[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/andrade.jpg” caption=”Marauder runningback Rick Andrade”]With four starters injured, including all-Canadians Jeff Robertshaw and Tristan Clovis, OUA leading tackler Eugene Boakye, and starting quarterback Adam Archibald, no one would have been surprised to see the McMaster Marauders fold after Laurier's Jahmeeks Beckford returned an interception for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage in the second half to put Laurier ahead 23-4.

However, with former starting quarterback Jon Behie leading the way, the Marauders battled back and with under a minute left to play, had a first down on the Laurier four-yard line. However, after a quick incompletion and a time clock violation, the Marauders could not convert for the game-tying touchdown, as the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks held on for a 33-26 victory in front of 3,100 fans at University Stadium in Waterloo.

Behie was aggressive in his first action at quarterback in a little under a year, completing 20 of 42 passes for 352 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. After suffering a separated shoulder in week one versus Windsor, Behie returned this week only to reaggravate the injury in the first series of the game after getting slammed onto the unforgiving turf.

However, Behie fought through the injury and seemed to improve as the game progressed. Vaughan Swart (seven catches, 84 yards) and Andrew Ross (six catches, 93 yards) were Behie's favourite targets, as they both made several tough catches during the game.

Rookie running back Jordan Kozina also had a breakout game, notching the first two touchdowns of his young career. His first score – a 94-yard scamper – was the first play after Beckford's interception. The score was also the first touchdown scored by the McMaster offence since early in the second quarter in last week's game versus the Western Mustangs, a drought spanning over 70 minutes of game action. Kozina finished the day with 17 rushes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

Nick Burns, in his first start of the season at free safety, led the team with seven tackles.

McMaster returns to Ivor Wynne stadium this weekend for their annual
homecoming celebrations. They host the Queen's Golden Gaels at 2 p.m.
on Saturday.