THE LOW-DOWN
The #1-ranked Golden Hawks host the Carleton Ravens in Laurier's final home game of the regular season. The purple and gold enter the game off a much-needed bye week, while the Ravens are flying high after taking down their rivals, the former #10 Ottawa Gee-Gees, in the Panda Game, 20-14.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Both teams have seemed to find their offensive sparks in second quarters this season. The Golden Hawks have scored a whopping 121 points and +84-point differential. Carleton, on the other hand, have scored 60 points, yet are –19, and are slow in the first quarter on both ends with a –27 difference.
The Ravens do have a strong passing attack in total yards (1,947) and passing yards per game (324.5), split between rotating starters. Execution muddies the water. They are ninth in completion percentage, have thrown the most interceptions, eighth in passing touchdowns, and only have two red zone majors.
FRIDAY STORYLINES
Laurier Golden Hawks
There was plenty to be pleased about from the Golden Hawks win over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Homecoming. Something that manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds has been highlighting all season is complimentary football, and he said, "it was good to finally play three really good quarters."
And that should continue on Friday night. The Golden Hawks are coming off their bye week, which came at a much-needed time. Refreshed and rested, both sides of the ball have been playing well, and the Ravens are vulnerable in multiple areas.
The Ravens have the ninth ranked rushing offense while the Golden Hawks defense allows the fewest rushing yards per game, so any run plays the Ravens draw up will be up against a solid defensive line. Cal Wither and the offense are in luck too seeing as the Ravens are allowing the most passing yards per game.
We are also still on record watch; like breaking four program records wasn't enough last game. Wither's five touchdowns away from Bill Kubas's benchmark of 23, and Ethan Jordan is four away from breaking Stefen Ptaszek's single-season touchdown record of 13.
Friday marks the final regular season home game for the purple and gold and will also feature a celebration for the graduating student-athletes.
"It's going to be our Senior Night here, so we want the Laurier community to come out once again, cheer on our seniors that have done so much for this program, and we'll try to go 1-0 again."
Carleton Ravens
Playing the #1-ranked team is a challenge in itself, but the Ravens are coming off an extremely short week as they played the Gee-Gees on Sunday and have played five straight weeks with the bye in week two.
Yet, they should be energized after upsetting their city rivals to knock them out of the national rankings.
The Ravens should also be motivated with the playoffs just around the corner. The top seven teams make the cut, and there are currently three teams with 3-3 records taking spots four to six. Windsor sits fourth on point differential, while the Ravens hold the fifth seed on head-to-head record over Ottawa.
But a lot can change in the two remaining games as seeds three to 10 are separated by only two games. It seems like a flashback of last year when it came down to the last game to decide positioning, and the Golden Hawks' win ended their postseason hopes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Laurier Golden Hawks
OFFENSE
#23 – Tayshaun Jackson and #4 – Ethan Jordan
Jackson has been electric in his sophomore year. He is second in the OUA in carries (87), is third in both total rushing yards (507) and yards per game (84.5), and has three touchdowns. He also leads the team in these categories. Against a team that struggles to contain the run, look for Jackson to follow his offensive line and help lead his team down the field.
Complimenting the run-game is Jordan through the air. He is first in the OUA in receiving yards (887), receiving yards per game (146), and touchdowns (9). With that average, he has the opportunity to reach the 1,00-yard mark for the second consecutive year.
DEFENSE
#28 – Maliek Cote and the defensive line
Cote has been so consistent this season and is a reliable presence for defensive coordinator Ron VanMoerkerke, playing in all six games thus far. He has 27 total tackles, one interception, and five pass break-ups. He got his first pick earlier this season, and with Carleton leading the league in interceptions thrown, watch for Cote to keep disrupting the opposing team's offensive flow.
Laurier's defensive line as a whole has remained stout all season. They have plenty of depth and have proved they can win the war of attrition. The d-line is also helping the Golden Hawks limit teams to an average of 22 points per game which is third lowest in the OUA.
Carleton Ravens
OFFENSE
#87 – Tristan Ready
Ready is the only Carleton receiver to be in the OUA's top 25 in receiving yards per game, and is within the top five in four categories. He is the go-to guy for Carleton's passing front. Ready only had 42-yards and a touchdown against Ottawa, and the Ravens will need him to step up on Friday.
DEFENSE
#43 – Xavier Malone
The linebacker leads the Ravens defense in total, per game, and solo tackles, all by wide margins. Against the Gee-Gees, Malone had a team and game-high seven tackles.
