Recurring offensive struggles hampered the Carleton Ravens football team as they fell 35-16 to the Queen’s Gaels in a gruelling road game in Kingston, Ont. on Oct. 6.
The Ravens dropped their second game in a row with the loss and fell to 2-4 on the season. Carleton will now need to win at least one of their two remaining games to ensure a postseason position.
Defensive leader Ife Onyeka was on task as usual, sacking Queen’s quarterback Russell Weir with ease. With possession back in Carleton’s hands, they made the most of their opportunity. A great throw by quarterback Tristan Lefebvre to wide receiver Tristan Ready on the second drive gave the Ravens the early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
However, Queen’s responded with an extremely efficient rushing attack. Running back Jared Chisari was sensational all game, picking up a total 231 yards through the evening. The drive was completed with a sneak from backup quarterback Anthony Lio to even the score.
The second quarter began with the Gaels using their opening drive to score a short yardage touchdown by running back Anthony Soles. Combined with a rouge on the ensuing kickoff, Carleton suddenly faced an eight-point deficit after initially taking the lead.
Carleton resorted to deep throws as they tried to counter the Gaels’ momentum. Launching the ball all the way to the goal line, the hopeful Ravens’ drive was thwarted when their fumble was recovered by the Gaels.
While Carleton struggled to consistently extend drives, Soles earned another touchdown for Queen’s to widen the lead. A Carleton field goal helped alleviate the deficit, but the hole they dug was proving difficult to escape.
Queen’s parlayed their strong running game into the third quarter, but were stonewalled early on by an impressive Ravens defensive stand.
In what has developed into a recurring pattern for the Ravens, their offence failed to carry over the momentum as it couldn’t convert downs. A bad punt gifted the Gaels prime position to eventually reclaim the field goal the Ravens had just blocked earlier in the quarter.
Faced with a 25-10 disadvantage, Carleton’s hopes quickly dissipated following a missed field goal into the wind from kicker Brandon Forcier.
Despite punting away their opening fourth-quarter drive, Carleton’s defence later snagged the ball for their first interception of the game. A field goal from Forcier chopped the Gaels’ lead to just 10 points.
On the following possession, a massive hit to Lefebvre including helmet-to-helmet contact halted the Ravens’ momentum. Had the referee called a targeting penalty following the play, it would have given the Ravens a fresh set of downs.
A rouge for Carleton cut the lead to nine, but was followed up by Soles’ third touchdown of the game. One more field goal added to a final 35-16 score.
Offensive missteps hampered the Ravens all evening, and their inability to clog rushing lanes damaged the integrity of their usually stellar defence.
As they prepare for their penultimate regular season game against the Waterloo Warriors, the Ravens must correct their recent mistakes to secure a playoff berth.
Following the loss, Carleton clings to the seventh and final OUA playoff position. Waterloo carries an identical 2-4 record and sits two positions behind the Ravens ahead of their crucial head-to-head battle.
The Ravens will face the Warriors Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at Warrior Field.
Featured image by Robin Kasem.
