The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team suffered a 33-6 loss to the No. 8 Queen’s Gaels in their only pre-season contest of the year last night (Aug. 31) at Varsity Centre.

Second-year kicker Andrew Lomasney (Toronto) accounted for all six Blues points, hitting field goals from 27 and 24 yards.

Third-year pivot Andrew Gillis (Markham, Ont.) started the game behind centre and opened with an impressive drive, hitting two sideline passes to first-year wide receiver André Brock and running 10 yards for a first down. George Gretes (Toronto) and Jansen Shrubb (Toronto), a Queen’s-transfer-turned-U of T MBA student, also saw significant minutes.

Queen’s veteran quarterback Danny Brannagan (Burlington, Ont.) and starting running back Jimmy Therrien (Montreal, Que.) looked impressive. Therrien had six carries for 74 yards, including a 56-yard burst early in the first that would set up his two-yard run for the Gaels’ first score.

Brannagan was 11-of-16 for 98 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His only throwing TD of the night came on the first drive of the second quarter when he hit Thomas Howes (Parham, Ont.) in the back of the end zone to put the Gaels up 13-3.

Notes: Drew Meerveld led all Blues receivers with six catches for 60 yards…five Toronto players recorded five tackles each – Wilkerson DeSouza led all defensive players with fives tackles - two for losses - and one sack.

What’s Next: It’s ‘WELCOME BACK’ night and kick-off to orientation week as the Varsity Blues host the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in the home opener Labour Day Monday (Sept. 6) at Varsity Centre. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

For additional ticket information, please visit www.varsityblues.ca or http://www.ticketbreak.com.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca .