After sixteen long years, the wait is finally over. The Queen’s Gaels are Yates Cup champions once again. Queen’s defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 30–27 in a thrilling finish, capturing the 117th Yates Cup and the program’s first title since 2009. The game was a tale of two halves, with the Gaels commanding the opening frames. Wide receiver Cedric Smith opened the scoring with a touchdown early in the first, on the next drive Tyler Mullan would add a field goal to extend the lead to 10.
Laurier then responded with 3 points of their own late in the quarter, but after fifteen minutes, Queen’s held a 10–3 advantage. In the second quarter, Queen’s took control. Tyler Mullan added another field goal, Alex Vreeken powered in a rushing touchdown, and Justin Pace delivered a massive pick-six. By halftime, the Gaels had built a seemingly decisive 27–3 advantage. It wasn’t until the second half that Laurier would flip the script. The Golden Hawks staged a furious comeback, scoring 24 second-half points and cutting the deficit to just three with under five minutes left in the 4th. With Laurier driving for a potential game-winning score, the Queen’s defense delivered when it mattered most. On a crucial second down, Laurier quarterback Callum Wither dropped the ball from the snap and was immediately taken down for a loss. On third down, the defence held strong again, forcing a turnover on downs and giving possession back to Queen’s. All the Gaels needed was one final first down to secure the title. On 3rd-and-2, running back Jared Chisari answered the call, slipping through the defence to move the chains and allowing Queen’s to run out the clock. Banner secured.
In their third Yates Cup appearance in five years, Queen’s finally finished the job.
They advance to the Mitchell Bowl on Nov. 15 and will face Hardy Cup champions, the Saskatchewan Huskies at Griffiths Stadium.
Key Stats:
(Queen’s) QB Alex Vreeken, 16 for 27, 169 yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD
(Queen’s) DB Jacob Baldwin, 2 ints for 75 yards
(Queen’s) LB Justin Pace, 7.5 tackles, 1 int, 1 TD