Football playerThe Lancer football team hopes for a good fan turnout Saturday, as Windsor hosts a playoff game for just the second time since 1976.

Football players looking for fan support when they hit the gridiron Saturday

A win against the Ottawa Gee Gees secured the Lancer football team its first home playoff game since 2006, and Windsor will need to beat the Gee Gees again Saturday to advance to the second round.

While it’s the fourth consecutive year the Lancers have earned a playoff berth, head coach Joe D’Amore said getting to play at home is significant.

“I think it is an important accomplishment for our senior players and shows the progression that this program has made over the last few years,” he said.

Since the 39-29 win over Ottawa on October 10, the blue and gold suffered defeats by the Carleton Ravens and the Western Mustangs, putting the squad at 5-3 for the regular season.

D’Amore expects his players to be ready for Saturday’s challenge.

“Since the Ottawa game we have not put together a strong 60 minutes,” he said. “However, we do have a lot of veteran guys and they know come playoffs if you don’t play well, your season—and for some careers—are over.”

He hopes students will turn out to support the team in the friendly confines of Alumni Field.

“We need a loud crowd and need to get our first home playoff win in over 40 years,” said D’Amore. “We have been a playoff team for the last four years now and we are getting a lot of national attention.”

He said in his playing days, Lancer games were a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off Saturday is at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.goLancers.ca and the St. Denis Centre front desk. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for youths and seniors, and $2 for UWindsor students.

—by Ahmed Khalifa