The Waterloo Warriors had a grey afternoon against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in a one-sided football game where they were handed their fifth straight loss of the season October 3. </p>
The windy weather conditions forced the game to be defined on the ground, in which the Warriors were dominated by Laurier’s fifth-year running back Dillon Campbell. Campbell led the Hawks to a 42-0 victory, pushing the Warriors into last place with 0 points. Campbell accumulated a total of 143 yards in the first quarter, scored three touchdowns, and rushed for 262 yards — setting a new career record.
The Hawks also lost their starting quarterback, James Fracas, in the first quarter due to a knee injury. He had to be substituted by Eric Morelli, who went 6-for-17 with one touchdown and one interception. As for the Warriors side, quarterback Lucas McConnell was only able to complete seven of his 32 attempts for 76 yards on the day. The Warriors could only add a total of 98 offensive yards, while the Hawks ended up with 473.
Most of the game felt like a Laurier scrimmage — their second- and third-stringers were given more than enough playtime in each offensive series the Hawks got and Waterloo was unable to put a stop to Laurier’s strong ground game. The Hawks got a safety early in the second quarter, and after that the Hawks’ Tanner Philp returned a Warrior fumble for 11 yards.
The Warriors also suffered from injuries as they lost linebacker Greg Zaitz in the first quarter.
The Warriors had a cleverly planned play that almost paid-off; in the opening quarter, receiver and punter Mitch Kernick rushed for 25 yards and a first down on a fake punt, but limped off the field, and didn’t make it back. UW cornerback Christian Mahler was one of the Warriors’ best, blocking two punts.
The Warriors will now face the McMaster Marauders October 10 in their first road game of the month. The Marauders sit in third place with eight points.
