2014, Oct 4th: Toronto 32 @ Carleton 53

Capturing the summary of one of Carleton's first wins following the return of the school's football program. They were winless in 2013 but recorded four wins in 2014, including the one below.

The cropped text is from the football team's website, which was uncredited. Oddly, it focused on Toronto quarterback Simon Nassar's accomplishments rather than that of the Ravens.

The statistical data is from the USports website from when it was referred to as CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sports). 

...Carleton pivot Nick Gorgichuk was 21-of-28 for 302 yards, two touchdown and no interceptions, while Jesse Mills was 3-of-4 for 91 yards and Kyle Van Wynsberghe was 1-of-1 for 76 yards and one touchdown.

The Blues, playing their 1,000th game, had little reason to celebrate with the exception of quarterback Simon Nassar who set a single-game Canadian Interuniversity Sport record with 49 completions.

The fourth-year pivot from Toronto was 49-of-62 for 547 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He easily shattered the CIS mark of 41 completions set in 1981 by Varsity Blues pivot Dan Feraday and tied in 2012 by current Sherbrooke quarterback Jeremi Roch.

....

The Ravens jumped out to a 16-0 first quarter lead and made it 23-0 early in the second quarter.

The Blues finally managed to get on the board late in the second, but the Ravens responded with Van Wynsberghe connecting with Nathaniel Behar for a 76-yard touchdown pass. Carleton extended its lead as Emilio Galotta had a 13-yard fumble return to make it 37-7.

Michael Domagala added 24 and 26 yard field goals in the third quarter, while Nassar had a 24-yard touchdown pass making it 43-17 at the end of three quarters.

Nassar added two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, but the Ravens responded with a touchdown and field goal of their own to keep the game out of reach.

Redblacks Signings for the Week of Dec. 12th to 16th

Another busy week for the REDBLACKS FO. The team announced signings every day this past week with the exception of Wednesday when the 2023 schedule was released. Let's get going:

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS re-signed a pair of Canadians, today, with defensive back Justin Howell, and defensive lineman Nigel Romick rejoining the team for the 2023 CFL season.

"Choosing to re-sign in Ottawa for 2023 was a no-brainer for me. I am fortunate to have spent five years here since being drafted in 2018," said Howell. "We’ve got a great group of core guys, led by a tremendous coaching staff. My sole focus is on helping this team bring a Grey Cup back to the capital. I can’t wait to get back to TD Place, and play in front of the best fans in the CFL."

Howell, 29, has spent all four seasons of his career with the REDBLACKS, after a standout university tenure with the Carleton Ravens. The Bradford, Ontario native was limited by injury to just five games in 2022, but still came through with 16 total tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles.

"I’m ecstatic to be staying put in Ottawa for my ninth season," Romick added. "As I look to the 2023 season, I expect lots of fireworks, and plenty of wood cookies being cut. I’ve been fortunate to play for Coach Dyce since 2016, so I know the type of energy and leadership he brings to the locker room."

Romick, 31, is a veteran of eight seasons, and reached the 100-game milestone in 2022, all of which he has spent with the REDBLACKS. Though he appeared in just nine games due to injury, this season, the Thunder Bay, Ontario product chipped in nine total tackles, and is just one shy of 100 special teams tackles on his career.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national running back Jackson Bennett to a two-year contract.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity," said Bennett. "Ottawa has been home for a very long time, and holds a special place in my heart. To suit up again for the city that raised me is nothing but a blessing.”

Bennett, 26, arrived to the REDBLACKS in 2022, after spending the first three seasons of his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 14 games, the Cumberland, Ontario native rushed for a career-high 234 yards on 50 attempts, and hauled in 15 catches for 86 yards. Bennett also contributed in the return game, racking up 160 yards on eight kick returns. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American offensive lineman Dino Boyd to a two-year contract, the team announced today.

Boyd, 26, joined the REDBLACKS in 2021, and appeared in 15 games during the 2022 season. Playing multiple positions on the Ottawa offensive line, the 6'4 300 lbs Newark, New Jersey native was a critical component of the REDBLACKS' front five. Boyd began his CFL career with Ottawa in 2021, suiting up for three games. 

OTTAWA - The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced, today, that they have re-signed national receiver Nate Behar to a two-year contract.

“I’m committed to this organization, this city and RNation. I’m committed to the vision of Coach Dyce and Burkey,” Behar said. “Getting this contract figured out for two more years of playing in the Capital is the best Holiday present I’ve ever had! Let’s build this thing!

Behar, 28, has spent the last three seasons with the REDBLACKS, and enjoyed the most productive year of his career in 2022. Through 13 games, the London, Ontario native hauled in 59 receptions for 727 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, to go with 254 yards after the catch.

A product of Carleton University, Behar was drafted fifth overall by the Edmonton Elks in 2017, before returning to Ottawa in 2019. 

Another player was signed during the week but as-yet-unannounced in defensive tackle Bryce Rodgers.  Being a league entry contract, I believe those are normally for two years as well.

Here's some information about him from a press release issued by his school, UC Davis, shortly after he signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons following the NFL draft. 

A mainstay on UC Davis' defensive line, Rodgers was a model of consistency in leading the Aggies' push into the backfield each week in 2021. He led UC Davis in quarterback hurries with eight and added eight tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. For his effort in the 2021 campaign the East Palo Alto, Calif., native was tabbed to the All-Big Sky second team.

Rodgers led all Aggie defensive linemen with 18 tackles (8 solos, 10 assists) while adding 2.0 TFLs (both sacks), two QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick in the 2021 spring season. In 2019, the 6-3 lineman was named All-Big Sky honorable mention after starting all 12 games at defensive tackle. He ranked fifth on the team and tops among defensive linemen with 49 tackles (35 solos, 14 assists). Rodgers also had 6.0 TFLs, including 4.0 sacks for 20 yards and added a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and team-leading seven hurries.

"REDBLACKS re-sign Canadian receiver Nate Behar"

The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced today that they have re-signed national receiver Nate Behar.

“Ottawa has everything in place to be one of the great and successful franchises in this league. From the ownership group, the fans, the city and facilities,” said Behar. “I want to be a part of this organization’s rise.”

A native of London, Ontario, Behar is coming off of his fourth, and most productive season in the CFL. He reached career-highs in receptions (38), receiving yards (439), yards after the catch (128), average yards per catch (11.6), and longest reception (50 yards). The 27 year-old also recorded a single-game career high 98 receiving yards against the Calgary Stampeders on October 29, 2021.

Selected fifth overall by the Edmonton Elks in the 2017 CFL Draft, Behar signed with the REDBLACKS on February 15, 2019, and re-signed with the team on June 28, 2021. Ottawa is familiar territory for Behar, who played his collegiate career with the Carleton Ravens (OUA), famously catching a Hail Mary pass to win the 2014 Panda Game.

The team also quietly signed 2021 draft choice Connor Berglof (third round, 24th overall). Berglof has played center and guard at the university of Saskatchewan and his Huskies bio lists him at 6'3" and 300 pounds. He was first-team All-Canadian in 2019 and second team in 2021. He might make a nice replacement should current starter Mark Korte leave via free agency next month.