SaskatoonThe University of Saskatchewan Huskies will play for a national championship after downing the Queen’s Golden Gaels 22-11 in the Mitchell Bowl Saturday in Saskatoon. Daniel Kubongo was named offensive player of the game as the punt returner/receiver had a spectacular 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter that helped the Huskies to a 14-1 halftime lead.Daniel Kubongo returns a punt 85 yards to help Huskies return to the Vanier CupScott Larson · CBC News · Posted: Nov 15, 2025 9:02 PM EST | Last Updated: 5 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 5 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.University of Saskatchewan Huskies players pose for a photograph after defeating the Queen’s University Gaels in U Sports Mitchell Bowl football action in Saskatoon on Nov. 15, 2025. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)The University of Saskatchewan Huskies will play for a national championship after downing the Queen’s Golden Gaels 22-11 in the Mitchell Bowl Saturday in Saskatoon.The Huskies will now take on the Montreal Carabins in the Vanier Cup next week in Regina.On Saturday, Daniel Kubongo was named offensive player of the game as the punt returner/receiver had a spectacular 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter that helped the Huskies to a 14-1 halftime lead.Kubongo flashed the number 11 after scoring the TD in reference to Huskie quarterback Anton Amundrud.University of Saskatchewan Huskies defensive lineman Charlie Parks (99) embraces offensive lineman Jack Warrack (67) after defeating the Queen’s University Gaels in U Sports Mitchell Bowl football action in Saskatoon on Nov. 15, 2025. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)The Huskies came into the game with heavy hearts after learning Amundrud has been diagnosed with cancer.“I was able to speak to Anton yesterday and he told me to get him a big one,” Kubongo said. “Before I even crossed the goal line, I knew what I was going to throw up. I knew I was going to go to the camera and just tell A’s we love him because we really do. And we’re doing this for him.”Huskies head coach Scott Flory said it was an emotional week for the players and staff. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)Huskies head coach Scott Flory was visibly moved when talking about Amundrud after the game.“I love that kid,” Flory said.“That was the hardest team meeting I’ve ever had,” he said of giving the news about Amundrud to the team.“But man, what a week to be together and to be able to do what we love, do it for a guy we love and just be together. And that’s really what this team’s about.”After conceding a single on the opening kickoff, the Huskies got on the board as QB Jake Farrell hooked up with Hec Creighton nominee Daniel Wiebe for a 41-yard touchdown to make it 7-1. University of Saskatchewan Huskies quarterback Jake Farrell (5) throws against the Queen’s University Gaels during the first half. (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)Kubongo’s punt return TD was the only other scoring in the half as both defences kept the offences off the board.Queen’s came out with a purpose in the third quarter, marching 87 yards on seven plays as Gael’s receiver Cedric Smith hauled in a 17-yard TD pass from Alex Vreeken to make it 16-8.The Huskies would get a safety to make it 18-8 going into the final quarter.Queen’s kicker Tyler Mullen hit a 13-yard field goal to make it 16-11, but that’s as close as they would get.Kicker Lukas Scott nailed a 44-yard field goal midway through the final frame and then hit from 26 yards to make it 22-11 with just three minutes to go in the game.Huskies returner Daniel Kubongo (15) returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)From there the Huskies were able to run out the clock as running back Ryker Frank barged his way to a couple of first downs to seal the win.“We knew Queeen’s had a great team,” said Farrell. “We knew it was going to be a gritty game and I was just thankful we have a defence that was able to get us the ball back.”Gaels head coach Steve Snyder said the difference in the game was execution.“Credit to Saskatchewan, they’re certainly a fantastic team and well deserveding of the victory,” Snyder said.“I think we could have executed a little bit better … at times we were able to get them and we left a lot on the field as well and I think that was a big difference.”WATCH | Huskies are headed to the Vanier Cup:University of Saskatchewan Huskies are headed to the Vanier CupThe University of Saskatchewan Huskies relied on their defence and special teams to down the Queen’s Golden Gaels 22-11 in the Mitchell Bowl in Saskatoon. Flory said they paid close attention to special teams preparing for the game.“We didn’t know how, we didn’t know when, but Daniel, I mean he’s had a couple long returns called backand he’s such a great returner,” Flory said, adding everyone else on the field had to do their job too.Flory said the defence continues to be the backbone of the team.“The defence was lights out,” he said.Huskies linebacker Seth Hundeby (4) has a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)Fifth-year Huskie linebacker Seth Hundeby was named defensive player of the game, recording a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.“I’m so excited to keep wearing this jersey for as long as I can,” Hundeby said.“I’ve got more use of it and then it will go on the next (player) so I’m really excited to use it all up.”The Huskies will now play for the Vanier Cup next Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina where they will meet the Montreal Carabins.The Carabins defeated the St. Mary’s Huskies 49-19 in the Uteck Bowl.WATCH | Watch the Mitchell Bowl :Mitchell Bowl: University of Saskatchewan Huskies vs. Queen’s GaelsWatch the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the Queen’s University Gaels go head-to-head in the Mitchell Bowl from Griffiths Stadium on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan with a trip to the prestigious Vanier Cup on the line.ABOUT THE AUTHORScott Larson works for CBC News in Saskatoon. scott.larson@cbc.ca
Huskies defence smothers Queen’s, special teams scores TD in 22-11 Mitchell Bowl win
