RECAP: Gee-Gees extend Panda Game win streak to six in 55th edition

The Gee-Gees football team made it six consecutive Panda Game wins on Saturday in front of a crowd of over 23,000 at TD Place. Ottawa bounced back from a halftime deficit to claim a 35-32 win and retain Pedro for another year.

Carleton logged a strong first half effort, building a 21-8 lead before Gee-Gees kicker Zachary Copeland hit a 25-yard field goal on the final play of the half to cut the Carleton lead to 10.

Ottawa's lone touchdown of the first half came on a one-yard rush by Charles Asselin with 10 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter.

The Ravens took their largest lead of the game early in the second half on a field goal that made the score 24-11. Tides turned for the Gee-Gees quickly after as Asselin ripped off a 28-yard run for his second touchdown of the afternoon.

The key turning point in the game came with 4:29 left in the third when Jaxxon Brashear blocked a Carleton punt and Daniel Briere scooped up the ball and returned it 40-yards for the touchdown and the lead at 25-24.

Ottawa quarterback Josh Janssen led the Gee-Gees down the field connecting with Romeo Lussier for 32 yards before connecting with Noah Avery for a touchdown.

Copeland pushed the Ottawa lead to 11 on a 24-yard field goal with 1:07 left. Carleton's worked quickly on a final push that resulted in a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to cut the Gee-Gees' lead to three.

After a successful onside kick, the Ravens had a chance to push for the lead or a tie in the final seconds. Marc Djonay Rondeau stepped up on a blitz and sacked Carleton's quarterback, pushing them deep for a long field goal try. The Ravens attempted a 54-yarder to tie but missed well short securing the win for the Gee-Gees.

Defensively, Brashear logged a mighty return from injury with six solo tackles and one assist for 6.5 total tackles, a forced fumble, and the blocked punt. Kevin Victome also finished with 6.5 total tackles, while Denny Ferdinand and Patrick Cumberbatch had Ottawa's two interceptions.

On offence, Janssen logged his third consecutive strong outing with 295 yards and a touchdown. Romeo Lussier had a breakout game receiving with four catches for 93 yards. Asselin had 51 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

What They're Saying:

"We went through the ups and downs of the past few weeks and our guys really learned how to play. They've been on the upswing and understanding the ebbs and flows of the game and about playing one play at a time." – Marcel Bellefeuille, Head Coach.

"I'll give anything for these guys. It was a win or go home game and being able to do it for all the seniors, thinking about that now it makes me a bit emotional to be able to do it for them. Getting the win here is a big momentum boost. We're ready for U of T and playoffs." – Daniel Briere.

Up Next:

The Gee-Gees will have a long-awaited bye week over Thanksgiving ahead of the regular season finale against Toronto at Gee-Gees Field on Oct. 19.