The University of Regina Rams faced off against the heavily favored Laval Rouge et Or on November 16, 2024, during the much-anticipated Mitchell Bowl, hoping for the chance to compete for the Vanier Cup. Although they came close, the Rams suffered a heartbreaking 17-14 defeat at Mosaic Stadium.
From the start, Regina embraced the underdog role, knowing they were up against a formidable opponent. Despite finishing the Canada West regular season with only three wins against five losses, the Rams showed resilience, securing their playoff position by defeating the Manitoba Bisons and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, which marked their first Hardy Cup win since 2000.
The game turned out to be as thrilling as any football fan could hope for. With less than four minutes left on the clock, the Rams went up 14-10 thanks to running back Marshall Erichsen's impressive 36-yard touchdown run. The Rams' defense, which had been solid throughout much of the match, looked to have set them up for victory.
Yet, just when it seemed the Rams might pull off the upset, Laval's quarterback, Arnaud Desjardins, and his squad managed to mount one final drive. They executed it flawlessly, covering 85 yards before Isaac Gaillardetz caught the game-winning touchdown pass with just 1:19 remaining. The crushing last-minute shift frustrated Rams players and fans alike, as they grasped just how close they had come to winning.
“I don’t really have words, just proud of the guys,” reflected Rams head coach Mark McConkey. “It was a special year. We didn’t want it to end today, we thought we could go one more week.”
Throughout the match, the Rams demonstrated their grit. Rams quarterback Noah Pelletier had played through an injury, yet still managed to complete 28 of 44 passing attempts, totaling 356 yards. Pelletier had been nursing injuries leading up to the match, but his determination shone through, displaying mental fortitude against the challenging Laval defense.
Meanwhile, Laval’s Desjardins was equally impressive, finishing with 281 yards and two touchdowns, albeit with one interception. Interestingly, the game was defined by the contributions of skill position players. Oliver Cool, the leading receiver from Laval, racked up 147 yards on 11 catches. He was awarded the Offensive Player of the Game title.
The Rams defense made significant contributions as well, showcasing their capability across the field. Defensive back Michael Jordan was instrumental, notching up multiple key defensive stops, including an interception and forcing fumbles at tense moments. Their efforts exemplified the heart and hustle each player brought to the field.
Laval, chasing their twelfth Vanier Cup crown, will move on to the championship matching up against Laurier, who defeated Bishop’s Gaiters decisively. McConkey isn't letting the loss deter him from reflecting positively on the season, emphasizing the team’s character and the legacy they've begun to build.
"We were down, lost five straight [in the regular season]. Everyone’s counting us out. And these guys came to work every day. They believed in each other, and that's going to stick with them for the rest of their lives,” McConkey noted, underscoring how far the Rams have come this season.
Despite the loss, the Rams have managed to lay down the groundwork for future seasons. With many key players returning for the next season along with the excitement surrounding the upcoming Vanier Cup, which will be played at their home stadium, the Rams feel optimistic about their prospects. Pellicier reiterated the sense of achievement and motivation for next year. “We’re super proud of what we accomplished this season and hope to go even farther next year,” he said.
This season’s experience has only fueled motivation for many returning players. The team fell short but left with pride and hopes for what lies ahead. For the Rams, this wasn't just about one game — it was about showing they can compete with the best, and they'll be back stronger next year.
