2012 regular season record: 8-0
2012 regular season standings: 1st in OUA
2012 playoff record: 3-1
2012 playoff finish: Lost 37-14 to Laval in Vanier Cup
The McMaster Marauders enjoyed a fantastic 2012 season that saw the team win a second consecutive OUA Championship and establish a CIS record 21-game winning streak. There’s no disputing the 37-14 loss to Laval in the Vanier Cup was a disappointing end to a great year but the Marauders should be proud of what they achieved and in 2013 will be motivated to defend their Yates Cup title.
The graduation of Hec Crighton winner Kyle Quinlan signals a new era, but senior Marshall Ferguson steps into the starting quarterback role and has put up impressive numbers when called upon to direct the McMaster offense. Returning All-Canadian Matt Sewell will anchor the offensive line from his tackle spot, with support from Sean Smith and Tyler Goldsworthy.
Former OUA MVP Mike DiCroce is back at receiver and leads a solid corps of pass catchers, including incumbent starters Dahlin Brooks, Max Cameron and Ben O’Connor. Returning to lead the ground game are Kasean Davis, Jimmy Hill, and Wayne Moore.
Defensively the Marauders return the entire starting secondary, which includes All-Canadians Joey Cupido and Mike Daly, along with OUA All-Star Steve Ventresca. McMaster has led the country in interceptions over the last three seasons and should be tough to pass against again in 2013.
The linebackers are led by All-Canadian Aram Eisho, who led the OUA in solo tackles, and Nick Shortill, who was named to the OUA All-Star team.
Along the defensive line, starting tackle Adam Dickson will lead the way after playing in the 2013 East-West Bowl. He is joined by Kevin Aleinik, Zack Intzandt, Mike Kashak, and Kevin Malcolm who all dressed in 2012 and will be counted on to increase their contributions in 2013.
McMaster also returns one of the premier kickers in Canada, as two-time All-Canadian Tyler Crapigna enters his senior year. Crapigna was perfect on placements during the 2012 regular season and provides solid punting.
Quote from head coach:
“Everyone outside our dressing room believes that McMaster is not a Yates Cup championship team. What I remind our players is that in 2011 and 2012, we were not a Yates Cup winning team to start the year either, and in 2013 we are in the exact same position with the same goal in mind.”
Head Coach: STEFAN PTASZEK
– Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2013): 8
– Number of seasons as head coach in CIS (including 2013): 8
– Career regular season record with team: 42-14
– Career regular season record in CIS: 42-14
– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 51-20
– Career overall record in CIS (reg. season & playoffs only): 51-20
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 6
Key returning players:
Marshall Ferguson (Kingston, ON) Senior QB steps into the starting role. In 2011 was undefeated in three starts for McMaster as Marauders captured Vanier Cup title. Over last two seasons, Ferguson has completed 69% of his passes, throwing for 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions.
Mike DiCroce, 5th-year receiver returns for his final year after being a draft pick of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Was OUA MVP and 1st team All-Canadian in 2011. Missed 2012 regular season with injury but returned for playoffs and had 26 catches and three TDs in four games.
Matt Sewell, 5th-year offensive tackle returns for final year of eligibility. Four-time OUA All-Star and two-Time All-Canadian. Drafted in first round of CFL draft by Toronto, signed as a free agent and spent time in camp with NFL Tennessee Titans.
Kasean Davis, 3rd-year running back, ranked 9th in CIS rushing with 553 yards in six games. Led the country with an outstanding 8.9 yards per carry average, and scored three touchdowns.
Key recruits or transfers:
SB Dan Vandervoort from Bear Creek High School (Barrie, ON)
OL Nick Firlit from MM Robinson High School (Burlington, ON)
WR Mitch O’Connor from Frontenac High School (Kingston, ON)
Key losses:
Robert Babic, CIS All-Canadian recciever
Jason Medeiros, CIS All-Canadian Guard
Brad Fochesato, receiver
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 8
Key returning players:
Aram Eisho, 5th-year linebacker, 2012 1st team CIS All-Canadian & OUA President’s Trophy winner
Joey Cupido, 5th-year defensive back, 2012 1st team CIS All-Canadian
Mike Daly, 5th-year defensive back, 2012 2nd team CIS All-Canadian
Nick Shortill, 3rd-year linebacker, 2012 2nd team OUA All-Star
Adam Dickson, 4th-year defensive tackle 2013 East-West Bowl participant
Key recruits or transfers:
DL Michael Brouwers from Norwood High School (Campbellford, ON)
LB Eric Mezzalira from Cardinal Newman High School (Stoney Creek, ON)
DL Mark Mackie from Saunders High School (London, ON)
Key losses:
Ben D’Aguilar, CIS All-Canadian defensive end, 2012 Metras Trophy winner
Shane Beaton, linebacker. MVP 2012 OUA Championship game
Tanvir Bhangoo, defensive tackle
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
Tyler Crapigna, 4th year kicker/punter, 2012 1st team CIS All-Canadian
Key losses:
Spencer Moore, 2012 2nd team OUA All-Star at rush cover.