Laval captures Vanier Cup title with victory over Saskatchewan
CBC
Cigar in one hand and a bottle of Prosecco in the other, Laval receiver Kevin Mital strutted into the interview room at Western Alumni Stadium and rhymed off the post-season goals his team accomplished this year.
The Dunsmore Cup, Mitchell Bowl and now the Vanier Cup, he listed in French, slapping the table for extra emphasis as he went.
"It's a sweep," he said, before leaning back in his chair and enjoying a deep haul from the stogie.
Kalenga Muganda and David Dallaire scored touchdowns and Vincent Blanchard tied a Vanier Cup record with five field goals to help the Rouge et Or win the Canadian university football championship for a record 11th time.
Arnaud Desjardins completed 27-of-36 passes for 396 yards and helped Laval raise its game in the second half. Both offences were in form — Laval had 506 total yards to 469 for Saskatchewan — but the Rouge et Or delivered in the big moments.
"We trailed, we weathered the storm and we showed resiliency," said Laval coach Glen Constantin. "We believed in ourselves and the kids performed well."
WATCH | Laval defeat Saskatchewan to win Vanier Cup:
Mital regularly flummoxed the Huskies' defence and shone in a drive that carried over to the start of the fourth quarter.
The Hec Crighton Trophy winner took a shovel pass for a 27-yard gain and later drew a pass interference call in the end zone. Mital then took a direct snap at the one-yard line, faked a run and tossed the ball over the pack to a wide-open Dallaire.
The converted TD gave Laval a 10-point cushion. Daniel Wiebe caught a three-yard TD pass for the Huskies moments later but Blanchard provided insurance with a 25-yard field goal.
Saskatchewan head coach Scott Flory said his squad competed at a high level. "Unfortunately we came up six points short," he added.
WATCH | How the 'Miracle' U of T Blues became Vanier Cup champions:
Mason Nyhus completed 34-of-43 passes for 344 yards for the Huskies.
His one interception — the game's lone turnover — came in the fourth quarter. Caleb Morin couldn't squeeze a high throw from the Laval six-yard line and Felix Petit came down with it.
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