted by Dan Brannagan's 437 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Monday's game has the potential to be similar to last season's shootout as the Gryphons return star QB Justin Dunk and RB Nick Fitzgibbon. With two potent offenses going head to head, the game could come down to the success of the defences.

Kickoff for Monday's game is schedule for 2:00 pm at Richardson Stadium.