Varsity Blues roll over Warriors in football season finale

Toronto says farewell to 19 graduating players in the victory

Marcus Hobbs (7) throws for 348 yards in his final CIS game. Melvin Gomez/Toronto Observer

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues ended their season on a high note defeating the Waterloo Warriors 38-7 Saturday afternoon at Varsity Stadium, wrapping up a 2-6 record.

Anthony Naccarato scored on a 61 yard 81punt return early in the first quarter and the Blues never looked back. The fourth-year receiver made three catches for 111 yards, while Rahul Madan led the game in reception and yards with 186 on nine catches with a touchdown.

Waterloo struggled to hold on to the ball in the first half resulting in 14 points off turnovers. Quarterback Lucas McConnell fumbled inside his own 20 and the Blues capitalized on the miscue with a  one-yard rushing touchdown by Marcus Hobbs.

Two drives later McConnell turned it over again, this time throwing an interception to Richard Gillespie, OUA leader in picks, leading to a Toronto field goal. The Blues were up 18-0 into the half.

“I just know the quarterback, know the opponent, know his receivers and tendencies,” Gillespie said, afterwards. “As soon as he broke towards the post I knew that ball was coming up and  I knew I can just play the ball and it was time for me to get another stat.”

Hobbs connected on a 75 yard rushingpass to Madan for a touchdown early in the third to put the game away. Toronto racked up another touchdown late in the third on a one yard run from Verrick Ponder.

As the season comes to an end, the University of Toronto honoured 19 graduating players in a special pre-game ceremony including fifth-year quarterback Hobbs who went 15-for-26, 348 yards, with one touchdown and a rushing major.

“I definitely wanted to finish on a win,” Hobbs said. “It took all of us to come through in the end.”

“The most important thing I can take from this experience is all the guys I’ve met, all the people and coaches that I’ve spent five years here with. I’m going to miss it a lot but something new to look forward.”

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Posted: Oct 16 2016 10:50 am
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