Laurier Golden Hawks defeated in 117th Yates Cup by Queen’s Gaels
Posted Nov 9, 2025 07:56:14 AM.
Last Updated Nov 10, 2025 10:56:22 AM.
The undefeated season for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football team came to an end on Saturday, losing a close matchup to the Queen’s Gaels in the 117th Yates Cup.
The first two quarters were not close for Laurier, after giving up 27 points and scoring only a field goal to make it 27-3 at half time. Quarterback Cal Withers was intercepted four times, including one for a pick-six.
The Hawks regathered their footing in the second half and scored 24 points, including two rushing touchdowns, a passing touchdown and another field goal.
But they would fall short of the comeback, as Queen’s held the line and secured the 30-27 victory. Saturday was Queen’s first Yates Cup victory since 2009, and 24th in the school’s history.
This year’s appearance in the Yates Cup was the third consecutive for the Golden Hawks, after going all the way to the 59th Vanier Cup last season.
Coming into the game, Laurier was undefeated during the regular season, going 8-0. Several players and staff also won several awards at the OUA luncheon in Hamilton, including OUA MVP for wide receiver Ethan Jordan, coach of the year for head coach Michael Faulds and Defensive Player of the Year for Linebacker Jessie Wilkins.
