Mustangs win big; Beefeaters win bigger; Majors bounced from playoffs

Gameday in 5: A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Aug. 27-Sept. 2) — for London’s teams and athletes.

(Photo: Barry Field Photography).

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Western Mustangs

The Mustangs’ early season success continued last Sunday with the Western men trouncing the Waterloo Warriors, 71-3, in their home opener at Western Alumni Stadium. Quarterback Evan Hillock had a strong game, tallying 281 passing yards while completing 18 of 23 pass attempts. He also accounted for four of Western’s 10 touchdowns on the night.

It was all Western all the time, as the home side produced 560 total yards of offense in their second game of the 2024 OUA season. Mohsen Jamal (5 catches, 113 yards) and Seth Robertson (5 catches, 86 yards) hauled in two touchdowns apiece.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs scored six times on the ground, including a pair from backup QB Jerome Rancourt. Running backs Keon Edwards, Ethan Dolby, Keanu Yazbeck and Marcell Phillips each ran in a touchdown. Waterloo’s only points came from a 51-yard field goal, as the Mustangs defense locked the game down. 

Up next:

Sat. Sept. 7 (5:00pm vs. Carleton Ravens)

London Majors

The Majors’ season came to an end after being swept by the Barrie Baycats in three games in their IBL semi-final playoff series.

First, the Majors earned their spot in the semis with a 4-1 win over the Hamilton Cardinals last Tuesday. Victor Payano got the start and allowed just a single run over six innings of work. Daniel Gore pitched the final three innings, allowing just a single hit. The Majors wasted little time getting on the board, with Cleveland Brownlee doubling home a run in the second inning. He later scored. Ahead 2-1, Eduardo de Oleo blasted a two-run homer in the fifth inning to all but clinch the series for London.

Looking to ride their momentum into the semis against the Barrie Baycats, the Majors fell short last Thursday, losing 8-2 in the series opener. Barrie was up just 2-1 heading into the eighth before opening things up with a six-run inning. London notched a single run in the ninth, but they fell well short, as they mustered only three hits on the night. Travis Keys was charged with the loss for London, allowing seven runs (five earned) in the Game 1 start.

Hoping for a better result on Sunday, London fell once again, this time 8-6 at home. Victor Payano had an uncharacteristic rough start for London, allowing six runs in 4 2/3 innings. Down 6-0 in the sixth, Kaiden Cardoso got London on the board with an RBI triple. The first baseman came up big in the following inning, as well, driving in two more on a single to cut Barrie’s lead in half. The Majors made things interesting in the ninth, but they came up short and fell behind in the series two games to none.

With their season on the line Monday, London fell well short, losing 8-2 back in Barrie to be eliminated from the playoffs. Majors starter Alex Springer went two innings and allowed two runs on four hits. The Baycats’ offense was relentless early on, scoring a two runs in four straight innings to build an 8-0 lead. Kaiden Cardoso and Eduardo de Oleo both picked up RBIs in the eighth but those were the only runs London could muster. Barrie now faces the Guelph Royals (who beat the Welland Jackfish) in the IBL Final.

London Beefeaters

For the second straight week, the Beefeaters took on the Hamilton Hurricanes last Saturday, and for the second straight week they came away with a lopsided win — this time, a 65-3 decision at home. London logged 33 first downs while holding Hamilton to just six. Beefeaters quarterback Brody Fairbarn completed 14 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Brady Miller also saw action, completing four of his five pass attempts for 98 yards and a pair of scores.

Nick Szigetti led all receivers with 120 yards and two touchdowns. Karson Douglas (6 catches, 75 yards) also had a pair of touchdown receptions, while Tavis Gall hauled in a touchdown pass of his own. On the ground, Jesse King and Elijah Prosper both eclipsed 100 yards rushing. Prosper ran in a touchdown while LJ Dyer had two scores on just six carries. The win improved London’s record to 2-1 on the season. 

Up next:

Sat. Sept. 7 (4:00pm @ Ottawa Sooners)