The No. 2-ranked Laurier Golden Hawks advanced to the Vanier Cup for the first time in 19 years after dismantling the No. 6 Bishop’s Gaiters 48-24 in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday in Lennoxville, Que.
The Golden Hawks last played in the Vanier Cup in 2005, capturing the title with a 24-23 victory over Saskatchewan.
Laurier will play the No. 3-ranked Laval Rouge et Or, who held off the Regina Rams in the Mitchell Bowl Saturday night.
WATCH | Laurier romps Bishop’s:
The No. 2-ranked Laurier Golden Hawks advance to the Vanier Cup for the first time in 19 years after defeating the No. 6 Bishop’s Gaiters 48-24 in the Uteck Bowl.
Fourth-year Golden Hawks quarterback Taylor Elgersma threw five touchdown passes, going 30-for-34 in attempts for 452 yards. The reigning OUA MVP set a new record for passing yards in a bowl game with Saturday’s performance.
Ryan Hughes caught three touchdown passes for Laurier.
Elgersma hit receiver Ryan Hughes on three of his touchdowns, including two late in the second quarter that extended Laurier’s lead to 34-3 at halftime. The other Elgersma scoring passes went to Sebastian Parsalidis in the second quarter and Ryan Speight midway through the fourth.
Hughes racked up 212 yards on six catches, while Ethan Jordan had nine catches for 76 yards.
Elgersma was named the game’s offensive player of the game, and defensive honours went to Johari Hastings, who had five tackles and a third-quarter interception that wiped out a promising Gaiter drive.
The Golden Hawks are 2-3 all-time in Vanier Cups
The 2024 Vanier Cup will take place on Saturday in Kingston, Ont., Nov. 23, available live on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app, and CBC Gem at 1 p.m. ET.