Box Score In front of a home opener crowd of more than 4,100 fans at Varsity Stadium, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team came up just short in a 15-10 defensive battle versus the visiting Ottawa Gee-Gees on Sunday (Sept. 3) evening.

Throughout the entirety of the night, Toronto and Ottawa found themselves stalemated with great defensive plays from both sides, resulting in a total of five field goals through three quarters of action. Highlight defensive plays for the Blues through the first 45 minutes included a hard-hitting second quarter sack from defensive lineman Tucker Burke, and a finger-tip interception from linebacker Ryan Stewart in the third quarter.

Trailing by two scores entering the fourth frame, U of T broke through with a beautiful 60-yard pass completion between quarterback Kinsale Philip and wide receiver Christopher Joseph to reach the Gee-Gees five-yard line. On the very next play, Philip finished the drive off with an untouched quarterback keeper, reaching the end zone for what would be the only touchdown of the night.

Drawing to within just two points with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the defences once again proved to be too much as a final Gee-Gees field goal with just under four minutes remaining would mark the final score of the night ans seal the win for the visitors.

Stewart was the defensive leader for the Blues, registering 8.5 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. Fellow linebacker Larauche Afaffou added another 7.5 tackles, while Tristan Braker and Owen Cassie both registered 4.5 tackles for the Blue and White.

On the offensive side of the ball, Toronto found success on the ground as Philip converted 14 rushing attempts into 64 yards and the lone score, while adding another 160 yards through the air. Fifth-year receiver David Osho led the team in receptions bringing down four catches for 41 yards, while big-play target Joseph averaged over 30 yards a catch with 91 yards on three receptions.

The Gee-Gees offence was paced by running back Amlicar Polk who finished the night with 191 rushing yards on a heavy work-load of 23 carries, while also adding two receptions for 15 yards. Ottawa kicker Campbell Fair went five-for-five on his field goal attempts including a long of 40 yards.

Toronto will have a quick turnaround as they next welcome the Queen's Gaels to Varsity Stadium in just six days. The Saturday, Sept. 9 showdown is scheduled to kick-off at 3 p.m. with tickets available via varsityblues.ca/tickets and all the action also streamed online on oua.tv.