KINGSTON, Ont. (August 18, 2018) – The Queen's Gaels opened up their football season with a big exhibition victory over the Waterloo Warriors 42-11 on Community Heroes Day.
With 1,021 in attendance at Richardson Stadium, the Gaels family celebrated all community heroes that were at the ballgame.
COMMUNITY HEROES
Queen's football honoured Kingston's community heroes at the game honouring police, fire, paramedics and military personnel while families were able to get an up-close look at emergency response and military vehicles. Community heroes Brian Mortimer, Master Corporal Cubitt, Constable Walter O'Connor and Frontenac Paramedics were all honoured throughout the game.
GAME FLOW
After conceding a rouge on the opening kickoff, the Gaels were able to get the game's first touchdown as
Tristan Kuchar capped off a lengthy drive with a 13-yard touchdown run.
However, the Warriors were quick to respond as they followed the Gaels with a touchdown drive of their own. With the ball at the 1-yard line, the Warriors converted on a quick pass from QB Tre Ford to make it 8-7. After a Gaels' field goal the score was 10-8 after the first quarter.
After growing their lead to 24 points in the fourth quarter,
Jeremy Pendergast pulled a miraculous set of moves after receiving a pass from first-year QB
James Keenan. By fighting off tackles, Pendergast was able to go 42-yards for the game's final score.
GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
Rasheed Tucker, who in his first game as a Gael, showed off his wheels to the crowd with some electric rushes. This included a highlight 24-yard run in the second quarter, as well as a 4-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter. He finished the game with 53 yards on just 5 carries.
KEY MOMENT
Just like old times, the OUA 2017 touchdown leader
Nate Hobbs connected on a pass to
Chris Osei-Kusi down the sideline that the talented receiver hauled in and took in for a touchdown. The play went for 44-yards.
ON A ROLL
Despite only playing the first quarter,
Nate Hobbs continued where he left off in 2017 by going 8-15, with 165 yards and one touchdown pass.
MUST SEE MOMENT
FINAL SAY
"It was a lot of fun, my first University game. I was just looking to do what I could every chance that I got and I think it went pretty well. The team came together and we got a good win." - Rookie running back
Rasheed Tucker.
"We were out there, we were comfortable and got reps with the guys in live action and I think it went well. We're just going to go in (to the season opener) with a positive attitude and we're definitely confident coming out of this game." - Quarterback
Nate Hobbs
BY THE NUMBERS
112 – Osei-Kusi's 112 receiving yards led the game, despite the limited playing time.
493 – The Gaels posted 493 yards of total offence, with 322 of those yards coming through the air.
5 – The Gaels defence came up with 5 sacks throughout the game as they applied constant pressure on Waterloo's quarterbacks.
UP NEXT
The Gaels get the regular season underway next weekend as they head to Toronto to take on the York Lions on August 26 at 1pm. The game can be streamed online at OUA.tv.
