An interception on the opening drive and a fumble on the first possession of the second quarter would set the tone for the game as the University of Toronto Varsity Blue fell to the No. 5 Western Mustangs, 56-15, at Varsity Centre in front of a Thanksgiving Thursday crowd of 1749.
Western rookie running back Nathan Riva (LaSalle, Ont.) led the way for the Mustangs for the second week in a row with 163 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. The LaSalle, Ont. native rushed for 124 yards, finding the end zone on four different occasions, including a 53-yard scamper to help the Mustangs build a 35-0 lead at the end of the first half.
Toronto would finally get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter and erase the Western shutout when Willie Sharpe (Renfrew, Ont.) blocked a Derek Wheeler (Hamilton, Ont.) punt to set up the offence on the visiting 33-yard line.
On the ensuing play, fifth-year pivot Dave Hamilton (Mississauga, Ont.) hit fellow graduating teammate Mark Stinson (Calgary, Alta.) with a touchdown pass with 6:25 remaining in the game.
Toronto would put together another solid offensive series on the following possession, capped by a Hamilton five-yard run for the major. Metcalfe, Ont. native Cory Kennedy caught his fourth pass of the drive on the two-point conversion.
“It’s amazing to play with these guys [the graduating seniors] and the guys I’ve been playing with for four years already, Hamilton, Stinson and [Jeff] LaForge,” said Kennedy referring to the end of his playing career at U of T.
In the final home game of his career, Hamilton completed 20-of-38 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed eight times for 52 yards and one touchdown.
Western quarterback Michael Faulds (Eden Mills, Ont.) continued his consistent play. He threw for 280 yards (22-for-29) and two majors, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Zach Bull (Port Colborne, Ont.) on the opening drive of the game.
The Varsity Blues (2-5) travel to Ottawa next Saturday, October 18, to take on the Gee-Gees (3-3) for their last game of the 2008 OUA regular season. The Mustangs (6-1) host the Guelph Gryphons (3-3), also next Saturday. Game times are set for 1 p.m.
BLUES NOTES
Fifth-year receiver and Blues player of the game Cory Kennedy’s 30-yard reception, with less than two minutes to go in the game, set a new Varsity Blues record for most career receptions (147). The previous mark of 145 was held by Blues Hall of Famer Mark Magee (1977-1981). Kennedy recorded seven receptions for 129 yards in the loss. Calgary native Mark Stinson hauled in six receptions, totaling 95 yards and one touchdown.
Varsity Blues football celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Yates Cup championship team. Several members, including Tim Reid, Senator Trevor Eyton and league MVP Curt Russell, were on hand and honoured during a halftime ceremony.
In addition to his 124 yards on the ground, Riva caught three passes for 27 yards, and returned two kick-offs for 22 yards.
Western safety Matt Carapella added another interception to his career total. His 21st career interception ties an OUA record held by Blues all-star and current chair of Varsity Blues Friends of Football, Peter McNabb (Toronto & Queen’s – 1970-72, 1973-74).
