Toronto, ON (CIS) – The Saint Mary's University Huskies became the first team since the 1976 and 1977 Western Ontario Mustangs to repeat as Vanier Cup champions when they defeated the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 33-21 Saturday afternoon at Toronto's Skydome in the 38th annual presentation of Canadian Interuniversity Sport's football championship.
The four-time Atlantic champions are the third team ever to accomplish the feat, the Manitoba Bisons being the first one back in 1969 and 1970.
SMU's quarterback Steve Panella was awarded the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game's MVP, while linebacker Joe Bonaventura earned the Bruce Coulter Award as the outstanding defensive player.
The Easterners looked like they were going to run away with the title as they took an early 14-0 lead after 9:31 of play on a 43-yard TD pass from Panella to Dean Jones and a 2-yard TD run by Bill Robinson, in as QB for Panella on the short-and-goal situation.
But Saskatchewan came back with three TDs while conceding only a safety to take a 21-16 lead with just over a minute to play in the first half. However, just as the Westerners thought they would go into the locker room with the advantage, Saint Mary's took the momentum back and scored a major with four seconds on the clock. The score at halftime was 23-21 SMU.
In the second half, the champions' defense completely shut the door, the big play coming from linebacker Joe Bonaventura who intercepted a pass on his goal line late in the third quarter with his team ahead 26-21.
For Saint Mary's, quarterback Steve Panella completed 18 of 26 passes for 299 yards two touchdowns and one interception. All-Canadian running back Dean Jones had a huge game on the ground with 105 yards on 16 carries to go with his 43 yards TD reception. Jason Currie, with 7 catches for 99 yards, and Dave Stala, with 5 receptions for 92 yards and one TD, were Panella's favourite targets. On defense, Joe Banaventura collected six tackles and his key interception.
For Saskatchewan, quarterback Sheldon Ball went 14 for 25 for 173 yards, one TD and one INT. David Stevens gained 75 yards and one TD on 11 carries. Chad Rempel was the top receiver with 3 catches for 38 yards and one TD. On defense, Dan Banzet ended up with 8 tackles.
Scoring Summary
1st quarter
6:09 SMU Dean Jones 43-yard TD reception from Panella, 7-0 SMU
9:31 SMU Bill Robinson 2-yard TD run, 14-0 SMU
14:10 SASK Chad Rempel 12-yard TD reception from Ball, 14-7 SMU
2nd quarter
4:09 SMU Team safety, SMU 16-7
4:48 SASK Brett Lamden fumble recovery in end zone, 16-14 SMU
13:59 SASK David Stevens 3-yard TD run, 21-16 SASK
14:56 SMU Dave Stala 31-yard TD reception from Panella, 23-21
SMU
3rd quarter
No scoring
4th quarter
5:16 SMU Dave Stala 27-yard FG, 26-21 SMU
12:16 SMU Gabe Harvey 2-yard TD run, 33-21 SMU