The Blues faced the Waterloo Warriors on August 30 in their second game of the season and first game at home, looking to extend their record to 2–0 after their 42–23 win against the Carleton Ravens on August 23. In the Blues’ season opener, there were record-breaking performances by quarterback Scott Barnett, whose 614 passing yards beat the previous Blues single-game record of 548, and receiver Chris Joseph, whose 19 receptions beat the previous single-game record of 17. The Blues looked to continue their hot streak against the Warriors, who were 0–1 on the season following a loss to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.
The Blues last faced the Warriors on August 25, 2024, when they earned a 31–29 victory. However, the repeat was not to be, as the Blues fell to the Warriors in overtime despite gaining a last-minute lead of 23–20.
What happened?
The Blues took an early lead in the first quarter, with kicker Sam Henke scoring a field goal and bringing the score to 3–0. Their lead was extended to 9–0 following a touchdown scored by receiver Jake Oseen, which they maintained until the end of the quarter.
Despite falling behind, the Warriors fought back with a touchdown and a field goal just over a minute into the second quarter, bringing the score to 7–9. However, Blues’ linebackers Ryan Stewart and Elia Lini made some solid defensive plays to maintain their lead, and Joseph brought the ball into the endzone for another touchdown off a pass from Barnett. Henke then made the field goal to bring the score to 16–7. The Warriors weren’t going to back down so easily; kicker Evan Astolfo tallied another three points, scoring a field goal with 2:47 remaining to bring the score to 16–10 at halftime.
The Blues came up scoreless in the third quarter while the Warriors’ points climbed steadily, with Astolfo scoring another field goal about three and a half minutes in. Despite the Blues’ best efforts, the Warriors rushed another touchdown and scored the ensuing field goal, bringing the score to 16–20 to take their first lead. Although the energy in Varsity Stadium had clearly diminished, Blues’ fans remained hopeful. Good defensive plays from each team kept the score locked going into the fourth quarter, including Blues’ defensive back Devon Crenshaw blocking a crucial field goal attempt.
The fourth quarter saw a relatively quiet beginning, with neither team securing any scoring chances. Finally, with nine seconds left in the game, Barnett completed a clutch 53-yard pass to Oseen for a touchdown, and the Blues took a 23–20 lead. The stadium erupted in cheers at a seemingly last-second winner. However, they soon died down when Astolfo kicked a 57-yard field goal with one second remaining to tie the game at 23 points apiece, bringing the game to overtime.
The Blues had first possession in overtime, but failed to capitalize. It was heartbreak for UofT as Astolfo kicked and scored one last field goal of 21 yards, winning the game for the Warriors with a final score of 23–26.
What’s next?
In a post-game interview with The Varsity, Blues head coach Darrell Adams voiced his frustration with the game’s unfortunate outcome. “I told the guys all week it was going to be a four-quarter dogfight. We needed overtime thanks to that play made by Jake Oseen, but we shot ourselves in the foot too many times; too many mistakes, lack of execution, lack of tackling, a lack of finishing plays.”
The Blues played the York Lions next on September 6, where they were looking to get back into the win column. “The next [game] is a big one because it’s our rival game… we’re going to learn from the film, and then come back tomorrow ready to rock and roll.” The Blues fell just short against the Lions again in overtime, losing 32–33.
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