Gee-Gees kicker Campbell Fair (19) scores the winning 55-yard field goal against the Carleton Ravens in the last second of play on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. [Photo by Owen Spillios-Hunter/The Charlatan]

One second separated the Carleton Ravens football team from its first Panda Game victory since 2017. Carleton led by a 16-15 score when uOttawa Gee-Gees kicker Campbell Fair lined up for the field goal from a lengthy 55 yards. Ravens fans thought victory was assured.

That’s when the south side of the TD Place stands began to trickle out onto the playing surface in false celebration. This was much to the dismay of Ravens head coach Corey Grant, who fervently attempted to divert the rushing crowd off the field.

“Fans are gonna be fans and that’s what this game is about,” Grant said. “It brings that passion out in all of them. I wanted to make sure that we didn’t get a penalty or anything else to put them even closer to an easy goal.”

It wouldn’t matter, as Fair’s 55-yard kick went the distance, handing the Ravens a shocking 18-16 loss.

“[The crowd] doesn’t have much of an impact on us,” Grant said. “We knew what to expect, we didn’t think they’d jump on the field that early but it happens.”

What ended in disaster started as a promising game for the Ravens.

The Gee-Gees fumbled on their opening kick return in a massive moment that set the stage for a back-and-forth affair between the rival schools. The resulting field possession from the turnover set up a beautiful throw to the back of the endzone from Ravens quarterback Tristan Lefebvre to wide receiver Kaseem Ferdinand for an early score.

Penalties hindered the Ravens’ ability to formulate full drives, ending multiple attempts throughout the afternoon prematurely.

However, the Ravens’ defence was superb, led by defensive end Ife Onyeka. His timely play stopped a first-quarter drive, which ended with a missed field goal from the Gee-Gees.

The Gee-Gees built some momentum in the second quarter. Still, just as the white and garnet jerseys approached the endzone, Carleton linebacker Malik Yusuf delivered a back-breaking interception in the red zone. 

But the Gee-Gees made their first mark on the scoreboard after a rouge lowered the deficit from seven to six. 

UOttawa then flipped the game on its head when Maxim Malenfant scored a touchdown with only 28 seconds left on the clock, giving the Gee-Gees an 8-7 lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter was more of the same for Carleton, as they simply couldn’t get their offense going. It was only a matter of time until another punt gave uOttawa the ball and an opportunity to score. 

A massive throw to Nicholas Gendron gave the Gee-Gees amazing field position, and they finished the drive with a diving touchdown reception to Scott Fulton. 

Down 15-7, the Ravens began their best drive of the quarter. Marching all the way down to the goal line, they were completely plugged up three consecutive times against an impenetrable Gee-Gees defensive line to end the third quarter.

As the fourth quarter began with uOttawa backed up at the one-yard line, the Ravens’ defense came up large. 

Carleton stuffed the offense and secured a crucial safety. This not only provided the team with two points, but swung possession back to the Carleton offense. 

However, a massive defensive play was partially wasted following a two and out by the offense. 

A fake punt kept the ball rolling for the Gee-Gees as they worked their way to the redzone. The Ravens’ defense once again picked off Josh Janssen to regain possession. 

Momentum was now firmly in the Ravens’ favour, as they drove the ball efficiently down the field to punch in a quarterback sneak, with backup quarterback Tristan Renaldis scoring the touchdown. Carleton vaulted to a 16-15 lead, igniting the Ravens’ crowd at TD Place.

With roughly four minutes left on the clock, the Gee-Gees looked to retake the lead. 

Star defender Onyeka delivered a major sack to force a uOttawa punt with time dwindling. The Ravens were able to drain a few seconds off the clock, but their offensive line couldn’t withstand the heavy pressure, forcing them to punt back to uOttawa. 

With 36 seconds to work with, the Gee-Gees pushed onward, all leading to Fair’s final kick. 

“[Ottawa] got themselves in a position to win,” Grant said.

The 55-yard killshot silenced Ravens fans and caused an uproar from the Gee-Gees faithful that shook TD Place to its core.

Grant urged the team to keep spirits high following the shocking loss.

“We’re a fighting team,” Grant said. “We’re gonna put our best foot forward every time we hit the field.”

Grant also spoke on the Ravens coaching staff’s decision to wear orange in recognition of yesterday’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“It’s a big day and it’s really important for us to make sure that we’re going out and showing our support,” Grant said. “That’s why we had the orange shirts on.”

Carleton Ravens head coach Corey Grant concedes defeat after the 54th annual Panda Game on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. [Photo by Owen Spillios-Hunter/The Charlatan]
With another historic Panda Game chapter in the books, both teams can return to the reality of the Ontario University Athletics standings. While uOttawa rises to a 3-2 record, Carleton sags to 2-3 on the season.

 

The Ravens will look to rebound against the Queen’s Gaels Oct. 6 at Richardson Stadium.

Featured image by Owen Spillios-Hunter.

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