CIS Football Preview: Waterloo Warriors (0-1) vs. Toronto Varsity Blues (1-0)

Preview Summary

Two rebuilding programs kick off the 2025 OUA slate in a rivalry renewed. Toronto’s young but experienced core under Darrell Adams hosts a Waterloo squad eager to snap a slide after winless futility in 2024. Expect a defensive tug-of-war early, with special-teams turnovers and quarterback composure deciding which side takes control in the fourth quarter.

Season Context

Toronto enters Year 2 of the Darrell Adams era off a 1–7 conference finish, bolstered by a massive 40-player recruiting class that arrived this summer. The core returners have embraced “respect, trust, love” as program pillars, aiming for sharper situational execution and a more balanced attack.

Waterloo suffered an 0–8 OUA campaign in 2024, unable to generate consistent offense or sustain second-half defensive stands. Chris Bertoia returns as head coach with a youthful roster, blending veteran leaders on the trenches with first- and second-year contributors eager to reverse the Warriors’ fortunes.

Team Overviews

Toronto Varsity Blues

• Head Coach: Darrell Adams (2nd season)
• 2024 Record: 1–7 OUA (8th place)
• Offense:
  • QBs Scott Barnett and Kaleb O’Donoghue share reps, blending mobility with quick-game accuracy
  • RB Garrett Ellis (242 yds on 35 carries) looks to bounce back behind a revamped offensive line
  • WR Chris Joseph (30 rec, 515 yds) commands attention on third downs and seam routes
• Defense:

• LB Ryan Stewart brings sideline-to-sideline range and blitz versatility
• DB Oskar McPhie patrols the deep half with physical run support
• DL Nabiel Ocana adds push up front in early-down packages

Waterloo Warriors

• Head Coach: Chris Bertoia (8th season)
• 2024 Record: 0–8 OUA (9th place)
• Offense:
  • New starting QB competition signals fresh direction under center
  • RB room features rotational backs tasked with jump-cut runs to exploit interior gaps
  • O-line veterans anchor the scheme, prioritizing quick-release passing lanes
• Defense:

• Senior LB corps aims to tighten run fits and disguise zone blitzes
• Secondary blends experienced safeties with incoming DB recruits for a hybrid shell
• DE unit stresses opposing tackles with stunts and first-step bursts

Head-to-Head

• Last meeting: Toronto edged Waterloo 31–29 at Warrior Field on August 25, 2024.
• Waterloo hasn’t won in Toronto since 2019 (0–5 stretch).
• Toronto holds a slim series edge, winning four of the last six.

Key Players to Watch

Toronto

• Kaleb O’Donoghue: Poised in the pocket, threat on QB power.
• Chris Joseph: Chain-mover whose catch radius creates second-and-long breakouts.
• Garrett Ellis: Early rep spark plug out of the backfield.

Waterloo

• Starting QB (TBD): Accuracy and decision-making under heat will define the Warriors’ pace.
• Lead LB: Sideline pursuit and blitz timing could force Toronto into contested throws.
• Senior DB: Ball-hawk instincts capable of swinging field position in tight spots.

Tactical Matchups

Toronto Offense vs Waterloo Defense

• Expect quick-tempo shotgun snaps, with two-back looks and bubble screens to set edges.
• Waterloo will counter with crossing blitzes and pattern-match coverages to force early down third downs.

Waterloo Offense vs Toronto Defense

• Waterloo aims to establish downhill running, then work play-action to rolling fakes and flood concepts.
• Toronto’s hybrid front seven will disguise coverage shells and stunts to generate pressure without oversetting.

Broadcast & Streaming

• Live Stats: www.oua.ca/live
• Video Stream: OUA Live (subscription)
• Radio: 96.1 CKQB The Chuck (Ottawa affiliate) / 90.3 CKUT FM (Toronto)

What to Watch

• First-Quarter Efficiency: Can Waterloo sustain a ground-and-pound drive, or will Toronto’s front force early punts?
• QB Decision-Making: The starter’s comfort under pressure will dictate each offense’s rhythm.
• Special Teams Impact: A blocked punt or long return could flip momentum and affect the total.

Looking Ahead

Toronto hosts Queen’s on September 13 in a pivotal early-season rivalry that could set the playoff tone. Waterloo travels to face powerhouse Western on September 6, a litmus test for the Warriors’ rebuild.