Carabins Capture Vanier Cup in Regina Showdown
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies' quest for their first Vanier Cup since 1998 ended in disappointment Saturday as the Montreal Carabins secured a 30-16 victory in the 60th edition of the U Sports national football championship. The game unfolded before 8,896 spectators at Regina's Mosaic Stadium, marking another chapter in the Huskies' championship drought.
Huskies' Championship Struggles Continue
This defeat extends Saskatchewan's frustrating streak in national championship games to seven consecutive losses in Vanier Cup appearances dating back to 2002. The Huskies, who made their third trip to the final in the past five years after previous losses in 2021 and 2022, kept the game competitive but ultimately couldn't overcome the Carabins' offensive firepower.
Montreal claimed their second championship in three years, demonstrating the program's continued dominance in Canadian university football. The Carabins' victory came despite losing Hec Crighton Trophy winner Jonathan Senecal, with first-year quarterback Pepe Gonzalez stepping up to deliver a championship performance.
Rookie Quarterback Shines on National Stage
Gonzalez, who earned U Sports rookie of the year honors this season, delivered an outstanding performance when it mattered most. The freshman quarterback threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling the Huskies' defense and controlling the game from the pocket.
"We knew what kind of team we had in the training camp," Gonzalez said after the game. "We knew if everybody was on the same page and we worked hard, we could be on this stage right now."
Carabins head coach Marco Iadeluca praised his young quarterback's composure under pressure. "We were hoping he'd have his best game in the season today, and I actually think he did. The kid's been outstanding. He's got ice in his veins."
Emotional Aftermath for Huskies Program
Huskies head coach Scott Flory immediately turned his thoughts to the team's graduating players following the loss. "My immediate thoughts obviously go to the fifth-year athletes," Flory reflected. "It's the hard part about college football. There's a time clock on it, and those guys don't get to play college football again."
Despite the disappointment, Flory expressed pride in his team's effort. "(Montreal's) a good football team, and they just made more plays than us in the end. So proud of our guys. We fought, we didn't quit, we just kept playing. Just came up short today."
Fifth-year linebacker Seth Hundeby echoed his coach's sentiments, emphasizing the bond among teammates. "I'm really grateful for how many games I got to play with this group. I'm super happy that we fought to the bitter end. It's a tough one."
The Carabins' victory reinforces Montreal's status as a football powerhouse, while the Huskies must regroup after another near-miss in their pursuit of the national title that has eluded them for over two decades.
