[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/web-Jesse-Lumsden.jpg” caption=”Jesse Lumsden”]It was an unfamiliar, yet all-too-familiar feeling Saturday for the McMaster Marauders. After remaining undefeated this year, they lost 36-32 to Laval Rouge et Or in the Mitchell Bowl championship game. It was McMaster's fourth consecutive national football semi-final loss.

In front of more than 11,000 cheering fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium, the Marauders bounced back from a 22-5 second-quarter deficit to give them their first lead of the day, 32-29. But, with just 2:33 remaining, a 30-yard sprint by Laval quarterback Mathieu Bertrand restored the lead for the Rouge et Or.

Then, with just four seconds left on the clock, McMaster rookie quarterback Adam Archibald launched a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Vaughan Swart. The pass, which would have given McMaster the winning touchdown, was knocked down at the Laval five-yard line.

The Laval Rouge et Or and Saint Mary's Huskies will meet Saturday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. at Toronto's SkyDome in the 39th annual Vanier Cup, in a rematch of the 1999 National final.

Photo caption: McMaster star running back Jesse Lumsden. Photo credit: Tommy Piribauer