#1 Golden Hawks face Warriors for Battle of Waterloo

THE LOW-DOWN 

The #1-ranked Golden Hawks are gearing up for the 59th edition of the Battle of Waterloo. The Golden Hawks enter Saturday's game at 3-0, while the Waterloo Warriors enter 1-2.  

HEAD-TO-HEAD 

The Golden Hawks have had the upper hand against their cross-town rivals in recent years and are riding a four-game winning streak which includes a 69-0 thrashing in the 2023 quarterfinals.  

Last season, the Golden Hawks did not have their best performance but managed to escape with a 39-23 win.  

It will be a battle in the trenches as the two are tied for first in the OUA in fewest points per game allowed.  

SATURDAY STORYLINES 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

With University Stadium still undergoing a major facelift, the match had to be moved to Warrior Field.  

"What stands out is that we're playing a home game on the road," manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds said. "We've got the mindset that we'll play anyone anywhere." 

The Golden Hawks have definitely shown their ability to play anyone anywhere, especially the Warriors. Since 2011, the Golden Hawks are 7-1 when playing on Warrior Field.  

Laurier also looks to keep their offense firing. The Golden Hawks have scored 30 or more points in all three games this season. Their offense is riding high after putting up a season high 47-points last Friday in Kingston.  

Waterloo Warriors 

The Warriors have had their struggles this season, mainly from the quarterback room. They have used all three pivots in each of their games thus far and are looking for ways to get their offense going.  

They are tied for tenth in yards per game, are ninth in both points per game and total passing yards, and eighth in total offense. What is most concerning for the Warriors is the fact they only have one passing touchdown.  

Waterloo's defense has been quite the opposite, and literal game-changers for the squad. They are tied for first in fumble recoveries and eighth in tackles. As a unit, the Warriors defense are allowing the third fewest passing yards per game, fourth fewest rushing yards per game, and are one of the least penalized teams in the conference.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

OFFENSE 

#4 – Ethan Jordan and #14 – Quentin Scott 

Jordan has surpassed the century mark in all three games this season, is third in receiving yards per game, and fourth in touchdowns. He went for 130-yards against Queen's and a career high 81-yard touchdown.  

Scott was a powerhouse in the backfield last week and it seemed like no one could stop him. On nine carries he had 115 rushing yards and never got brought down for any losses.  

DEFENSE 

#2 – Jessie Wilkins 

Wilkins has been dominant for the Golden Hawks this year. Against Queen's last week he had six solo tackles and four assists for eight total tackles, and helped limit the Gaels to 97 rushing yards.  

Last season against the Warriors, Wilkins had a team-high eight tackles and a sack for a loss of three-yards.  

Waterloo Warriors 

OFFENSE 

#87 – Evan Basalyga 

Basalyga is the only Warriors receiver to crack the top 10 in total receiving yards with 202. He averages around 67-yards per game and just over 13-yards per catch, showing his ability to pick up first downs when the Warriors need him.  

DEFENSE 

#9 – Michael Omoseni and #2 – Keesean Bowen 

Omoseni had five solo tackles and one pass break up against Carleton last week. Against the Golden Hawks last season, he had seven total tackles and two interceptions. Bowen, on the other hand, had 4.5 tackles and one interception for 33-yards against Carleton.  

Both linebackers will put pressure on Laurier's offense and test Cal Wither's accuracy.