The Sault College Cougars made a resounding entrance into the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) on Friday, August 1, steamrolling the GTA Grizzlies 64-7 in their inaugural game in Aurora, Ontario.

Led by a dynamic ground attack and explosive special teams performance, the Cougars proved they are ready to compete in their first CJFL campaign. With a mix of hometown talent and out-of-province firepower, the team set the tone early and never looked back.

Offensive Fireworks
Quarterback Grayson Weber (Waterloo) was efficient under center, completing 10 of 16 passes for 235 yards while adding 9 yards on the ground. But it was the rushing game that stole the spotlight.

Windsor native Sam Mustapha powered the Cougars with 168 yards on just nine carries, including a touchdown. Local standout Ronan Provenzano (Sault Ste. Marie) chipped in with 91 yards and two majors on only three carries, while Ethan Rhoden (Toronto) contributed 38 rushing yards on six carries and a 57-yard reception. Gabe Barkley (Sault Ste. Marie) added another touchdown on the ground and had a 28-yard catch.

The receiving corps was anchored by Xalen Azem-Simmons (Grimsby), who hauled in four passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Sault products Jaiden Trudeau and Ryan Teneyck also added receptions, with Teneyck recording a 43-yard gain.

Special Teams Spark
Special teams were a difference-maker in the Cougars’ blowout victory. Jaiden Trudeau electrified the sidelines with an 85-yard punt return touchdown, while Mustapha contributed 72 return yards on two kick returns. Kicker Nik Vecchio (Sault Ste. Marie) was nearly perfect, hitting 5-for-5 on converts and going 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, including a 25-yarder. Colby Luoma (Thunder Bay) also went 3-for-3 on converts.

Punter Gabe Barkley launched five punts for 175 yards, while kickoff duties were split between Vecchio (176 yards on 5 kicks) and Luoma.
the Sault College Cougars’ offense lit up the scoreboard in their inaugural Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) game, the defense delivered a performance just as dominant — stifling the GTA Grizzlies en route to a 64-7 victory on Friday, August 1 in Aurora, Ontario.

Relentless pressure, disciplined tackling, and heads-up coverage defined the Cougars’ defensive outing as they held the Grizzlies to a single touchdown and consistently controlled field position throughout the game.

While the Sault College Cougars’ offense lit up the scoreboard in their inaugural Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) game, the defense delivered a performance just as dominant — stifling the GTA Grizzlies en route to a 64-7 victory on Friday, August 1 in Aurora, Ontario.

Wall of Resistance
Leading the charge was George Limb from Geelong, Australia, who turned in a powerhouse performance with 4 solo tackles and 5 assisted tackles, showcasing his speed and physicality in both run support and coverage.

Local talent also shined on the big stage. Grant Mathewson and Ethan Greenwood anchored the front seven, with Mathewson posting 4 tackles and 1 assist, and Greenwood tallying 4 tackles and 2 assists, consistently disrupting the Grizzlies’ offensive rhythm.

Johnathan Davis (Barrie) delivered a balanced stat line with 3 tackles and 3 assisted tackles, while fellow Barrie defender Romello Campbell added an assisted tackle in a solid supporting role.

Ethan Carchidi (Sault Ste. Marie) was a force at linebacker, recording 2 tackles and 3 assists, while Tesfa Spencer (Toronto) contributed 1 solo and 2 assisted tackles, keeping pressure on the Grizzlies’ backfield.

Turnover Impact
One of the highlights of the defensive performance came from Christian Seely (Grande Prairie, AB), who not only registered an assisted tackle but also came away with a key interception, snuffing out a rare Grizzlies scoring opportunity and swinging momentum firmly back to the Cougars.

Team Effort Across the Board
The depth of the Cougars’ defense was on full display, with contributions coming from across the roster with Ethan Arruda (Sault Ste. Marie): 2 tackles, Jaden Breenan (Sudbury): 2 assisted tackles, Brody Darce (Thunder Bay): 1 assisted tackle, Denver Mina (Thunder Bay): 1 tackle, 1 assist, Adelewe Anifowoshe (Vaughan): 1 tackle, 1 assist, Sefton Andrews (Windsor): 1 tackle, 1 assist, Nik Vecchio (Sault Ste. Marie): 2 assisted tackles, Ethan Novello (Sault Ste. Marie): 1 tackle, Daikaden Gauthier (Sault Ste. Marie): 1 assisted tackle

Statement Made
The defensive unit’s ability to shut down drives, force mistakes, and play as a cohesive unit was key in limiting the Grizzlies to just one touchdown. The blend of local grit and national talent has already positioned the Cougars’ defense as a feared force in the CJFL.

As the Cougars prepare for their week two matchup against the Hamilton Hurricanes on Saturday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m on CJFL TV, the defense will look to build on their statement debut and continue setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting inaugural season.