Reigning champs Québec sink Ontario 18-15 in route to their 5th Consecutive U16 Eastern Regional Challenge Championship

July 21, 2024, Antigonish, NS – Québec continued their dominance in the U16 Eastern Regional Challenge, clinching their fifth consecutive gold medal with a nail-biting 18-15 victory over Ontario at Oland in Antigonish, NS, on Sunday.

The first quarter set the tone for a defensive battle. Ontario struck first with Cooper Lunn’s rouge at 3:36, giving them a uniquely Canadian 1-0 lead. Québec’s defense responded quickly, forcing a safety at 8:43 to take a 2-1 advantage. Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with turnovers and strong defensive play dominating the period.

Québec’s defense continued to shine in the second quarter. Another safety at 5:03 extended their lead to 4-1. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically at 9:45 when Axim Jocelyn returned a blocked punt 40 yards for a touchdown. Zach René’s successful conversion put Québec in control with an 11-1 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw Québec capitalize on Ontario’s mistakes. At 4:29, Bombo Niaba Chris-Allan later named the offensive player of the game, scooped up a fumble and raced 40 yards to the end zone. Rene’s extra point increased Québec’s lead to a commanding 18-1. Ontario’s offense continued to struggle, unable to mount a significant drive against Québec’s defense.

The final quarter witnessed a dramatic shift as Ontario mounted an impressive comeback. At 6:35, Benjamin Wickett connected with Goffe-Lambert on a stunning 101-yard touchdown pass, igniting Ontario’s sideline and putting the team right back in the game. The excitement grew further when Cohen Strickland recovered a fumble in the end zone at 7:54, bringing Ontario within three points at 18-15. Despite the late surge and having possession in the dying minutes, Ontario couldn’t complete the comeback against Québec’s resilient defense, led by game MVP Juhlio Monfiston.

Bombo Niaba Chris-Allan was selected as Québec’s offensive MVP for this game, contributing significantly with his fumble return touchdown, 36 receiving yards, and 20 rushing yards. Juhlio Monfiston earned the defensive honours for his pivotal role in securing the victory. Ontario’s standout performers included Benjamin Wickett, who passed for 177 yards and rushed for 90 yards, and David Nosa, who led the team with 93 rushing yards.

Key stats from the game:

• Total Offense: Ontario 397 yards (176 rushing, 234 passing), Québec 224 yards (88 rushing, 160 passing)
• Passing: Ontario’s B. Wickett 5-9-1 for 177 yards, Québec’s O. Latendresse 8-17-2 for 160 yards
• Rushing: Ontario’s D. Nosa 17-93 yards, Québec’s J. Hechme-Oray 21-96 yards
• Turnovers: Ontario 6 (3 INT, 3 fumbles lost), Québec 3 (2 INT, 1 fumble lost)
• Penalties: Ontario 15-192 yards, Québec 5-45 yards

This victory marks an impressive milestone for Québec, securing their fifth straight gold medal in the U16 Eastern Regional Challenge. Their undefeated streak and sustained success over half a decade underscores the strength of their youth football program and the consistent development of talented young players in the province.

MVP’s of the Game

Québec

Offensive

RB – Bombo Niaba Chris-Allen

Defensive

DL – Juhlio Monfiston

Ontario

Offensive

QB – Benjamin Wickett

Defensive

DL – Cohen Strickland

MVP’s of the Tournament

Offensive

RB – Jamal Hechme-Oray

Defensive

DB – Keenan Brighton

Special Teams

RB – Bombo Niaba Chris-Allen

Full detailed stats and game play-by-play information can be found here.

About U16 Regional Challenges: The U16 East and West Regional Challenges help introduce players and coaches to tournament-style competition as they test their skills against neighboring provinces. These events are crucial for athlete development, serving as a stepping stone toward the under-18 national tackle football championship, the Football Canada Cup, and national team opportunities. The U16 Eastern Challenge is an integral part of Football Canada’s development pathway, providing young athletes with the opportunity to compete in a tournament setting as they prepare for higher levels of competition. This year, Québec is striving to win its fifth consecutive gold medal, having secured the top prize in the last four editions of the tournament.

About Football Canada: Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada. Its mission is to foster and promote the sport of football across the country. Football Canada oversees various programs and competitions, aiming to develop football at all levels and ensure the sport’s growth and sustainability.

About Football Nova Scotia: Football Nova Scotia is dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of football within the province. Through various programs and initiatives, Football Nova Scotia provides opportunities for athletes of all ages to participate in and enjoy the game, fostering a strong football community and encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork.

For more information about the 2024 U16 Eastern Challenge, visit footballcanada.com or contact bstachel@footballcanada.com.