Lions defeated by No. 3 Gee-Gees (VIDEO)

TORONTO - The York University Lions football team could not overcome the offensive firepower of quarterback Brad Sinopoli and the No. 3-ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees, falling 45-3 at York Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 11).

The Lions (0-2) enjoyed a standout game from Steven Reading (Fenelon Falls, Ont.) as the fourth-year linebacker compiled eight solo tackles and one assisted tackle to go along with a broken up pass attempt.

Reading wasn't the only Lion to put up big numbers on the other side of the ball. Defensive back Theo Feroiu (Toronto) and cornerback Andre Clarke (Mississauga, Ont.) each had six solo tackles and an interception, two of three picks that the team forced.

Kicker Ramsey Aburaneh (Cambridge, Ont.) also shone in what was his season debut for York, connecting on a 17-yard field goal attempt for the team's lone score of the game.

Lions quarterback Nick Coutu (St. Catharines, Ont.) served as a dual threat against Ottawa, rushing nine times for 85 yards while completing 14 of 39 passes for 117 yards. His counterpart, Sinopli, completed 13 of 21 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns, including a 56-yard score to receiver Ezra Millington.

The Gee-Gees got off to a strong start to the game, scoring 14 points in the first half of the opening quarter and then adding a rouge and a safety for a 17-point lead. However, Feroiu's interception late in the quarter offered a positive heading into the second quarter.

York shoWed signs of life in the second quarter, as Coutu threw for 45 yards and the team rushed for 36. Unfortunately, they could not convert those yards into points on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Sinopoli threw for another two touchdowns and led Ottawa out to a 31-0 lead at the half.

The Lions' defence struck in the third quarter, holding the high-power Gee-Gees' offence scoreless. Thanks to the efforts of the defensive unit, York's offence benefitted from strong field position en route to Aburaneh's field goal towards the end of the quarter.

The final frame saw Ottawa back-up quarterback Aaron Colbon lead his team to a pair of late touchdowns, but also fell victim to an interception by Michael Boyd (Hamilton, Ont.).

Next up for the Lions is cross-town rivals the Toronto Varsity Blues in the 41st annual Red & Blue Bowl. The game will be played at Varsity Centre next Saturday (Sept. 18) with kick-off set for 1pm.

NOTES: The Lions took just five penalties for 21 yards, compared to 21 penalties and 226 yards by the Gee-Gees ... Coutu did not throw any interceptions ... Sinopoli crossed over the 1,000-yard mark for the season, the first OUA quarterback to do so, and now has 1,022 yards through three games ... Ottawa has gained more than 500 total yards in each of its games this season.

Source:

York Sports Info