Ravens Shine at 2026 East-West Bowl

Elijah Barnes broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to put Team East ahead by 11, but the lead wouldn't hold as the West took the 2026 East-West Bowl by a single-point on Saturday, May 9.

The lefty quarterback was exceptional for Team East, completing 14 of 19 passes for 192 yards while adding three carries for 27 yards and a touchdown. Barnes nearly led a game-winning drive, but after taking the East the goal mouth, Felipe Forteza's game-winning field goal attempt was blocked, trickling out for the single-point rouge. 

Defensively, the Carleton Ravens were all over the score sheet with Justin Belanger, Jake Henderson and DeAndre McKenzie all recording tackles. 

Belanger led all Ravens with 4.0 tackles with 2 solos and 4 assists, including 1 tackle for loss. Henderson had 2 solo tackles and one assist, while McKenzie added a solo. 

After being added to the lineup at the last minute, Megawatt Niyiragiro also participated in the annual U SPORTS top prospects event. 

Game Recap From U SPORTS: West holds on to win 2026 East-West Bowl, 28-27

WATERLOO, Ont. — Team West edged Team East 28-27 on Saturday at Warrior Field, closing out the 2026 East-West Bowl in dramatic fashion before a crowd of 892. The national all-star game, featuring players eligible for the 2027 CFL Draft, delivered the competitive balance and late-game tension that have become hallmarks of the event. With the victory, West now holds a 15-7 all-time lead in the series.

West established early momentum and never trailed for long stretches, building an advantage through timely offensive execution and key defensive plays. West quarterback Tristan Aboud (Guelph) earned Offensive Player of the Game honours after directing an efficient and explosive passing attack. Aboud completed 14 of 20 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown, including an 80-yard strike that set the tone for West's opening surge. His ability to extend plays and distribute the ball to multiple receivers kept East's defence under constant pressure.

West finished with 487 total yards of offence on 60 plays, averaging 8.1 yards per snap, and converted 22 first downs. The unit's balance was evident, with contributions both through the air and on the ground, helping West control stretches of the contest.

On defence, West's Ethan Laing (Saskatchewan) was named Defensive Player of the Game after anchoring a unit that delivered in critical moments. Laing recorded an interception and contributed to a disciplined performance that limited East's offensive consistency. West's defence also generated key stops throughout the game, holding East to 342 total yards while applying pressure on passing downs.

East responded repeatedly and kept the contest within reach. The teams exchanged scores across all four quarters, with East rallying late to briefly take the lead in the fourth quarter. Both offences produced sustained drives, and special teams played a significant role in field position throughout the afternoon.

The game's key sequence came in the final seconds. With East trailing by one, it advanced into position for a potential go-ahead field goal. Facing a 37-yard attempt by Felipe Forteza of Laval with nine seconds remaining, West's rush broke through and blocked the attempt. Ahmad Taylor of Regina delivered the decisive play, preserving the West victory. The defensive stand capped a dramatic finish and underscored the high level of competition on display.

Special teams were influential throughout, with multiple field goals, rouges and long punts shaping momentum. West kicker Adam Johnston converted key scoring opportunities, including a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter that helped set up the late-game scenario.

Beyond the final score, the East-West Bowl once again served as a showcase for CFL prospects. Scouts from across the league evaluated top university talent in a competitive environment that emphasized execution, adaptability and situational awareness.