1997 Vanier Cup Game Recap

1997 – UBC 39, Ottawa 23

UBC running back Mark Nohra showed everyone why he was selected the best football player in the country in 1997 as the Thunderbirds won their third Vanier Cup in five attempts, 39-23, at SkyDome. Nohra, who missed two previous playoff games with a knee injury, proved he was ready to play by rushing for 52 yards on 10 carries in the first quarter. His strong performance earned him the Bruce Coulter Award for offensive player of the game, compiling 178 yards on 30 carries and one touchdown.

UBC kept their opponents out of sync with a great mixture of rushing and passing. Quarterback Shawn Olson starred in his Vanier Cup debut, throwing for 170 yards and scampering into the end zone on a one-yard run.

The UBC defence was impressive as well, holding their opponents to seven points through three quarters, and forcing one interception and five fumbles. Leading the charge on defence was linebacker Stewart Scherck, who had one quarterback sack, three tackles and assisted on two other tackles. For his efforts, Scherck was named the Ted Morris Trophy winner for Vanier Cup Most Valuable Player.