FB | Ravens Slow Start Proves Costly

Ottawa, Ont. (August 23, 2025) - It was far from a fairy tale open to the Carleton Ravens' 80th varsity sports season as the Toronto Varsity Blues entered TAAG Park and handed the Ravens a 42-23 loss. 

The Ravens' historic anniversary season got off to a rough start as Toronto converted the third drive of the game into an 8-yard touchdown pass from Scott Barnett to Jake Oseen. 

After finding Nicolas Cerquozzi on a 31-yard pass, Ravens starter Tristan Lefevbre would throw two incomplete passes, and the Ravens would be forced to punt. After battling back from a season-ending injury in week one last season, Lefevbre never found his form. 

The Varsity Blues took full advantage of Carleton's early struggles and picked apart a young secondary to build a 27-0 lead. Toronto would add an exclamation mark to their hot start when Barnett hit Thomas Roberts over the middle for a 102-yard catch-and-run touchdown. 

Just before the half, Brandon Forcier put the Ravens on the board while taking sole possession of second all-time in Ravens scoring. The veteran from L'Ange-Gardien, QC, passed Ravens broadcaster and historian Jeff Morris, leaving only Michael Domagala ahead of him in the all-time list. 

The Ravens would get touchdowns from Aidan Arnott-Smith and Frederick Hachey down the stretch. Though the offence found some rhythm, big plays from Toronto continued to be the story in the second half, including a massive fumble return touchdown that put the game out of reach. 

The Ravens now enter their bye week before travelling to Waterloo on Saturday, September 6, 2025. 

Week 1 By The Numbers

• Elijah Barnes passed for 432 yards and 1 touchdown while rushing for 19. Barnes also had one fumble.
• Frederick Hachey, Tristan Ready and Aidan Arnott-Smith all finish with 80 or more receiving yards. Arnott-Smith also rushed for 10 yards and 2 touchdowns. 
• Andrew Christie recorded the Ravens' first sack of the season.