Not since 1996 has the Windsor Lancers football beaten McMaster but that streak came to an end Saturday. Sam Girard connected with Callin Bethune for an electrifying 21-yard strike propelling the Lancers to a 27-24 overtime win against the #5 ranked Marauders.
Head coach J-P Circelli says his team is playing the style of ball he envisioned for his program when he arrived on campus in 2019. "Anywhere I've been that we've had success it's have a dominant defence, be selective with your special teams and you gotta score when needed".
That's the brand Windsor fans have seen the past two weeks and in Saturday's overtime. McMaster had possession first in the overtime but a blitzing Lancers defence put them in a position to attempt a 43-yard field goal for the lead.
On the ensuing possession the Marauders were hit with back to back penalties giving Windsor favourable field position at the 21. That led to the game ending heroics of Bethune. "It feels good" said the 3rd year wide receiver. "Quarterback could have taken his pick. I'm happy with that outcome".
4th year DB Andrew Beatty, a big presence on the defensive side of the ball during the two home games, had an interception and nine tackles against McMaster. "They're calling us soft as cotton balls" said Beatty, referencing an article posted earlier in the week. "We're still here. We're back. Windsor Lancers are back. We're ready to go".
Circelli added, "It's magic and hopefully enough people around the city are taking notice. This is a great place to be".
For the second week in a row Windsor knocked off a nationally ranked opponent and have won back to back games for the first time since 2014. "It's great to see guys believing. To do it and do it the way we did was special", said Circelli.
At 2-1, Windsor is tied for first place in the OUA west. The Lancers hit the road next weekend for a game against another nationally ranked team, the #2 Western Mustangs who are also 2-1.
Check out game highlights vs McMaster in this video brought to you by Scarehouse Windsor.