Despite a blustery, wet, and cold final, St. Joan of Arc's senior football team braved the conditions and blew past Maple Ridge on Thursday at J.C. Massie Field to claim the GBSSA title.
The Knights' 35-21 victory clinches an undefeated season in local play and the school's first regional championship since 2021.
Maple Ridge's defence, which was clearly frustrated late in the game, had not allowed a point in any of its three SCAA playoff games. The Ravens averaged just 3.5 points allowed in the six-game regular season.
JOA running back Darius Wilson had a standout performance, gaining 163 rushing yards on 15 carries and scoring two long touchdowns.
His starting quarterback, Ivan West had the same amount of passing yards on 13 attempts, while adding 10 yards on the ground.
Ravens quarterback Blake Ryan was two-for-six passing with 111 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
SUMMARY
First Quarter
JOA — TD Connelly 1 run (Buckindale convert) 8:52
MR — TD Hyder 1 run (Tayler convert) 6:19
Second Quarter
JOA — TD Wilson 31 run (Buckindale convert) 11:34
JOA — TD Wilson 47 run (Buckindale convert) 6:08
Third Quarter
JOA — TD Connelly 3 run (Buckindale convert) 2:17
Fourth Quarter
JOA — TD Connelly 4 run (Buckindale convert) 6:54
MR — TD Hyder 12 run (Two-point conversion unsuccessful) 5:09
MR — TD Bailey 85 pass from Ryan (St. John rush for two-point conversion) 3:06
Maple Ridge 7 14 7 7 — 35
St. Joan of Arc 7 0 0 14 — 21
Attendance — not recorded
UP NEXT
St. Joan of Arc will play in OFSAA's Central Bowl in Guelph on November 25 against ROPSSAA champion Robert F. Hall (Caledon East).
