FB | Ravens Strong Second Quarter Enough to Win at Waterloo

WATERLOO, Ont. (Aug. 31, 2025) — After a slow start, the Carleton Ravens scored 13 second-quarter points en route to a 19-14 win over the Waterloo Warriors.

Both offences sputtered early, with six straight drives ending in punts. Waterloo opened the scoring when Evan Astolfo missed a field goal that Carleton failed to return out of the end zone, conceding a rouge.

Trailing 4-0, quarterback Elijah Barnes and the Ravens' offence found their rhythm in the second. After Christopher Toupin forced a fumble, Barnes completed three straight passes before being sacked just outside the red zone. The drive set up a 35-yard field goal from Brandon Forcier to get Carleton on the board.

The Ravens' defence forced a quick two-and-out, and Barnes connected twice with Tristan Ready for 39 yards, setting up a 34-yard touchdown run by Keyshawn Reid. After a series of punts, Barnes hit Frederick Hachey for 19 yards to set up another Forcier field goal, this time from 28 yards, giving Carleton a 13-4 lead at the half.

Carleton opened the second half with a 7-play, 69-yard drive capped by a 22-yard Forcier field goal. Waterloo responded with a 37-yard kick from Astolfo to cut the lead to 16-7.

Barnes then connected with Nicolas Cerquozzi on a 39-yard catch-and-run, opening the field for Joey Marcotte to rush for 41 yards on three carries. Though the drive stalled, Forcier nailed his fourth field goal of the game to extend the lead to 19-7.

Waterloo struck back early in the fourth with a 44-yard pass from Emmet Ward to Evan Basalyga, followed by a 20-yard scramble and an 18-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Hoegl, cutting the lead to 5.

The Warriors threatened late, advancing to the edge of the red zone with under a minute to play. But on second-and-15, Xavier Malone recorded his third sack of the afternoon. On the next play, Ryan Grant intercepted Ward's pass in the corner of the end zone to seal the win.

The Ravens return home on Saturday, September 13, to host the Western Mustangs. The game is the team's annual Red Game and features $2 student tickets. 

By The Numbers

• Brandon Forcier had 13 of the Ravens' 19 points on 4/5 field goals and 1 XP.
• Xavier Malone was a force, recording three sacks and 8 tackles.
• Elijah Barnes was 20-34 for 263 yards with 2 interceptions.
• Keyshawn Reid led the Ravens' rush attack with 87 yards on 12 carries, including 1 touchdown.
• Joey Marcotte made his season debut rushing for 41 yards on three carries.