Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

The first-place (4–0) Sault College Cougars continued their impressive 2026 CJFL season on Saturday, September 12, welcoming the fourth-place (1–3) Ottawa Sooners to Rocky DiPietro Field in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Cougars used a strong offensive performance, timely defensive plays and a big day from their kicking game to come away with a convincing 43–21 victory.

Sault College wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Veteran Cougar Erron Beachy opened the scoring at 14:48 of the first quarter, powering his way into the end zone on a 14-yard carry. Nik Vecchio added the extra point to give Sault College an early 7–0 advantage.

The Cougars extended their lead at the 11:25 mark when rookie quarterback Emerson Peterkin connected with Mark Dunning on a three-yard touchdown pass in the Ottawa end zone. Vecchio once again converted the extra point, putting Sault College ahead 14–0.

Ottawa responded at 7:03 of the opening quarter as Rashaad Johnston found the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run. Eyas Abouseta added the successful extra point, cutting the Cougar lead to 14–7.

Sault College answered early in the second quarter. At 4:05, Vecchio connected on a 36-yard field goal to push the Cougars’ advantage to 17–7.

With 69 seconds remaining before halftime, Ottawa quarterback Tyseer Ghaban found Tristan Hart on a touchdown pass, bringing the Sooners within striking distance at 24–13.

The Cougars, however, had the final say before the break. With just three seconds remaining on the clock, rookie Nick Jokic broke through the Ottawa defensive line and powered his way across the goal line on a one-yard touchdown run. Vecchio’s extra point was good, sending Sault College into halftime with a 31–13 lead.

The Cougars continued to add to their advantage in the third quarter. At 13:15, Mustaspha broke loose for a 37-yard touchdown run, his second major of the contest. Vecchio converted once again, extending the lead to 38–13.

Vecchio added another three points at 7:02 of the third quarter, connecting on a 15-yard field goal to make it 41–13.

Ottawa refused to go quietly. At 4:04 of the third, Ghaban connected on a two-yard touchdown pass to Rashaad Johnston, who then broke away for a 43-yard run into the end zone. The Sooners added a successful two-point conversion on a catch by Tristan Hart, cutting the Sault College lead to 41–21.

The Cougars’ defence closed the door in the fourth quarter. With 6:10 remaining in the game, Ottawa conceded a safety, giving Sault College two more points and sealing the 43–21 Cougar victory.

Cougars Offense Leads the Way

Sault College’s rushing attack was led by Mustaspha, who delivered a standout performance with 178 yards on eight carries, including two touchdowns. Through the air, rookie quarterback Emerson Peterkin completed 15 of 21 passes for 115 yards. Jaiden Trudeau led the Cougar receiving corps with four catches for 37 yards.

Vecchio was also a major contributor throughout the afternoon. The Cougar kicker recorded seven kicks for 269 yards, including two field goals and multiple successful extra-point attempts.

Ottawa quarterback Tyseer Ghaban had a busy afternoon, completing 27 of 44 passes for 407 yards. Tristan Hart was his leading target, finishing with five receptions for 129 yards, while Rashaad Johnston carried the ball 14 times for 54 yards and scored twice. Ottawa’s kicking statistics saw Shalom Osamhenghian record two kicks for 96 yards.

Strong Defensive Effort

The Cougar defence also made its presence felt. Romello Campbell led Sault College with six tackles, while Daikaden Gauthier recorded four tackles and one assisted tackle.

For Ottawa, Ivan Omofoma finished with a team-high seven tackles, while Dylan Allaire recorded four tackles and one assisted tackle.

With the victory, Sault College improves to 5–0 on the season and continues to sit atop the CJFL standings.

Cougars Head to London

The Sault College Cougars will return to action on Saturday, September 19, when they travel to London to face the London Beefeaters. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

The Ottawa Sooners will also be back in action on September 19, taking on the Hamilton Hurricanes in Burlington with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m.