Four years ago, a rookie-laden Carleton Ravens team went 0-8 in what was seen as a necessary building block towards their current success. Their opponents on Saturday, the Waterloo Warriors, hope that the fight they showed in their season finale is another step forward in their own re-ascension to glory.

The Warriors put up a valiant effort, but fell to the sixth-ranked Carleton Ravens by a score of 43-15 on a windy and cold day at Warrior Field. Carleton finishes their season at 6-2, while Waterloo completes an 0-8 season.

Carleton Receiver Nate Behar caught 9 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Jesse Mills went 17-25 with 270 yards and two TDs before being rested for much of the second half. The Ravens also added a pair 0f 90-yard rushers on the day, as Jayde Rowe ran for 98 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Marley Patterson added 92 yards on 9 carries.

For the Warriors, quarterback Lucas McConnell (Waterford) went 14-23 for 129 yards and an interception before leaving due to injury just before halftime. AJ Stewart (Ridgeway) went 3-8 for 59 yards and a touchdown in relief, although he was sacked five times.

Both of Waterloo's touchdowns on the day were set up by big turnovers – first, Dion Pellerin (Abbotsford) scored a rushing TD following a big fumble recovery on the Carleton 1-yard line, and then, Richmond Nketiah (Brampton)'s 6-yard touchdown reception was preceded by a big interception and 34-yard return by Warriors rookie Aaron Cole (Brampton).

Jordan Hoover (Sault Ste. Marie) was a jack-of-all-trades for Waterloo on the day, as he caught 4 passes for 49 yards, rushed once for 7 yards, and registered 2 pass breakups and 7 tackles on defense. Included in that was a highlight-reel one-handed grab in the game's opening quarter.

Safety Lucas Merlin (Burlington) had a huge game for the Warriors on the defensive side of the ball, with 10 solo tackles. Ray Duplin (Sault Ste. Marie) added an interception, while Brandon Corelli (Sault Ste. Marie) and Paul Kaija (Sarnia) each had a forced fumble – on back-to-back Carleton offensive plays in the second quarter.

The Warriors will now turn their attention to 2017 and beyond, as head coach Chris Bertoia and his staff continue to add pieces to bring the Warriors back to the top of the OUA.