Team West posted a dominant 16-1 victory over the East in the 2024 East-West Bowl in Waterloo on Saturday, led by a stellar performance from quarterback Jackson Tachinski.
The University of Manitoba signal caller completed 11-of-15 pass attempts for a game-high 152 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also topping the rushing charts with four carries for 37 yards. His 22-yard strike to Rhett Vavra in the second quarter proved to be the only major on the evening.
The University of Saskatchewan receiver was another standout performer, logging six catches for 94 yards. Toronto’s Jake Oseen was close behind with three receptions for 81 yards, while Western University kicker Brian Garrity banged home three field goals and one extra point to secure the victory. Concordia’s Eric Maximuik missed both of his attempts and logged the East’s lone point off a rouge.
Reigning OUA MVP Taylor Elgersma from Wilfrid Laurier University was seven-of-nine for 91 yards during his time under centre for the West, while McMaster’s Keagan Hall went six-of-11 for 69 yards. On the East side, Laval’s Arnaud Desjardins was an efficient six-of-nine for 110 yards. St. FX pivot Silas Fagnan out-gained him by going 13-of-21 for 111 yards and adding 33 yards on the ground but was victimized by a trio of interceptions.
Western safety Jackson Findlay, one of the stars from the week of practice, notched two of those turnovers, while Regina linebacker Chopper Hippe picked off another. McMaster linebacker Drake Bodi forced a fumble for the ferocious West defence, while Regina DB Dolani Robinson recovered another and Alberta defensive tackle Ty Anderson notched a sack.
For the East, Montreal Carabins defensive end Jeremiah Ojo had a stellar afternoon with 4.5 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. Carleton linebacker Xavier Malone led all defenders at the event with seven tackles, while Acadia defensive back Riley Comeau picked off Tachinski.
The 2024 East-West Bowl featured the top 100 players across U Sports who are eligible for the 2025 CFL Draft. At least three players from each of the 27 programs across the country were selected to participate.