[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/card_marauders.jpg” caption=”Marauder Jesse Card at Monday’s game in Windsor”]The #7 McMaster Marauders started off the 2005 season Monday with a 29-22 win in front of a capacity crowd of 4,285 people in the new University of Windsor Stadium.

The first half featured a mix of big plays and costly turnovers and
ended with McMaster leading Windsor by a score of 19-14. The half was
highlighted by an Adam Archibald 45-yard touchdown pass to Jon Behie, and a 40-yard interception touchdown return by new cornerback Shaka Licorish.

In the second half, neither team was able to create much on offence
until late in the fourth quarter. For the Lancers, quarterback Jon Dent connected with R.J. Franklin on a 75-yard touchdown play that tied the game 22-22 with five minutes to play. It was the second touchdown connection between the two players, as Franklin caught seven passes for 192 yards on the day. However, in their next offensive set, Dent was picked off by Mac's Jesse Card who returned the ball 79 yards for the touchdown to give McMaster the lead for good, 29-22.

Adam Archibald completed 20 of 40 passes for 292 yards, one touchdown
and three interceptions. Rookie Jordan Kozina – who reminded many of a young Kyle Pyear – showed great toughness and elusiveness in his first ever OUA game, rushing nine times for 71 yards. Kozina did not enter the lineup until the second half.

Jon Behie, who left the game with a sore shoulder, caught five passes
for 84 yards and a touchdown. Vaughan Swart also caught five balls
for 74 yards. Seven different receivers caught a pass from Archibald on the day.

After allowing a few big plays, the McMaster defence toughened up and came up with a few big plays of their own. Outside linebacker Eugene Boakye had an outstanding day, accumulating 14.5 (nine unassisted, 10 assisted) tackles. Jason Pottinger also dominated from sideline-to-sideline while amassing 5.5 tackles. The McMaster secondary produced five interceptions and two touchdowns on the day.

New kicker Adam Grant had an outstanding day, going 2-2 in field goal
attempts, and scoring 11 points.

For the Lancers, quarterback Jon Dent completed 17 of 28 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns and five interceptions. Running back Daryl Stephenson had to work hard for all of his yards on the ground, as he carried the ball 23 times for 82 yards.

In the next three weeks, McMaster faces its three toughest opponents of the season in Ottawa, Western and Laurier. The Marauders
will try to continue their winning ways this coming Saturday as they
host the Ottawa Gee-Gees at 2 p.m. for their home opener. For ticket
information, call 905.547.CATS. For complete stats, visit
www.marauders.ca.