FB | Ravens Rescue Pedro at Thrilling Panda Game

OTTAWA (October 5, 2025) — The Carleton Ravens scored two touchdowns just fourteen seconds apart in the second quarter, powering their way to a 20–14 victory in the 56th Panda Game.

After a scoreless first quarter, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees struck first. Following an interception of Tristan Lefebvre, quarterback Josh Janssen connected with Robin Collioud over the middle for the opening touchdown. Kicker Zachary Copeland added the extra point and followed up with a booming kickoff for a rouge, giving Ottawa an early 8–0 lead.

Carleton responded before halftime. Elijah Barnes found Tristan Ready in the corner of the end zone for the Ravens' first major. Although the two-point conversion attempt failed, Carleton wasn't done yet. After a strong return by Charles Asselin, the Ravens' defence forced a quick two-and-out. On the ensuing punt, Joel Chekwi broke through the line and blocked the kick, allowing Ethan Boxall to scoop and score from 22 yards out. This time, Barnes connected with Fred Hachey on a fade route for the two-point conversion, putting Carleton ahead 14–8.

Veteran kicker Brandon Forcier handled the rest of the scoring for the Ravens, hitting field goals from 12 and 28 yards in the second half to extend the lead to 20–8. Ottawa fought hard to close the gap, but Carleton's defence and special teams held firm.

Joey Sciandra was a standout on special teams, punting eight times for 343 yards, including two late-game kicks that left Ottawa with little chance for a return. Nash MacDonald also impressed, racking up 97 yards on seven punt returns, including a game-long 27-yard effort.

With half of the 23,030 fans in attendance cheering them on, the Gee-Gees mounted a late comeback. Janssen led a final-minute drive, finding Tristan Gilbert Thibault for a ten-yard touchdown. However, a bobbled snap on the extra point kept the score at 20–14. Ottawa forced a Carleton punt and had one last chance to tie the game. Janssen hit Collioud at midfield, setting up a Hail Mary attempt. But Luigi Zegaria rose above the crowd in the end zone, swatting the ball to the turf and sealing Carleton's first Panda Game win since 2017.

Reflecting on the final minute, head coach Corey Grant praised the atmosphere and the team's resilience. "It was an exciting game," he said. "Ottawa is a good team. They play the full 60 minutes, so we wanted to make sure we finished the right way."

Under the pressure of the final drive, Grant credited the team's preparation. "We played better as a full team — offence, defence, and special teams. That's [win is] what happens when we play complementary football."

For third-year quarterback Elijah Barnes, the win was unforgettable. "The adrenaline still hasn't worn off," he said. "Seeing the fans rush the field — the right way this time — it's pretty amazing. I'm still taking it all in."

Barnes came off the bench and delivered, going 13-for-19 for 189 yards and throwing the offence's only touchdown. Wide receiver Frederick Hachey had a standout performance, hauling in six catches for 107 yards and a crucial two-point conversion. 

The Ravens won't have long to celebrate the return of Pedro, as they hit the road Friday night to face the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks.

With a short week ahead, the Ravens are already shifting focus to their Week 8 matchup against Laurier. "We're getting ready for the next game," said Grant. "It's a short week, and we're facing a Top 10 team in the country. As a coach, I'm already thinking about what's next."