Photo courtesy: Electric Umbrella/Derek Elvin
The Saskatchewan Huskies are headed back to the Vanier Cup for the seventh time this century, defeating the Queen’s Gaels 22-11 in the Mitchell Bowl on Saturday.
After an emotional week dominated by the cancer diagnosis of their starting quarterback, Anton Amundrud, the Huskies drew first blood. Canada West MVP Daniel Wiebe snagged a 41-yard touchdown pass from Jake Farrell early in the first quarter, flashing the number 11 in the endzone to honour his sick teammate. Later in the half, Daniel Kubongo made a man miss and raced down the left sideline for an 85-yard punt return touchdown, replicating the gesture.
The defences traded turnovers as Saskatchewan led 14-1 at the intermission. Queen’s came out of the locker room with a response, as quarterback Alex Vreeken led a seven-play, 87-yard scoring drive that was capped with a 17-yard touchdown strike to Cedric Smith.
The Gaels would add a field goal early in the fourth quarter after a 47-yard shot to Logan Walton, while the Huskies produced a safety and two field goals of their own to make it a two-score game late. Vreeken appeared ready to march his team back into the red zone, but was across the line of scrimmage on a pivotal pass. A false start penalty by tackle Niklas Henning pushed the team into a third-and-25, and Tyler Mullan couldn’t connect on the 53-yard field goal attempt, effectively ending any hope of a comeback.
Ryker Frank ground out the rest of the clock for Saskatchewan, finishing with 131 yards rushing. Wiebe, who was playing through turf toe, managed three catches for 80 yards and his score. Farrell struggled in his first national semi-final start, managing just 149 yards passing, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Kubongo was named the offensive player of the game despite not recording a single offensive statistic, generating 177 yards on seven punt returns. Presidents’ Trophy finalist Seth Hundeby earned defensive player of the game for the Huskies, producing six tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
For Queen’s, Vreeken threw for 388 yards and a touchdown in his final university game. Linebacker Justin Pace produced 10 total tackles and an interception, while Keegan Vanek added the other pick.
Saskatchewan now advances to the Vanier Cup, where they’ll face the Montreal Carabins. The Huskies have won three national titles in their history, but none in six appearances since their last victory in 1998.
The 60th Vanier Cup is slated for Saturday, November 22, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sask. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. EST.