The Lancers started the Circelli era with a thrilling 34-17 win over the York Lions on Sunday night at Alumni Field.
 
Windsor started slow but made big plays when they needed to. Aided by a fantastic special teams' performance, the Lancers won their season opener for the first time since 2016.
 
GAME STATS
Sam Girard went 18 of 34 for 192 yards and one interception. York's Brett Hunchak led the way passing with 24 of 43 passing for 325 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Windsor's Jacob Savoni was on fire for the blue and gold leading the way with 14 carries, 179 yards, 3 touchdowns and 12.8 yards per carry average.  Jesse Amankwaa was the Lions' leading rusher with 11 carries for 32 yards and a 2.9 yards per carry average.
 
Carson Ouellette had quite the Lancers debut accumulating 204 return yards including a 96-yard-long on a punt. Alex Daley was the best returner for the Lions with 158 yards.
 
GAME FLOW
York took a small lead early after a perfect punt pinned the Lancers in the shadow of their goal post, and they were forced to concede a safety. However, Windsor was able to answer quick with an efficient drive that was aided by a host of Lions penalties. Second year running back Jacob Savoni punched in the first touchdown of the Lancer season, putting the home team up 7-2. After benefiting from another forced safety, the Lions finally answered as Brett Hunchak made good use of a short field and found Alex Daley in the end zone. A blocked PAT kept the game tied at 10.
 
Windsor retook the lead on Griffin Fenton's second field goal of the game to take a 13-10 lead into halftime.
 
In the third quarter it was Savoni again barreling into the end zone from two yards out to put the Lancers up after an electric 96-yard punt return by Carson Ouellette. After a second special teams' miscue by the Lions, Windsor found themselves on the goal line again. This time it was Sam Girard who got the call and scored on a two yard quarterback sneak.
 
Just as the fourth quarter got rolling the Lancers offensive line opened up a lane that Savoni used on route to a 86 yard touchdown run, and 21 unanswered points for the hosts.
 
With just over three minutes remaining York managed to get into the endzone with a two yard touchdown pass from Hunchak to Luther Hakunavanu.
 
UP NEXT
Up next the Lancers head to Toronto to play the Varsity Blues Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. The game can be seen live at www.oua.yaretv.com.