TORONTO (CIS) -– Like the Montagues and Capulets, there is a bitter rivalry that exists in any situation when you put York up against Toronto on the same playing surface. Only with this rivalry, there is no chance of a union. This Saturday marks the 37th edition of the annual Red and Blue Bowl, always and instant football classic. Such a battle is fitting for University Rush on the Score Television Network, presented by Pizza Pizza. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m at York Stadium.
Sure York (0-4) and Toronto (0-4) are both looking for their first win of the OUA season, but there is nothing worse for either team, than to lose against their hated foe. A victory for York would increase their winning streak against the Blue and White to 12 consecutive games, dating back to October 5, 1995. A win for Toronto would put a stop to the 37-game losing streak and give Head Coach Steve Howlett his first victory. Varsity leads the all-time series 22-14.
“When these two teams meet, it’s always more than just a football game,” expressed York Head Coach Tom Gretes. “A win against your cross-town rival can kick-start something special for the rest of the OUA season.”
Gretes is well versed in the meaning of the Red and Blue Bowl. Prior to his time at York, he was an assistant coach with the Varsity Blues for five years and helped Toronto capture the Vanier Cup in 1993. Gretes even wore the blue and white colours when he was a defensive back for Toronto prior to graduating in 1981.
The battle of the GTA in 2006 has the potential to be an all-out aerial attack. The Varsity Blues are led by third-year quarterback sensation David Hamilton (Mississauga) and versatile quarterback/tailback Mark Stinson (Calgary). Through four games this season, Hamilton has completed 65-of-121 attempts totaling 796 yards. An injury to Hamilton early in week four versus Guelph forced Stinson to move from the backfield into the pivot position. He responded with an 18-for-32 pass completion rate, totaling 268 yards and two touchdowns. Both majors aired out to third year receiver Corey Kennedy (Metcalfe, Ontario). Kennedy currently sits second in the OUA and CIS with 33 receptions.
“We’re very comfortable with Stinson as quarterback but he is such a great athlete that dropping him into the back field gives our offense another strong weapon,” explained Howlett. He rolls well to either side and while he has a strong arm, the defence has to respect his ability to run the football.”
York counters with their version of a Fab Four. A young receiving corps consisting of four freshman are the future of this York offence. The combination of Kevin Walsh (Toronto), Steven Highes (Ottawa), Bryce Denisko (Niagara Falls) and Cameron Worsley (Toronto) has totalled 44 receptions and 661 yard, including a pair of majors through four games.
“This year marks the start of our new five-year cycle,” explained Gretes. “We have four outstanding receivers as part of the 55 freshman on our team. We started the year playing four of the top 10 teams in the CIS and played three of them very well. The coming years have the potential to be very positive for this York football team. Our four new receivers are an important part of our future, and it starts this week against Toronto.”
If this year’s Red and Blue Bowl resembles the 2005 edition, fans tuning into the University Rush on The Score this Saturday are in for a treat. Toronto and York last met on October 17, 2005 when overtime was needed to decide the match. The fourth quarter brought a nail-biting experience to the fans in attendance. York scored 17 straight points in the final eight minutes of the game. Bryan Wheattle scored his second touchdown of the day on a five-yard run with 54 seconds remaining. With no time left on the clock, Toronto tied the game and forced overtime on a touchdown reception by Tony Mammiliti (Toronto) thanks to a perfect six-yard pass from Hamilton. The stage was set for a thrilling extra quarter shootout. York’s Ricardo Hudson (Toronto) caught his second touchdown reception of the game to pull his team ahead. Toronto countered with a first-and-goal situation from the one-yard line but a stingy York goal-line stance stopped the Blues and victory remained in the hands of the team from northern Toronto.
The winner of the Red and Blue Bowl receives the Argos Cup, a trophy donated by the Toronto Argonaut Football Club back in 1992. The victorious school will also own the bragging rights of the city. Another scene in this on-going drama unfolds this weekend at York Stadium. Tune into University Rush on The Score to find out who can close out this chapter.
Courtesy of Ontario University Athletics
