TORONTO, ON – In his final Panda Game as a University of Ottawa Gee-Gees kicker, Campbell Fair scored the Panda Game-winning field goal at midfield after being down a single point with one second remaining.
The game that saw over 23,000 fans at Ottawa’s TD Place was evenly matched up until the final whistle. When Carleton University Ravens head coach Corey Grant called a final timeout to ice Fair and the Ottawa field goal team with a second on the clock, some Carleton students began rushing the field before being ushered off. But it was Ottawa students who had the last laugh after Fair scored the 55-yard walk-off field goal to win 18-16.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I’m not sure I will again,” Fair said after the game.
Elsewhere in Ontario University Athletics, the Western University Mustangs ended the University of Windsor Lancers’ chances of an undefeated season. Windsor’s first win over Western since 2003 was within reach until Mustangs kicker Brian Garrity hit a 48-yard field goal in the final two minutes to extend their lead to 11. The Lancers could not respond on their ensuing drive, falling 21-10.
The University of Waterloo Warriors won their first game since Week 2 in a back-and-forth 30-23 win over the University of Guelph Gryphons. Waterloo running back Anthony Miller carried the Warriors to victory with his 229 rushing yards and fourth-quarter touchdown.
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues won their first game of 2023, running through the McMaster University Marauders 33-19. Toronto capitalized on three of McMaster’s five turnovers — defensive back Joshua Carter and linebacker Ryan Stewart both scored on pick sixes and defensive back Brandon Thibodeau returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown.
The York University Lions were blown out by more than 80 points for the third time this season, falling to the Queen’s University Gaels 87-0. Queen’s running back Jared Chisari ran for 286 yards and five touchdowns while the Gaels defence only allowed 97 total offensive yards.
Loney Bowl preview in the AUS
It took the St Francis Xavier University X-Men three overtime periods to break the Bishop’s University Gaiters 34-31 in what will likely be the Atlantic University Sport championship matchup in November. After going kick-for-kick in the first two overtimes, Bishop’s kicker Xavier Gervais missed a 42-yard attempt, allowing St FX kicker Ben Hadley to kick the Bigg Bowl game-winner.
The Mount Allison University Mounties returned to the win column this weekend, defeating the Acadia University Axemen 17-9. Mount Allison’s defence intercepted three different Acadia quarterbacks in the low-scoring affair.
Canada West shuffles
The final unbeaten team in the west has fallen, as the University of Saskatchewan Huskies erased the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds perfect season in a 34-31 win. Down three points with 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, UBC had one last chance to score on a final drive, but Huskies defensive back Nixen Voll immediately intercepted Thunderbirds quarterback Garrett Rooker, sealing their fate.
Saskatchewan running back Ryker Frank had the longest play of the game, returning a kickoff 105 yards to the endzone.
The University of Manitoba Bisons had an easier week, beating the winless University of Calgary Dinos 34-21. Calgary QB Dom Britton finished the game with the most passing yards at 261, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
The University of Alberta Golden Bears crushed the University of Regina Rams 46-27, despite Regina recording over 100 more offensive yards, 14 more first downs and almost double the offensive plays. Alberta defensive backs Mack Bannatyne and Romeo Nash both caught interceptions, including Bannatyne’s 69-yard pick six. Running back Matthew Peterson was also a star on the ground for the Golden Bears, running for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Montreal, Laval continue RSEQ supremacy
The University of Montreal Carabins maintained their perfect record against the University of Sherbrooke Vert et Or, winning 34-13. Montreal won the turnover battle 2-1 on the back of linebacker Mohamed Elshal’s two interceptions. Carabins receiver Hassane Dosso recorded 101 receiving yards on three catches and caught both of Jonathan Senecal’s two touchdowns.
The Laval University Rouge et Or’s victory this weekend was never in doubt, as they throttled the McGill University Redbirds 46-14. Laval QB Arnaud Desjardins scored four touchdowns — three in the air and one on the ground — and receiver Guillaume Cauchon returned a punt 100 yards for a touchdown. The Rouge et Or defence also came up strong with two interceptions and three sacks.