The Canadian university football season reaches its climax this Saturday with a highly anticipated rematch between Montreal and Saskatchewan, just days after their professional counterparts battled for the Grey Cup. The University of Montreal Carabins will face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the Vanier Cup national championship at Regina's Mosaic Stadium.
Grey Cup Sets Stage for University Rematch
This marks the second Montreal-Saskatchewan football championship matchup within a week. The Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in the Grey Cup last Sunday in Winnipeg, sparking celebrations across the province. Now the university teams prepare to continue the rivalry on the national stage.
University of Montreal Carabins head coach Marco Iadeluca acknowledged the added storyline during Thursday's media conference. "Obviously the moment is big enough for us," said Iadeluca, whose team won the 2023 Vanier Cup. "We definitely would like to win this game for our football team and all the work we've put in."
Huskies Chase Elusive Championship
The Huskies carry significant historical baggage into Saturday's contest. University of Saskatchewan hasn't won a Canadian university football championship since 1998, despite appearing in six consecutive Vanier Cup games and losing all of them.
Head coach Scott Flory, a Regina native who played on Saskatchewan's last championship teams in 1996 and 1998, understands the weight of the moment. "From '21-'22, a lot of these guys were on those teams," said Flory about his veteran players. "The core of the veteran leadership guys were around for that. It took us a little bit to be able to find our footing for the last couple of years. A lot of that now goes to our veteran leadership."
Flory's credentials are impressive - the former offensive lineman was a first-round draft choice of the Montreal Alouettes, earned 11 all-star awards, won three Grey Cups during his 15-year CFL career, and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Road to the Championship Game
Both teams earned their Vanier Cup berths through impressive playoff runs. Saskatchewan advanced by winning the Hardy Cup against Regina and the Mitchell Bowl against Queen's, while Montreal defeated Laval for their conference championship before winning the Uteck Bowl against Saint Mary's.
The teams brought key players to Thursday's media conference, highlighting the talent on both sides. Montreal featured quarterback Pepe González, receiver Brandon Gourgon, linebacker Mohamed Elshal and defensive lineman Gabriel Maisonneuve. Saskatchewan was represented by quarterback Jake Farrell, Regina-born running back Ryker Frank, and linebacker Seth Hundeby.
Players from both teams expressed respect for their opponents, noting Saskatchewan's powerful running attack and Montreal's exceptional athleticism as key factors that could decide Saturday's championship matchup.
