(Regina) Isaac Gaillardetz caught a touchdown pass late in the game and the Laval University Rouge et Or won 17-14 against the University of Regina Rams on Saturday, earning a 14e participation in the Vanier Cup.
Posted at 6:25 p.m.
Updated at 6:55 p.m.
Gaillardetz made the game-winning five-yard catch with 1:19 on the clock in the final quarter.
On the Rams' final drive, Emmett Steadman made two catches for 27 yards but on a third down and a yard, Marshall Erichsen was stopped in the backfield.
Arnaud Desjardins had 281 air yards including a 75-yard touchdown pass to Olivier Cool in the second quarter.
Mathieu Roy recorded 67 yards on the ground.
PHOTO HEYWOOD YU, THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Rouge et Or players take the break accompanied by the trophy.
In the second half, Felipe Forteza sent a field goal attempt to a post, but he also found the target from 32 yards. This broke the 7-7 deadlock midway through the final quarter.
Regina took a 14-10 lead on a 36-yard touchdown run from Erichsen with 3:45 on the clock.
When the Rouge et Or regained the ball, Gaillardetz fueled the push with a catch for a first try. Roy gained ground with a pass and run game, then Desjardins got a first down with a solid run.
PHOTO HEYWOOD YU, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Rouge et or quarterback Arnaud Desjardins
Andrew Menzies chipped in with a 13-yard catch and Cool added two more receptions, before Gaillardetz's touchdown.
The game was played at the Saskatchewan Roughriders' Mosaic Stadium, which seats approximately 33,000. Around 2,500 people were there on Saturday.
At the Vanier Cup, Laval will face the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, victorious 48-24 against Bishop's.
This match will be presented next Saturday in Kingston.
The Rouge et Or will be looking for a 12e Canadian title.
