The football team’s offensive drought continued in Ottawa on Saturday in a 19-6 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees.

The Gaels’ six points came from a field goal, a safety and a touchback. After two games this season, the team hasn’t scored a touchdown.

In his second start at quarterback, first-year quarterback Billy McPhee threw for 208 yards, an improvement on his 152-yard performance last weekend against the McMaster Marauders.

“I still haven’t put the ball in the end zone yet,” McPhee said, “but I’m definitely feeling more comfortable every day.”

The game slipped away from the Gaels when the Gee-Gees scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 16-4 lead into halftime.

Linebacker Stephen Laporte, who led the Gaels with eight tackles, said that the defence played well but was hurt by key mistakes.

“There were a couple blown coverages on defence and we paid for it,” he said.

The defence struggled to contain Ottawa’s rushing game, with Gee-Gees running back Brendan Gillanders posting 161 yards.

Head coach Pat Sheahan said the Gaels’ five offside penalties proved costly for the team and indicated a lack of focus.

Sheahan, who is also the team’s offensive coordinator, said he thought McPhee showed improvement on Saturday.

He made more plays in week two than he did in week one,” Sheahan said. “There’s still some things to work on, but you have to understand that in your first time starting, there’s going to be a lot of first-time situations.”

The team plays the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at home next weekend. Last year, the Golden Hawks went 4-4 and beat the Gaels 44-23 during the regular season.

“We’re a desperate team that needs a win,” Sheahan said. “Winning is the only elixir that can sort of erase things and get you back on track.”