Photo Credit Freeze Frame Photos
In just their second season competing in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), the Sault College Cougars have captured the 2026 Ontario Football Conference (OFC) championship, defeating the London Beefeaters 26-21 on Saturday, October 17, at Superior Heights field in Sault Ste. Marie.
In front of their home crowd, the Cougars delivered a determined performance in the OFC Final, building an early lead before holding off a persistent London squad in a hard-fought championship contest. With the victory, Sault College has earned the right to host the 2026 National CJFL Semi-Final on Saturday, October 24.
The Cougars struck first in the opening quarter when Sam Mustaspha rushed six yards into the end zone at 6:36 to give Sault College a 7-0 lead. Nik Vecchio added the extra point to put the home team ahead.
With just 28 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Jayden Ralph extended the Cougars’ advantage with a three-yard touchdown run. Vecchio once again converted the extra point, sending Sault College into the second quarter with a commanding 14-0 lead.
The Beefeaters responded in the second quarter as quarterback DJ Fonti connected with Brandon Visouvath on a 20-yard touchdown pass at 1:09. Brayden Rivard added the extra point to cut the deficit to 14-7.
Sault College answered just before halftime. With the clock winding down, Vecchio connected on a 14-yard field goal to give the Cougars a 17-7 advantage heading into the dressing room.
London came out of halftime looking to change the momentum. At 5:59 of the third quarter, Visouvath threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jason Leonard, bringing the Beefeaters within three points at 17-14 following Rivard’s successful conversion.
However, the Cougars quickly responded with one of the game’s biggest plays.
At 3:41 of the third quarter, Jaidan Trudeau broke three tackles before racing 52 yards along the far sideline for a touchdown. The explosive run energized the home crowd and restored a double-digit lead for Sault College. Vecchio added the extra point to make it 24-14.
The Beefeaters refused to go away quietly. With no time remaining on the third-quarter clock, Nick Seybold powered through the Cougars’ defensive line from the one-yard line for a touchdown. Rivard’s conversion brought London within three points at 24-21 heading into the final quarter.
With the championship on the line, both teams battled through a tense fourth quarter. The Cougars’ defence came up with a crucial play at 8:51, forcing London to concede a safety. The two points extended Sault College’s lead to 26-21, a margin that would ultimately stand as the final score.
When the final whistle sounded, the Cougars had secured the OFC championship on home turf, completing a significant milestone for a program still in only its second season in the league.
Cougars Deliver Strong Offensive Performances
Sault College’s offensive production was led by a powerful rushing performance from Mustaspha, who finished with 180 yards on 22 carries. His opening-quarter touchdown helped establish the Cougars’ early momentum and set the tone for the championship matchup.
Quarterback Emerson Peterkin completed 12 of 18 passes for 250 yards, providing another important component of the Cougars’ offensive attack.
Trudeau contributed 96 receiving yards on five catches from five targets, while also delivering the pivotal 52-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
For London, quarterback DJ Fonti completed 22 of 41 passes for 319 yards. Visouvath was a key target, recording five receptions for 106 yards and contributing a touchdown pass to Leonard.
Nick Fonti led the Beefeaters’ rushing attack with 58 yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, London’s Sincere Green recorded 10 tackles and one assisted tackle. Sault College’s Grant Mathewson led the Cougars’ defensive statistics with five tackles and two assisted tackles.
National Championship Hopes Continue
With the OFC championship secured, the Cougars can now turn their attention to the national stage.
Sault College will await the outcome of the Prairie Football Conference Final between the Saskatchewan Hilltops and Regina Thunder, scheduled for Sunday, October 18. The winner will travel to Sault Ste. Marie to face the Cougars in the 2026 National CJFL Semi-Final on Saturday, October 24.
For a program competing in only its second CJFL season, winning the OFC championship represents a major accomplishment. Now, with a national semi-final on home turf awaiting them, the Cougars have an opportunity to continue their remarkable run and take another step toward a national title.
The Cougars have already made their mark in Ontario. Next, they will look to defend their home field against the Prairie Football Conference champion and keep their national championship hopes alive.
