The 2005 football season at York University gets underway the first week of September. The Lions will host the Waterloo Warriors at a home-opener on Monday, Sept. 5 at 2pm. 
The team will once again be led on offense by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Canadian running back Andre Durie and on defense by All-Canadian Ricky Foley.
Right: All-Canadian running back Andre Durie (photo by Andrew Craig)
Durie is one of the most explosive backs in the CIS, finishing second in rushing and scoring last year to Hec Creighton Award winner Jesse Lumsden of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. Durie rushed for 1,367 yards in 2004, finding the endzone 15 times on the ground and once receiving.
Foley led the nation in sacks last year with nine. He finished second on the team in tackles with 32 and also made two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. In last season’s meeting against the Warriors, Durie tied a CIS record with six touchdowns as York overcame an 11-point first quarter deficit to roll to a 55 to 33 victory. Durie became only the second player in CIS history to score six times in game, rushing for 211 yards on only 12 carries. His 36 points in a single game tied him for fifth on the CIS all-time list.
The Lions have a solid nucleus of veterans returning for the 2005 campaign. Taking the snaps will be third-year pivot Bart Zemanek. In his first full season as the starter, Zemanek completed 89 passes for 1,172 yards and four touchdowns.
Left: Pivot Bart Zemanek (photo by Andrew Craig)
His favourite two receivers have also returned to play with the Lions this year. Fourth-year wideout Ricardo Hudson, a second team Ontario University Athletics (OUA) All-Star, led the team in receptions and yards making 30 catches for 416 yards. Brad Peat, who’s entering his final year at York, finished second with 17 receptions for 270 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, the 2004 CIS sack leader Ricky Foley moves from rush end to linebacker, joining an aggressive linebacking group. In coverage, the team will be looking to replace the experience of Sam Opaleye and Clinton John, who have both graduated. Will Kuechler and Jared Corbin will be called on to anchor the defensive backs, having made 52 tackles between them last year.