GUELPH, Ont. – Two rookies and a proven veteran have taken home the "Player of the Game" honours following Gryphon football's Week 1 matchup versus McMaster.
OFFENCE – KAINE STEVENSON (RB)
Windsor native
Kaine Stevenson takes home offensive player of the game honours after impressing in his OUA debut on Sunday afternoon. The 6-0, 212 lbs Arts major averaged 4.2 yards per rush while carrying the ball 11 times for a team-high 46 yards. Stevenson's athleticism has made him a valuable asset for the Gryphons early in his career, as the highly-touted prospect arrived at U of G as a receiver before being utilized in the Gryphon backfield where he has now taken over starting running back duties.
DEFENCE – DOTUN AKETEPE (FS)
A season ago, free safety
Dotun Aketepe was all over the field for the Gryphons, finishing third on the team with 34 tackles. In 2019, the marketing major from Barrie has picked up right where he left off, racking up 7.5 tackles against the Marauders, tying him with teammate Jared Beeksma for the team-high in tackles in Week 1. Aketepe, who was invited to the 2019 U SPORTS East West Bowl in May, was a noticeable presence at the back end of the Gryphon secondary on Sunday while also consistently showcasing the ability to make an impact in the running game as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS – CLARK BARNES
Clark Barnes could not have dreamed for a better start to his OUA football career. The Brampton native started the 2019 season off with a bang by returning the opening kickoff versus McMaster 100-yards for a touchdown. The 6-2, 200 lbs Arts major showcased some incredible athleticism and explosiveness, spinning off a Marauder tackle before accelerating up the sideline for the touchdown for the first major of the 2019 OUA football season.
