OTTAWA — Defence turned to offence as the Ottawa Gee-Gees scored 18 of their points on defence and special teams, cruising to a 32-10 victory over the Carleton Ravens at the 2019 Panda Game at TD Place Stadium.
A sold-out crowd of 24,000 saw both clubs rely heavily on their defensive power in the lowest scoring version of the yearly rivalry since 2013.
It was a day to forget for both quarterbacks, Carleton’s Tanner Dejong had three interceptions and the Gee-Gees’ Ben Maracle had two with just 17 pass attempts relying heavily on their forth year running back Jordan Burgher.
Dejong’s interceptions came off defensive backs cutting in front of passing lanes, which was the plan all week for the Gee-Gees secondary.
“If I recognize a play we are allowed to jump on that play, our coach gives us the free will to do that.” said fourth year defensive back Alex Douglas, who had five solo tackles on the day.
His leadership was praised by rookie defensive back Christopher Cyril.
“In my first year I knew I would be with good guys who would show me directions,” said Cyril. “Each time I have a question on the bench they always answer me and we just keep going together which is really important.”
Cyril had no tackles on the day, as veteran Douglas was primarily covering the Ravens star receiver Quinton Soares, who had 106 yards on 5 reception as well as the Raven’s only touchdown.
Despite the young defensive back’s quiet game, Cyril knows he is in one of the better learning environments for a player in the secondary.
“The reason why I committed to this team was because I knew the secondary will be really solid” said Cyril. “[Alex Douglas] went to the East-West bowl, Cody Cranston got drafted, Luke Griese made the OUA all-star team.”
Cranston stayed with the Gee-Gees for his fourth year of eligibility after being drafted 66th overall in the 2019 CFL draft. Many in the Ottawa secondary are reaching the end of their eligibility, including Douglas, who may have played in his final Panda Game today.
“Hopefully I get an invite to the CFL combine, regional then national and give it my best shot there and see what happens. If not, fifth year Panda I’ll be ready to go”