The Carleton Ravens football team clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 1996 on Oct. 9 with a 52-0 victory over the York Lions.
The game was played under the lights at MNP Park, a different setting from the team’s usual day games.
The Ravens dominated right from kickoff, as receiver Wilson Birch had the Ravens’ first two touchdowns. The Ravens finished the quarter leading the Lions 23-0.
The second quarter was no different as strong plays from all the offensive weapons increased the Ravens’ lead. A 40-yard field goal from kicker Michael Domagala capped the half off with a 40-0 lead over the Lions.
The second half didn’t have the same offensive outbursts as the first, but the Ravens still managed to dominate.
With six minutes left in the game, a missed field goal attempt by the Lions turned into a 129-yard return for the Ravens.
The final score was 52-0 for the Ravens. With this victory Carleton has clinched an Ontario University Athletics playoff spot to compete for the coveted Yates Cup.
This is the Ravens’ first time making the playoffs since being reinstated at Carleton in 2013. The team was dropped by Carleton after their 1998 season due to continuous losing seasons year after year.
Last year the Ravens narrowly missed a playoff spot after a loss to the Queen’s Gaels in their final game of the season.
The Ravens have managed to bounce back from last season’s disappointing finish and will be going to the post-season.
The Ravens will face off against the Guelph Gryphons for their final game of the regular season on Oct. 24 at MNP Park.
