montreal carabins Dominate Saint Mary’s, Secure Vanier Cup Berth
HALIFAX, NS – The Montreal Carabins are heading back to the Vanier Cup after a commanding 49-19 victory over the Saint Mary’s Huskies in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday. This marks the Carabins’ second appearance in the national championship game in three years.
montreal’s defense proved pivotal, intercepting Saint Mary’s quarterback Justin Shibley three times. Louis-Philippe Gauthier and Samuel Lapierre both secured interceptions in the end zone during the first half, while mathis Berube earned defensive player of the game honors after forcing a turnover on downs with a pass breakup and adding another interception in the second half.
The Huskies struggled with crucial errors throughout the game. A roughing the passer penalty after forcing a Montreal turnover on downs gifted the Carabins a second touchdown, putting them ahead 15-0 early. Further setbacks included an interception following an offside call on a field goal attempt, a pick-six nullified by a holding penalty, and a blocked field goal where an early whistle prevented a potential scoop-and-score.
Saint mary’s briefly found momentum in the third quarter with a strip sack recovered by Jahmari Brown, leading to a field goal. A subsequent bad snap on a Montreal punt resulted in another turnover on downs, allowing Malik Williams to score a four-yard touchdown. however, this proved to be thier final significant play.
The Carabins responded decisively, scoring 27 unanswered points. A strong rushing attack led the charge, with Remi Lambert gaining 90 yards, Jamaal Louis adding 67, and Gregory Mulenda-St-Pierre contributing 58 yards and a touchdown.
Mathieu Barsalou was named offensive player of the game,powering through the Huskies’ defense for 33 yards and four touchdowns – all scored from under centre in short-yardage situations. Quarterback Pepe Gonzalez completed 168 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception, connecting with Enrique Jaimes Leclair for the receiving score.
Saint Mary’s managed a late consolation touchdown when backup quarterback Allan young found Cherokee Robinson. Despite the loss, it was the AUS champions’ first national semi-final appearance since 2007.
Montreal will now face the winner of the Mitchell Bowl between the Saskatchewan Huskies and Queen’s Gaels in the 60th Vanier Cup. The Carabins previously won national titles in 2023 and earlier in their program history.
The Vanier Cup is scheduled for Saturday, november 22, at mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan, with kickoff at 2:00 p.m. EST.
