The Queen’s Gaels punched their ticket to the 2025 Yates Cup on Saturday afternoon, pulling off a dramatic comeback to defeat the Windsor Lancers 36–25.
It was a defensive battle to start the action, with both teams trading field position and only the Gaels able to convert a field goal for an early 3–0 lead.
The second quarter saw both offenses start to heat up. Windsor struck first with the opening touchdown to take a 7–3 lead, but Queen’s answered quickly. After a field goal cut the deficit to one, the Gaels forced a fumble and capitalized on the turnover with a Nathan Falconi touchdown, jumping ahead 13–7.
Windsor regained momentum just before halftime with a late touchdown to hold a narrow 14–13 lead at the break.
The third quarter saw the Lancers come running out of the gates, adding another touchdown before Queen’s conceded back-to-back safeties, suddenly finding themselves down 25–13.
But at the end of the quarter, the Gaels flipped the script. Quarterback Alex Vreeken broke free and found wide receiver Logan Walton for a touchdown, cutting the lead to just five heading into the final frame.
In the fourth, running back Jared Chisari delivered for the tricolour as he sliced through the defence for a massive 60-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Gaels ahead 27–25.
A safety and another Chisari touchdown sealed the deal as Queen’s completed the comeback to win 36–25 and secure their spot in the Yates Cup.
Chisari had a huge night after an injury scare in the first half, finishing with 176 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Defensively, linebacker Jacob Baldwin led the charge with 11 solo tackles and a sack, while kicker Tyler Mullan stayed perfect, hitting both field goals and all four extra points.
The Gaels will now meet the defending Yates Cup champions, the Laurier Golden Hawks, in the championship game next Saturday. The last time these two teams met, Laurier came away with a 47–32 victory at Richardson Stadium, a result Queen’s will look to avenge.
It all comes down to this, can the Gaels finally capture the elusive Yates Cup, or will Laurier repeat? We find out November 8th.