Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
Under the lights at Superior Heights Field in Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault College Cougars made history on Saturday, October 10, hosting the first-ever Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) playoff game in the college’s athletic department history. The first-place Cougars welcomed the fourth-place Ottawa Sooners for a 2026 Ontario Football Conference (OFC) semi-final, with a berth in the OFC championship game on the line.
Sault College entered the postseason with a perfect 8-0 regular-season record, while Ottawa arrived in the Northern Ontario city with a 4-4 record. The semi-final marked the fourth meeting between the two clubs during the 2026 campaign, with the Cougars having defeated the Sooners in an exhibition contest before sweeping both regular-season matchups.
With a spot in the championship game at home up for grabs, the Cougars continued their dominant season, using a strong offensive performance and several explosive plays to defeat Ottawa and advance to the 2026 OFC Football Championship.
Cougars Take Control in the First Half
The opening quarter featured limited scoring, with Ottawa conceding a rouge to give Sault College an early 1-0 advantage.
The Cougars found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter as quarterback Emerson Peterkin connected on a 20-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring for the hosts. Nick Vecchio added the extra point to extend the Cougars’ lead to 8-0.
Peterkin continued to find success through the air, connecting with Jaiden Trudeau on a 26-yard touchdown pass. Vecchio once again converted the extra point, giving Sault College a 15-0 advantage.
Ottawa responded before halftime as quarterback Tyseer Ghaban found Caleb Weeks for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Eyas Abouseta added the convert, cutting the Cougars’ lead to 15-7 heading into the break.
Despite the Sooners getting on the scoreboard late in the half, Sault College carried a comfortable eight-point advantage into the third quarter.
Mustaspha Delivers Two Major Plays
The Cougars wasted little time extending their lead after halftime.
Running back Sam Mustaspha broke through the Ottawa defence for a 28-yard touchdown run to open the third-quarter scoring. Vecchio converted the extra point, restoring Sault College’s two-touchdown cushion at 22-7.
The Sooners answered with a scoring drive of their own as Ali Helal carried the ball 15 yards for an Ottawa touchdown. Abouseta added the convert, bringing the visitors back within eight points at 22-14.
However, Mustaspha had another big play in store.
The Cougars running back broke free for a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run, giving Sault College another major offensive boost and extending the lead to 28-14. Vecchio added the extra point to make it 29-14 heading into the final quarter.
Mustaspha’s two touchdown runs proved to be significant momentum swings, helping the Cougars maintain control as Ottawa attempted to keep its season alive.
Cougars Seal Their Place in the Championship
Sault College continued to add to its advantage early in the fourth quarter when Vecchio connected on a 21-yard field goal, increasing the Cougars’ lead to 32-14.
Ottawa refused to go away quietly. Weeks broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run, giving the Sooners another major offensive play and narrowing the gap to 32-20.
With the visitors looking to mount a late comeback, Peterkin put the finishing touches on the Cougars’ historic playoff victory. The quarterback rushed for a 15-yard touchdown, and Vecchio converted the extra point to establish the final margin.
When the final whistle sounded at Superior Heights Field, Sault College had secured a 39-20 victory, extending its perfect season and earning a place in the OFC championship game.
The Cougars’ offence delivered through both the passing and running games, with Peterkin contributing touchdown passes to open up the second quarter before adding a rushing major of his own. Mustaspha’s two long touchdown runs provided another major spark, while Vecchio contributed with his kicking game throughout the contest.
London Beefeaters Coming to Sault Ste. Marie
With the semi-final victory, the Cougars will return to Superior Heights Field on Saturday, October 17th, to host the London Beefeaters in the 2026 OFC Football Championship. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
London advanced to the championship matchup after defeating the St. Clair Saints in Windsor. The Saints entered the postseason as four-time OFC champions, making the Beefeaters’ victory a significant result as they secured their place in the final.
The championship game will give Sault College an opportunity to cap its outstanding 2026 campaign with a conference title in front of its home supporters.
After completing an undefeated regular season and winning their first home playoff game in program history, the Cougars are now one victory away from adding a championship to a season already filled with milestones.
The stage is set for another night of football at Superior Heights Field, as Sault College and London battle for the 2026 Ontario Football Conference championship.
