HOMECOMING
In the Hawks’ first four games, he’s recorded eight tackles and recovered one fumble for a defence that has surrendered 23.5 points per game, fifth best in the OUA.
In addition to a strong work ethic, Pineda’s attention to detail has served him well.
“One of my strengths is knowing the playbook very well, knowing where everyone is supposed to be, knowing my assignments,” he said.
“Sometimes I have mental busts, but it’s very rare that I do. That’s what helps me to be successful, I’m usually in the right places to make the play.”
Pineda’s size and determination has led to comparisons to Toronto Argonauts linebacker Nakas Onyeka, who arrived at Laurier with modest expectations and became an OUA allstar, U Sports all-Canadian and played an integral part in the Golden Hawks’ run to a Yates Cup championship in 2016.
Pineda hopes similar accolades are in his future but for now is focused on Saturday’s game against the Guelph Gryphons (2-3).
Laurier (2-2), No. 8 in the U Sports rankings, has lost two straight heading into the crucial contest with games against No. 1 Western and No. 5 Carleton on the horizon.
“This is the biggest game of the year because of the situation we’ve put ourselves,” Pineda said.
Faulds, who said his team has looked strong in practice, offers a similar take on Saturday’s tilt.
“It’s as much like a playoff game as your can get in the regular season,” he said. “Guelph is desperate at 2-3 and we’re desperate at 2-2, so there’s definitely a lot on the line.”
Meanwhile, the Waterloo Warriors will attempt to return to the win column Saturday against the York Lions. The Warriors are coming off a 67-7 loss to Western and will give their playoff hopes a
huge boost with a win at York’s Alumni Field.