Gaels use turnovers to beat Marauders in one-sided playoff win

Queen's had 7 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries en route to a 46-10 victory at Richardson Stadium.

CORRECTION: An earlier version had the Gaels' next opponent incorrect. We apologize for the error.

The Gaels defense took control from start to finish as they advance to the Yates Cup semi-final game.

Queen's got four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), three fumble recoveries, and five sacks in their 46-10 victory over the visiting McMaster Marauders on Saturday.

Up 3-0 in the first quarter, Ashton Miller-Melanchon picked off a Lucas Barresi pass and ran back 37 yards for the score and a 10-0 Gaels lead. That was followed by a fumbled and recovery by Justin Pace in next Marauders' possession.

Queen's were up 30-3 at halftime.

Head coach Steve Snyder says the defense set the tone for the entire game.

Keegan Vanek, who had two interceptions including a 20-yard pick-six early in the fourth quarter, says they managed to shut down the Marauders' offense throughout the game.

24 of the 46 points the Gaels scored were the result of turnovers.

On the other side of the ball, Alex Vreeken completed 16 of 24 pass attempts for 241 yards and a pair of touchdown passes while Jared Chisari carried the ball 20 times and ran for 155 yards.

Snyder says the offense did their part to capitalize on the defensive turnovers.

Pace, in his first game back from suspension, had a sack and an interception to go along with his fumble recovery. 

Snyder says Pace's return to the lineup was a huge boost for the team.

As a result of Guelph's upset win over Western in their first-round playoff game, the Gaels will face the Lancers for the second time in three weeks in the Yates Cup semi-final game next Saturday (Nov. 1st) in Windsor.

Story by Ken Hashizume