1996 Vanier Cup Game Recap

1996 – Saskatchewan 31, StFX 12

The 1996 Vanier Cup featured two very different teams, the Saskatchewan Huskies and the St. Francis Xavier X-Men. The X-Men were making their first appearance in the big game since 1966, when they defeated Waterloo. The Huskies lined up on the other side of the ball for their third appearance in the national final in the 1990s.

The Huskies’ offence, considered one of the most explosive in the nation, sputtered in the first half. The X-Men's offence began to control the ball in the second quarter and the defence continued to dominate. StFX, leading 3-0 after 15 minutes, scored points on a safety touch, a snap that sailed over the head of Huskie punter Matt Kellett, and a touchdown. The first major of the day was scored by All-Canadian André Arlan on a 57-yard run. The X-Men led 12-0 at the half.

If the first 30 minutes of the game were in favour of StFX the second portion was dominated by the Huskies. The Huskie defence pitched a no-hitter in allowing just 121 yards and no points. The offence clicked on the second possession of the half when Brent Schneider connected with slot back Jaret Rennie on a 6-yard touchdown pass.

The fourth quarter would be all Saskatchewan. The Huskies scored 24 points in this stanza to capture the Cup. Their first points of the final frame were scored on a 33-yard field goal by Matt Kellett.

The next two possessions would prove to be the game's turning point. Three plays after the Huskies kicked the field goal, StFX fumbled the ball. The Huskies would make the turnover count on their first play from scrimmage as Schneider and David Murza connected on a 63-yard pass and run scoring play.

The Huskies would add touchdowns from Jaret Rennie, on a 20-yard pass from Schneider, and Mike Stewart, who returned an interception on 51 yards. Schneider became the second player in CIS history to win the Ted Morris Trophy twice as the game's most valuable player. Schneider, the three-time Hec Crighton nominee, ended the day completing 15 of 29 passes for 237 yards and three touchdown passes. The defensive player of the game award was presented to Huskie linebacker Warren Muzika, who made nine unassisted tackles and was in on two other tackles.