The Montreal Carabins are headed back to the Vanier Cup for the second time in three years after a 49-19 dismantling of the Saint Mary’s Huskies in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday.
The RSEQ champions compensated for a quiet offensive performance with a smothering defensive outing, picking off Huskies’ quarterback Justin Shibley three times. Louis-Philippe Gauthier and Samuel Lapierre each intercepted passes intended for the end zone in the first half, while Mathis Berube forced a turnover on downs with an end zone pass breakup and added a second-half takeaway to be named the defensive player of the game.
Saint Mary’s suffered from a string of missed opportunities, beginning in the first quarter. After forcing a turnover on downs on a third-and-four gamble by Montreal, they were flagged for roughing the passer, setting up a second Carabins’ touchdown and going down 15-0 early.
A fresh set of downs afforded by an offside call on the team’s first field goal attempt resulted in an interception, while a pick-six from Onochie Amuta was called back by a holding penalty. The officials got in the way again later in the half, when an early whistle after a blocked field goal from Mikhail Biggs denied the team a potential scoop-and-score.
The Huskies showed signs of life early in the third quarter, as a strip sack from Jahzonte Smith was scooped by Jahmari Brown and set up a field goal. After a bad snap on a Montreal punt led to a turnover on downs, Malik Williams powered in a touchdown from four yards out. It would be the final meaningful play of the night.
Already up 22-12 despite their mistakes, the Carabins opened the floodgates with 27 unanswered points to finish the game. An exhausted Huskies’ defence was gashed on the ground, as Remi Lambert rushed for 90 yards, Jamaal Louis amassed 67 yards, and Gregory Mulenda-St-Pierre added 58 yards and a touchdown.
Fullback Mathieu Barsalou was the offensive player of the game, running for 33 yards and four touchdowns — all of which came from under centre as part of the short-yardage package. First-year quarterback Pepe Gonzalez had a quiet game, throwing for 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Enrique Jaimes Leclair secured the only receiving score.
The Huskies added a second touchdown in the dying moments, as backup quarterback Allan Young found receiver Cherokee Robinson. The AUS champion has not won a national semi-final since 2007.
Montreal now advances to the Vanier Cup, where they’ll face the winner of the Mitchell Bowl between the Saskatchewan Huskies and Queen’s Gaels. The Carabins have won two national titles in their history, most recently in 2023.
The 60th Vanier Cup is slated for Saturday, November 22, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sask. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. EST.
