For what was the best offensive performance of his OUA career, Gaels quarterback Nate Hobbs certainly had reason to brag a little to his family.

Hobbs’ 401-yard passing performance led the Gaels to a 38-18 win over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues this Saturday, but it was a more personal victory than most. On the opposing sideline, Hobbs’ older brother Marcus suited up for the Varsity Blues — also at the quarterback position.

“I got some bragging rights which is nice,” Nate said. “But at the same time it’s also just nice to see my brother, it’s been almost two months. It’s always nice to beat the team he plays for.”

The game got off to a slow start, with Queen’s jumping out to a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter with a rouge by punter Dillon Wamsley.

The younger Hobbs completed a six-yard scoring strike to Peter Hannon with 2:14 left in the second quarter. He followed up with a 54-yard passing touchdown to Doug Corby, who returned from a three-game absence due to injury, with nine seconds left in the first half to take a 15-0 lead into the break. 

 Though the elder Hobbs was in for just a handful of offensive snaps, he did punch in a one-yard rushing score for one of two rushing touchdowns on the day for the Varsity Blues. Not to be outdone, Nate added a late one-yard rushing score of his own to put the Gaels up 29-18 and all but seal the win.

Veteran Corby led the Gaels in receiving yards with 143 yards on just five receptions.

“He made an impact on the game,” Hobbs said of his primary receiver’s return. “The guys did a good job of filling in, but it’s definitely nice to have him back. He made a big contribution to our offence.”

Fifth-year running back Jesse Andrews accumulated 155 rushing yards on 26 carries. Andrews currently leads the CIS in rushing yards with 738 through five games.

“He was great as usual,” Hobbs said. “Every week he’s so consistent, just breaking tackles. The offensive line and him together as a unit have been great for us this year.”  

In the end, the most important thing of the day was coming away with a victory.

“It’s another win, another step closer to a playoff spot,” he said.

The Gaels sit fifth in the OUA, and will face first-place Guelph this weekend at home on Saturday.

“We’re trying to make our way into the top four of the conference. This would be a good time to do it,” he said. “We’ve got a good opponent in Guelph, but at the same time we’re at home at good old Richardson [Stadium]. We definitely feel good playing there. We’re definitely not going in afraid.”