The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team fell 26-21 versus the visiting Waterloo Warriors in their final game of the OUA season on Saturday (Oct. 21) afternoon at Varsity Stadium.

Despite the tough end result, the Blues battled on their home turf, building a 14-9 lead heading into the halftime break.

Toronto were buoyed in the opening half by outstanding play from second-year quarterback Scott Barnett, who tossed touchdown passes to Christopher Joseph and Jake Oseen in the opening two frames. Barnett would finish the day completing 21-of-32 pass for 207 yards, while adding 21 rushing yards on the ground.

However, the Warriors remained close to the Blues courtesy the foot of kicker Cole Crossett as he equated for four field goals and a rouge. Along with a second half push, which saw the visitors score two fourth quarter touchdowns, Waterloo was able to secure a crucial late season victory.

On the ground for the Blues, Luka Stoikos paced the backfield with 120 yards on 13 carries, including a spectacular 67-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter. Meanwhile through the air, Oseen led the way with 69 receiving yards on six receptions, including an amazing leaping touchdown grab over a Warriors defender midway through the second quarter.

For the Toronto defence, the Blues front seven delivered a stout rushing defence throughout a majority of the game. Second-year linebacker and Toronto tackle leader Ryan Stewart registered a team-high 10.5 tackles, including two tackles for loss. Up front, the quartet of Parker Williams, Tucker Burke, Jackson Mayer, and Keenan Dell played tough in the trenches. In the defensive back field Luca Pante tallied four tackles and a pass breakup, while Lachlan Scardina and Antonio Conte both secured 3.5 tackles, with the former knocking down two passes and the latter securing an interception.

Prior to kick-off of the final contest this fall, the Blues also took the time to honour their graduating seniors: Joshua Carter, Abdullah Dwyer, Charlie McMillan, Ethan Mackinnon, Nic Greene, Jared Currie, Koby Lee, King Hoang, Dawson Elliott, and Quinn Mulligan.