It was championship football weekend for the four conferences of U Sports and we now know the participants for the final step before the Vanier cup.
OUA:
The OUA final was one for the history books. As the McMaster Marauders upset the Western Mustangs 29-15 to win the Yates Cup.
McMasters win put an end to the Mustang’s perfect season, which included an 8-0 regular-season record. The game started as many would’ve expected, with the Mustangs jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
That first quarter was the only bad part of the game for the Marauders, who fought their way back to score 22 points in the second quarter. McMaster’s offence did not slow down, as they continued on to their celebrations.
McMaster’s win gives them their eighth Yates Cup Victory, and first since 2014. They will represent the OUA in this Mitchell Bowl, where they will face the Calgary Dinos as they seek out their fifth ever Vanier Cup appearance.
Canada West:
The Calgary Dinos got their revenge this weekend and take back their place atop the Canada West football hierarchy.
It was their tenth straight year that the championship game has been held at the home of the dinos, and after a disappointing loss to the Saskatchewan Huskies last year, the dinos found their revenge.
Two players stood out above the rest, lading the way for the Dinos. Robinson Rodrigues had 92 yards on the ground, and Josiah Joseph had two rushing touchdowns. The contributions of the pair propelled the Dino’s towards the celebrations.
As was mentioned in the review of the OUA section, Calgary will face the Mardaurs in the Mitchell Bowl, as they enter the match as favourites.
Dunsmore Cup:
While many eyes of fans from the University of Montreal were on the Carabin’s pursuits of the national soccer title, their football team was also seeking out a title of their own.
Taking on their rivals from Laval, the Carabins were out in full force as they dismantled Laval 25-10, en route to their third Dunsmore Cup.
Montreal’s Fred Paquette threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns, a season-high for him as he led his team to victory.
If they are to defeat Acadia (AUS Champions) in the UTeck bowl, they would have the closest home advantage for the Vanier Cup, as this year’s event takes place in Quebec City.