'Seven teams can win this thing': Lancers football open playoffs at home

Same opponent, one week later.

For the second straight week, the Windsor Lancers take on the Guelph Gryphons this time at Alumni Field Saturday afternoon at 1pm. Windsor won last week’s regular season finale 27-23 in Guelph.

The defence was the difference, making plays on both sides of the ball. Derek Anderson, a Peak Performer of the Week, and Titus Lyles each cashed in on forced turnovers for touchdowns.

“It’s how you win championships so it’s a real big part of it,” head coach J-P Circelli told PowerplayWindsor.com. The defence should get a boost this week with the return of middle linebacker Marco Piccioni, who missed last week’s game.

On offence, quarterback Kareame Cotton went 17-for-26 for 195 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another 62 yards. Receiver Colby Ginn kept his streak alive with a touchdown catch in his 10th straight game, dating back to last October.

Running back Weagbe Mambo was back in the lineup after time off. He showed a little rust but still ran for 96 yards on 11 carries. Circelli expects the senior back to be an even bigger part of the offence this week.

With the teams meeting back-to-back, how much changes?

“Maybe there’s a couple new wrinkles, but it’d be pretty tough to just say, here’s a completely new attack,” Circelli said.

Windsor comes in with their highest ranking in Canada this season. They are 5th while Western, who also finished 6-2, are 7th.

“There’s really seven teams that can win this thing so it’s about as wide open as it’s ever been,” Circelli said. “If you’re a fan of football, it’s a great time to be watching and paying attention.”