The Lancer Football team is ready to kick-off their 2009 OUA season on the road as they'll travel to Toronto, Ontario to battle the York University Lions on Labour Monday.

This is the second straight year the Lancers have opened their regular season against the Lions in Toronto. Game time is set for 1pm on Monday.

A year ago, Coach Morencie's squad got their season off to a solid start with a convincing 40-7 victory over York. In that game, Lancer quarterback Sam Malian had an impressive debut in his rookie season as he completed 8 of 14 passes for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns.

All eyes will be on Malian this season as he returns for his sophomore year in great shape and with experience behind him. The native of LaSalle, Ontario had a strong overall campaign in 2008 as he threw for 1,501 yards and 10 touchdowns and finished as the runner-up for OUA Rookie of the Year honours.

Offensively, the Lancers will look to fill the void left by the graduation of the all-time CIS leading rusher Daryl Stephenson and CIS All-Canadian receiver Glenn MacKay.

Malian will have fellow sophomore Derek Hymers along with Saginaw Valley State University transfer Kamar Anglin and third year Lancer Paul Lefaive in the backfield with him. He'll all have the benefit of a strong group of receivers in Cory Fernandes, Mike Harrington, Jordan Brescacin and University of Ottawa transfer Marcel Samuel.

On the offensive line, returning OUA First Team All-Star Matt Morencie will shift to the centre position after returning from the B.C. Lions training camp this summer. On the right side, he'll be joined by Steve Platz, and Nick Cicchini. St. Mary's University transfer Chris Cowan will man the all important left tackle position with Brandon Yohnicki at guard. 

Highly regarded offensive lineman Tyson McMann out of Newtonbrook High School in Toronto will also press for playing time.

Defensively, the Lancers appear to be a much improved unit. Chad Cossett returns from the Calgary Stampeders training camp and is the mainstay along the defensive line which includes Mike Stojcic, Dusan Maodus and Seamus Postuma.

The linebacking corps is healthy and veterans Chris Arquette, John Celestino and Damir Todic are expected to lead the way. The Lancers expect David Tiede, Matt Chick, Devon Favot and Brad Adams to press for playing time as well.

5th year senior Colin Dixon along with Shea Pierre anchor the corners and Matt Bucknor, Daryl Townsend and Bryan Quayson return at the safety positions.

Following Monday's match-up against York, the Lancers will host their 2009 home opener against the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, September 12th at 7pm at University of Windsor Stadium.

Fans will also have Saturday, September 19th circled on their calendars as the Lancers will host their arch rivals, the Western Mustangs on Alumni Weekend here at the University of Windsor.