Ravens use big second half for opening week win over Warriors

WATERLOO, Ont. - The Carleton Ravens outscored the Waterloo Warriors 21-3 in the second half to cruise to a 33-14 victory at Warrior Field in the opening week of OUA football action.  The win is the Ravens first since returning to the OUA last year where the black and red went 0-8.

Running back Jahvari Bennett owned the home side on the ground with 120 yards on 15 touches in the game.  In comparison, Waterloo's starting quarterback Jamie Cook picked up 67 yards on 10 carries while fourth year running back Ryan Di Risio had 61 yards on his 14 touches.

In the air Jesse Mills threw 11 completions on 21 attempts for 229 yards while Cook went 33-for-43 picking up 246 yards while throwing two interceptions.

It was a sloppy opening half as both teams struggled to find their offence but it was the Ravens who would click first.  Following a safety and rouge, the Ravens would find the game's opening touchdown on a 39-yard pass from Mills to receiver Andrew Ellis, his only reception of the game.

Down 12-1, Waterloo finally found their first major of the game.  Following a beautiful run by Glorian Ganza who leaped a Ravens defender for a 12-yard run, the Warriors found the endzone on a screen pass to Brendan Conway to cut into the Ravens lead making the score 12-8 for Carleton.  Waterloo would collect three more points to head into the break down by just one (12-11).

The Ravens extended their lead early in the third quarter with back-to-back field goals (22-yards and 27-yards) by Mike Domagala before Caleb Girard on the Warriors answered with a 16-yard field goal of his own.

Up 18-14, the Ravens would again extend their lead on a 10-yard pass to Marley Patterson who breezed his way in for the major to put his squad up 25-14.

On the ensuing possession, Waterloo looked poised to answer back with a solid drive up field led by Di Risio and a few solid receptions by receiver Paul Cecile.  Within yards of the red zone, Cook mishandled his throw and it would end up in the arms of Josh Cardillo killing the home momentum and setting up his offence to secure the victory. 

The Ravens would do just that, led by Mills who punched home a 1-yard quarterback sneak to put his squad up for good and hand head coach Steve Sumarah his first win as bench boss.

The 1-0 Ravens will enjoy their bye week in week two of OUA action while Waterloo will have a short week of preparation before taking on McMaster on Saturday, September 6 as part of black and gold day at Warrior Field.  Kickoff is set for 1pm.

Source: Waterloo Warriors