The University of Western Ontario Mustangs football team lost 27-0 to the Laval Rouge et Or in a preseason exhibition game at PEPS Stadium in Ste. Foy, Que., Sunday, in front of more than 9,000 fans.
Western, ranked No. 2 in the CIS in the preseason rankings, trailed 10-0 at the half but only gave up three points with starters playing starters, a sign re-assuring for Mustangs fans, players and the coaching staff.
“Overall, I thought we did a pretty good job, the young kids did well and our starting defence held Benoit Groulx and Laval’s starters to three points,” says Western head coach Greg Marshall. “We gave up the ball and did not capitalize in their end. We’d have the ball deep and have it picked off or commit a penalty.”
Marshall says the offensive line, which was without starting guard Matthew Norman for most of the game, needs to improve with pass protection in the season.
“The trip was good, the players enjoyed it,” Marshall says. “We have to make sure we have a productive day (Monday) and break down the film and get better… it’s just a long way home.”
The Rouge et Or host the 2009 Vanier Cup on Saturday Nov. 28 at PEPS Stadium.
The Mustangs open the 2009 OUA regular season on the road against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in a rematch of the 2008 Yates Cup won by Western. The game will be played at Frank Clair Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 6. at 5 p.m.
Western’s home opener is on Saturday, Sept. 12 when the Mustangs host the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at 1 p.m. at TD Waterhouse Stadium. For tickets, visit westernmustangs.ca or call 519-661-4077.