The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team opened their 2024 OUA regular season campaign with a 31-29 road win versus the Waterloo Warriors on Sunday (Aug. 25) at Warrior Field.

The victory marked the first as an OUA head coach for new Blues bench boss Darrell Adams.

"A feeling of extreme elation," described Coach Adams of his first career win. "This is a win I'll remember for a long time. I'm so proud of how these guys played. They fought until the end and didn't flinch when things were tough. This is their win, and it is a huge moment for the program. I'm excited for what the future holds."

Prior to joining the Blues this past January, Coach Adams spent the previous seven seasons as an associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and recruiting coordinator with the Warriors. Following the game, he took time to reflect with Waterloo head coach Chris Bertoia on the meeting between the two for his OUA debut.

"We had a moment in private in the aftermath. Bert is a brother to me; I owe that man so much. We knew it would be a great game, in a great environment and we knew unfortunately someone had to lose. Tonight, was our night. But at the end of the day, we are both winning in life, doing what we love and changing lives along the way!"

On the field, the Blues were slow to find their footing as they fell behind 8-0 in the early going with the Warriors scoring on two field goals and a conceded safety. However, once the Toronto offence got rolling, they looked extremely impressive as the game shifted into the second quarter. U of T's first score of the day was set up by a big 58-yard run from third-year running back Garrett Ellis. With the Blues up right near the Warriors end zone, first-year quarterback Kaleb O'Donoghue finished the drive off with a dive in for his first career touchdown in his first career start.

O'Donoghue would then also add his first career passing touchdown shortly after, delivering a pinpoint pass to a short crossing route from second-year receiver Chris Joseph, who turned on the jets to outrun the Warriors defenders to the end zone. Toronto would add a 19-yard Sam Henke field goal right before halftime to take a 17-15 lead into the break.

Both the Blues and Warriors would add a touchdown each in the third quarter, with third-year quarterback Scott Barnett coming into the game to push in a one-yard run early in the frame before Waterloo responded late. But the back-and-forth action would be ended by another Donoghue to Joseph touchdown pass as the dynamic receiver once again took in a crossing route via a quick juke and spin move to cross the goal line. Joseph finished the night with six receptions for 120 yards with the two touchdown catches. Meanwhile, O'Donoghue completed 19-of-27 passes for 268 yards, scoring the two passing touchdowns and the rushing score in his OUA debut.

The Warriors added a late score with under one minute remaining in the game to draw closer, but the Blues stout defence force several tackles for loss and key third down stops throughout the entirety of the contest to help seal the victory for the visitors from Toronto. The Blues defence was led by 2023 OUA all-rookie Elia Lini who registered 7.5 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. Additionally, U of T veteran Kinsale Philip shined in his first appearance on the defensive side of the ball for the Blues, securing five total tackles from the boundary half position. Fifth-year defensive end Jeremy Sinclair led the group up front with 3.5 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, though the whole defensive line were successful in creating serious pressure throughout the entirety of the contest.

"We are a young team with a lot to learn and games like this are a huge part of the process," mentioned Coach Adams. "We'll enjoy it for 24 hours, then get back to work and get ready for our next opponent. First home game, Varsity Stadium will be rocking!"

Toronto will enjoy a packed house at Varsity Stadium next Sunday (Sept. 1) as they welcome the Guelph Gryphons for their home opener. Kick-off for the Sunday night showdown is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets, while all Varsity Blues football games can also be streamed live and on-demand at oua.tv.