Ravens Sports Info (Photos: Gar FitzGerald / Guelph Gryphons)
Guelph, Ont. (Aug. 24, 2024) - The OUA schedule makers didn't miss, opening the 2024 schedule with a rematch of last season's epic week 9 battle between Carleton and Guelph. Saturday's season opening contest featured great drama before Guelph pulled away for the 38-25 victory.
The Carleton Ravens became the first football team to score a major in the 2024 OUA season when Tristan Ready (Arnprior, Ont.) went up in traffic to haul in a Tristan Lefebvre (Calgary, Alta.) pass. With the 14-yard touchdown the Ravens took a small lead into the second quarter.
The Gryphons wrapped the first quarter with a long drive, which McCrea converted into a touchdown. Carleton defense forces a safety. The Ravens defence would force Guelph to concede a safety midway through the quarter. Tristan Aboud would connect with Kaine Stevenson for a 25-yard touchdown.
Before the second quarter was over, the Gryphons pressure forced Lefebvre to air a pass above the head of his intended receiver directly into the hands of Gianni Green who would return the pick-six 74 yards. McCrea would run in the two-point conversion putting Guelph ahead 23-9.
Just before the end of the half, Guelph’s Vyshonne Janusus would fumble at the Guelph 9-yard line. The Ravens would take advantage of the turnover and Tristan Lefebvre would take the 1-yard plunge, bringing the score to 23-16 at the half.
The touchdown would be the last snap of the game for Lefebvre, who left did not return to the game due to injury.
Despite flashes, they couldn’t close the gap in the second half. The Gryphon’s opened the half with a five-play 74-yard touchdown drive before forcing a two-and-out. The Ravens would get the ball right back as defensive lineman Michael Lightbody (Arnprior, Ont.) would intercept a deflected pass, and the Ravens immediately converted.
Taking the lead under centre, Elijah Barnes (Ancaster, Ont.) connected with Frederik Hachey (Laval, Que.) on a 34-yard touchdown to bring the lead to 7. Five plays later, the Gryphons were up by 14 yet again when Marshall McCray found Willem Arsenau down the middle for a 38-yard pass and run.
The Gryphons would add a rouge in the fourth quarter Carleton defense would would force a safety, but neither team could gain much of an advantage, with turnovers on both sides of the ball.
At 0-1, the Ravens have a tough challenge ahead with the 1-0 Windsor Lancers in town for their 2024 Home Opener on Saturday, August 31 at 4:00 PM.
By the Numbers
