Laval Rouge et Or Wins 22-17 Vanier Cup Over Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
Arnaud Desjardins led Laval with 320 passing yards. Felipe Forteza kicked six field goals in the game. The Laval Rouge et Or defeated the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 22-17 in the Vanier Cup on Saturday. This victory gives Laval its 12th Canadian university football title. Wilfrid Laurier suffered its first loss of the season.
Ryan Hughes and Jaxon Stebbings caught touchdown passes for Laurier. Golden Hawks quarterback Taylor Elgersma won the Hec Crighton Trophy earlier in the week. Desjardins, a finalist for the trophy, started strong, completing his first 22 passes. Forteza scored five field goals in the first half, giving Laval a 17-7 lead at halftime.
With 2:31 remaining in the game, Forteza kicked his sixth field goal, setting a Vanier Cup record. The Golden Hawks struggled on their next possession and were forced to punt. They were pinned deep in their own territory as the game came to a close.
Laurier finished the regular season with an 8-0 record. They outscored their opponents 128-76 in the playoffs. Laval entered the game with an overall record of 10-1. A near-capacity crowd at Queen’s University witnessed the matchup.
Desjardins led Laval into Laurier territory for an 18-yard field goal on their opening drive. The Rouge et Or’s no-huddle offense was effective early. Desjardins used short passes, and Forteza kicked a 15-yard goal after a nine-play, 63-yard drive.
Laval’s defense made a quick impression. They forced a fumble from Elgersma, and Ndeki Garant-Doumambila sacked him on the next play. Laurier did not register a first down until late in the first quarter. Laval outgained Laurier 128-39 in total yards during the first 15 minutes.
Forteza also excelled in special teams, making a 73-yard punt. His coverage team tackled Laurier’s returner, Tayshaun Jackson, at the one-yard line. Laurier conceded a safety, bringing the score to 8-0. Forteza added a 35-yard field goal to extend the lead.
Jackson sparked Laurier with a 51-yard run to the Laval five-yard line. Hughes caught a shovel pass from Elgersma, scoring Laurier’s touchdown. Desjardins quickly responded, leading a 46-yard drive for another Forteza field goal, making it 17-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Laurier appeared energized. Elgersma connected with Ethan Jordan for a 45-yard gain, leading to a touchdown catch by Stebbings. Laval extended its lead to 19-14 after Laurier conceded a safety. Hodge’s 34-yard field goal brought Laurier within two points with 8:26 remaining.
With 4:57 left in the game, Laval’s Loic Brodeur forced a fumble, which Garant-Doumambila recovered at midfield. Laurier previously defeated Queen’s and Western to win the Ontario championship. They also beat Bishop’s Gaiters in the playoffs.
Laval’s journey to the Vanier Cup included a win over Concordia, followed by a title win against the Montreal Carabins, and a close win against Regina Rams. Wilfrid Laurier fell to 2-4 in Vanier Cup appearances. Laval improved to 12-2 in the championship history and last won the title in 2022.
Laval previously beat Laurier in the Uteck Bowl matches of 2004 and 2016. The next Vanier Cup will take place in Regina in 2025.
