Uteck Bowl and Mitchell Bowl Recap: Laurier and Laval Earn Spots in the 2024 Vanier Cup
The Uteck Bowl and Mitchell Bowl semifinals provided contrasting drama this past weekend, with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks overpowering their opponents and the Laval Rouge et Or edging out a nail-biter. These victories set up a thrilling showdown in the Vanier Cup on November 23 in Kingston, Ontario.
Laurier Shines in Uteck Bowl Rout
The No. 2-ranked Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks punched their ticket to their first Vanier Cup in 19 years with a dominant 48-24 victory over the No. 6 Bishop’s Gaiters in Lennoxville, Quebec.
Quarterback Taylor Elgersma, the reigning OUA MVP, delivered a historic performance, completing 30 of 34 passes for 452 yards and five touchdowns—setting a U SPORTS bowl game record for passing yards. Receiver Ryan Hughes stole the show, racking up 212 yards and three touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 74-yard bomb in the second quarter.
While Laurier’s offensive firepower garnered attention, their defence also excelled. Defensive MVP Johari Hastings recorded a critical third-quarter interception to halt a Bishop’s drive. After a tight opening quarter, the Golden Hawks exploded with 24 unanswered points in the second, taking a commanding 34-3 halftime lead.
Despite some highlights for the Gaiters, including Mason McGriskin’s blocked punt for a touchdown, Bishop’s couldn’t match Laurier’s balanced attack. Laurier remains undefeated this season and will seek their third Vanier Cup title in program history on November 23rd.
Laval Survives Regina’s Cinderella Run in Mitchell Bowl
The Mitchell Bowl provided a stark contrast to the Uteck Bowl’s offensive fireworks, as the Laval Rouge et Or narrowly defeated the Regina Rams 17-14 in a defensive struggle at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
The Rams, who made history as the first sub-.500 team to win the Hardy Cup, nearly completed their storybook season. Regina led 14-10 late in the fourth quarter after running back Marshall Erichsen broke free for a 36-yard touchdown with just 3:45 remaining.
However, Laval’s championship pedigree shone through in the final minutes. Quarterback Arnaud Desjardins orchestrated an 11-play, 85-yard drive, capped by a five-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Gaillardetz with 1:19 left. Regina’s last-ditch effort ended with a failed third-and-one conversion near midfield, sealing Laval’s victory.
The game featured several standout defensive plays, including interceptions by Regina’s Michael Jourdan and Laval’s Jordan Lessard. Regina also forced two critical fumbles deep in their own territory, showcasing the resilience that had defined their playoff run.
Vanier Cup Matchup Set
The Vanier Cup promises a fascinating clash of styles between Laurier’s high-octane offence and Laval’s disciplined defence. Laurier will aim to secure their first national championship since 2005, while Laval seeks their 12th title and their second in three years.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on November 23 at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, Ontario. Canadian football fans can watch live on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app, and CBC Gem.
Contact Information:
Braydon Stachel
Marketing and Communications Manager
Football Canada
bstachel@footballcanada.com
