RECAP: Gee-Gees close 2021 season in OUA semi-final

The Gee-Gees football team closed their 2021 campaign with a 32-15 loss to the Queen's Gaels in the OUA semi-final at Richardson Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.

Holding an early 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Gaels stormed onto the board with two touchdowns to close the first half with a 14-3 lead.

Relying on the kicking of Campbell Fair, the Gee-Gees were unable to find the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. Ben Maracle connected with Tristin Park for the Gee-Gees' lone major of the game with three minutes remaining in the game.

Overall, the Gaels rushed for 219 yards, breaking down the Ottawa defence to earn the win and  punch their ticket to the Yates Cup.

J-P Cimankinda led the way rushing for the Gee-Gees with 97 yards, while Maracle passed for 185 yards on the afternoon with a touchdown and an interception, while adding 41 yards rushing. Fair was 3-3 kicking, hitting from 17, 45, and 42 yards respectively. 

"I'm extremely proud of these young men. They overcame things you can't ask people to overcome, and not only did they overcome, they persevered, played and had success doing it," said Gee-Gees head coach Marcel Bellefeuille.

"It's hard to build resilience, they've had the opportunity to grow, go on the road in the playoffs and win, and grow together as a group. Coming off a pandemic, and all the struggles they had to deal with I'm very proud of them."

Queen's will go on to host Western in the Yates Cup next Saturday at Richardson Stadium.