The Carleton Ravens football team was dominant throughout their contest on Oct. 15, defeating the University of Waterloo Warriors 36-18 in their final home game of the regular season.
Coming off of a thrashing Panda Game loss to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, the Ravens were able to rebound at TAAG Park, where Carleton’s special teams paved the way to a much-needed victory.
The action started early, with Carleton stuffing the Warriors with a blocked punt to start the game, setting up the first of six Ravens field goals from kicker Brandon Forcier. This was a historic game for Forcier, as he would eventually break the Carleton single-game record for most field goals.
Waterloo tried to galvanize a successful drive, only to be forced into a short field goal attempt five yards away from the Raven’s end zone. It was a major sack from standout defensive lineman Shaiheem Charles-Brown, who was able to prevent a Waterloo touchdown.
Now a three-all game, Carleton looked to put themselves up ahead again. Offsetting punts gave the Ravens possession, which led to a beautiful fade to the back of the endzone, caught by wide receiver Frederick Hachey. The Carleton touchdown, plus another Forcier field goal brought the score to 13-3 to end the first quarter.
The second quarter began with another Carleton field goal, but Waterloo countered with their first touchdown of the day with Warriors running back Nicklas Sua punching in a one-yard score. A successful two-point conversion resulted from a botched field-goal, bringing the score even closer. Carleton was still ahead 16-11.
Following an intentional safety by Waterloo, Carleton was able to show off its special team strengths. Wide receiver Kaseem Ferdinand had a special day for special teams, tallying 213 all-purpose yards from 107 receiving yards and 106 return yards. He also contributed a receiving touchdown in the second quarter.
When asked about his special teams play, Ferdinand responded by saying how punt returns remind him of playing “backyard football” and “doing what [he] loves to do.”
He also credited the special teams unit’s blocking and lane-making abilities, claiming that while he “gets all the glory,” it’s really the unit that earns the success.
The Ferdinand touchdown, courtesy of senior quarterback Tanner DeJong, set Carleton up with a 14-point lead, only to have that neutralized with a Waterloo touchdown of their own, where quarterback Nolan Kaban ran the ball in himself for a one-yard score.
A slower second half shared similarities to the start of the game, as the Ravens scored another field goal followed by another Waterloo intentional safety to escape their endzone. Waterloo failed to score another point for the remainder of the game.
Waterloo quarterback Nolan Kaban had a difficult second-half, throwing three interceptions while trying to keep his football team in the game. The Ravens booted their fifth and sixth field goals, giving kicker Brandon Forcier the Carleton single-game record for most field goals.
Ravens Head Coach Corey Grant praised Forcier and his play.
“I think that’s awesome. [I’m] happy for him, happy for the work he’s been putting in throughout the season,” Grant said. “For him to come out at this last regular season home game and break the record, it’s really special for him.”
Forcier’s sixth and final field goal locked in the final score.
Carleton improved its record to 5-3, with 35-24 victory over the Guelph Gryphons Oct. 22. The team gears up to play Wilfred Laurier for the first round of playoff action this Saturday at 1pm.
Featured image by L. Manuel Baechlin.
