2021 Panda Game Recap

Adamo Marinelli

October 5, 2021

     In the first battle for Pedro since 2019, the Ottawa U GeeGee’s held on to win a close game, 19-17 over the Carleton Ravens. The GeeGee’s have won three consecutive Panda Games.

      The COVID-19 pandemic forced the OUA to cancel the 2020 football season, including the Panda Game.

       A sold-out crowd of approximately 15,000 people braved the rain to see their schools compete against each other in the 52nd annual Panda Game.

      TD Place had full COVID-19 measures in effect for the game, including proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the stadium and masks to be worn at all times in the stadium.

      The rivalry was very strong between both schools and their fans after not being able to play in this game last year. 

     The Ravens took a 7-0 lead with a touchdown run from fifth-year running back Nathan Carter who broke the all-time Carleton rushing record. He broke Mark Brown’s record of 2,759 career rush yards which has stood since 1988. 

     The GeeGee’s scored 16 unanswered points, including a deep touchdown pass, two field goals, a safety, and a punt single, to take a 16-7 lead.  

      In the fourth quarter, the Ravens scored a touchdown and a field goal to take a 17-16 lead. The Ravens' comeback was aided by several GeeGee's turnovers including multiple fumbles, a few muffed punts, and an interception.

The Ravens took a one-point lead into the final three minutes of the game, looking to snap their losing streak against the GeeGee's at the Panda Game. However, they could not hold on.

      With a minute left in the fourth quarter, GeeGee’s kicker Campbell Fair tied Lewis Ward’s Panda Game record with a 45-yard game-winning kick to secure the GeeGee’s 19-17 win.

      With Pedro the Panda staying at the University of Ottawa for another year, the Ravens will look to snap the losing streak next season. 

      With the loss, the Ravens fall to 1-2 on the season. With the win, the GeeGee’s improve to 1-2 on the year.

      While this game certainly means a lot to the current players and fans of both schools, some long-time alumni of both schools, particularly those who played university football, still get together every year and watch the game as an annual tradition.

      Despite added security, the damage and destruction after the game were still rampant in the Sandy Hill area which may pose serious implications regarding future Panda Games.