Defensive Battle for the Vanier Cup at Richardson Stadium

By: Matteo Ametrano

Queens University and Richardson Stadium hosted this year's highly anticipated Vanier Cup.
The game saw a rematch of the 2015 Vanier as UBC took on the University of Montreal in a
battle between the top teams in the country. An electric atmosphere in a packed Richardson
stadium saw fans from all over Canada, from BC to Quebec, as this event was an for the nation.
A ceremonial fighter jet roared over the stadium following the national anthem seconds before
kickoff, and you could feel the energy and anticipation throughout Richardson as Montreal's
offence took the field to open the game and first drive.

With all eyes on Montreal QB Jonathan Senecal, this year's HEC Crighton Trophy winner, the
Montreal faithful made him feel right at home as they made their presence known in the stands.
But the game's first drive saw a turnover as Senecal threw an interception, one of his only
mistakes for the rest of the contest. However, after a quick UBC drive, Montreal looked for a
bounce-back possession and got just that. As Senecal made plays with his legs and arm, he led
Montreal to a rushing touchdown and a lead of 9-0 in the first quarter. UBC was making plays
on defence with a sack and a pick in the opening quarter, slowing down Senecal as much as
they could. However, Montreal's bounce back from an opening drive pick helped them set the
tone for the remainder of the half.

As UBC looked to open their scoring, they turned to running back Isaiah Knight to carry the bulk
of the load in the air and ground as the Thunderbirds got into Montreal territory. Wide receiver
Sam Davenport converted a grab on second and long that came up just short of the first down,
but the T-Birds kept their offence out there for third down. The risk paid off as they continued
marching into the offensive end. However, the long drive resulted in a 32-yard field goal, as the
T-Birds trailed early in the second down 6. Senecal continued the momentum from the TD drive
as he led Montreal back into the offensive zone, but the Thunderbird's defence stood firm.
Another promising UBC drive came to an unfortunate end as Knight fumbled, and Montreal took
over from their 44. The first half would conclude as Montreal carried their 9-6 lead into halftime.
The low-scoring half was highlighted by each team forcing a turnover, a rushing touchdown from
Montreal and lots of explosive defensive plays.

Chilly Kingston conditions didn't keep the fans away as the energy and atmosphere continued
into the second half. The second saw a similar play from the first, as both teams struggled to
gain much offence. Lots of play in midfield and drives ending in punts were a regular occurrence
at the start of the half as the defences were playing explosive on both sides. Strong defence,
halftime adjustments and coverage from both sides made it difficult for big plays. As the game
was waiting for someone to break it open with a big play, Senecal strung together back-to-back
first downs and led Montreal into T-Birds territory. Senecal showed off his duel-threat ability with

a rushing touchdown as Montreal led 16-6 with 5:13 remaining. Heading into the fourth, UBC
needed to get something going on the offensive side, as the Montreal defence was getting the
better of them.

Tensions heightened in the fourth quarter of play, with the Vanier up for grabs in this closely
contested defensive battle. UBC was looking for anything as a quarterback, and Garrett Rooker
was extending plays looking for life. Sam Davenport was making big play after big play, giving
UBC life with 9 minutes remaining. However, the story of the day was the exceptional play of the
Montreal defence as they didn't allow a touchdown all game. The Montreal defence locked it
down when they needed it the most, getting the UBC offence off the field and nearly sealing the
victory with crucial third-down stops multiple times in the fourth quarter. UBC had their offence
out there with a final Chance with 1:30 remaining from their own 35, but a failed conversion on
third and 4 saw Montreal take over on downs with 1 minute left to play, as this one was over.

An entertaining football game between the nation's best and a uniquely Canadian event at
Richardson Stadium made for an eventful and exciting weekend of festivities in Kingston for the
Vanier Cup, as Montreal takes it home 16-9 over UBC.