The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team lost a tough 27-19 battle to the McMaster Marauders on Friday, October 3 at Ron Joyce Stadium.

The flags were flying in Hamilton as both teams combined for 375 yards in penalties. Toronto was whistled for 12 penalties for 207 yards while McMaster received 15 penalties for 168 yards, a total of 37 penalties on the evening.

McMaster took a 20-5 lead into the locker room at the half, but Toronto closed the gap to 20-12 in the third quarter on a 107-yard drive capped by a six-yard run by Mark Stinson (Calgary, Alta.).

The Marauders would counter later in the third quarter on an Ugonna Ihekwoaba (Burlington, ON) two-yard touchdown, the first career rushing touchdown for the fifth-year full back.

Stinson added his second touchdown of the game with a 13-yard reception from Blues quarterback David Hamilton (Mississauga, Ont.) with 1:12 remaining on the clock. However, it would't be enough on this night as the Blues fell 27-19.

McMaster runningback, Joey Nemet (Burlington, ON) rushed for over one-hundred yards for the second-consecutive game, carrying the ball 14 times for 106 yards.

Hamilton aired it out all evening for the Blues, throwing for 342 yards, going 28-of-45 with one touchdown. Toronto receiver Cory Kennedy (Metcalfe, Ont.) had six catches for 117 yards while Earl Johnson (Baltimore, Md.) added eight receptions for 97 yards.

The Varsity Blues defence was led again by 2007 OUA all-star Derek Batchelor (Mississauga, Ont.) who tallied eight solo tackles and Marco Rodrigues (Oakville, Ont.) who notched six of his own.

The Varsity Blues (2-4) return to Toronto for the last home game of their 2008 OUA campaign as they host the University of Western Mustangs (4-1) on Thursday, October 9 at Varsity Centre. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.