Championship Weekend: Braves vs Raw Dawgs

Hey everyone, we’ve made it to championship weekend! It’s been a thrilling season in the Competitive division, and after a wild playoff stretch, we’re down to just two teams standing. This Sunday, August 24th, at 5:00pm on Field 1 at Complexe CN, the Braves and the Raw Dawgs will battle for the championship.

Both teams took very different paths to get here, but each left no doubt that they deserve their shot at the title. Before we preview the finals matchup, let’s see how both squads arrived at this point.

Raw Dawgs – #NR (Semifinals)

Game Info: Tuesday, Aug 19, 7:15pm @ Complexe CN (Field 1)
Result: Raw Dawgs 40 – #NR 25

The Raw Dawgs have been one of the most dangerous offensive units this entire postseason, and they carried that identity into the semifinal. Facing a #NR squad fresh off a shocking quarterfinal upset over top-seeded Flag Moi L’Sac, Raw Dawgs knew they couldn’t let the underdogs hang around.

Jordan Panetta was efficient and accurate only being asked to throw 17 times and completing 13 passes for 194 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was supported by Benjamin McMahon, who came in to throw a touchdown of his own while also scoring twice as a receiver. Daniel Mancini stretched the field with a 111-yard, 1-TD performance on just 4 catches, while Khalil Kerr was again the go-to guy with 6 receptions for 81 yards and 2 scores. When you add in the versatility of Anthony Brisebois, Adam Rosen and Bailey Finkelberg, it’s clear this offense doesn’t run out of weapons.

On defense, Raw Dawgs did enough to slow down the explosive duo of Myles Gibbon and Sanders Armand. Mancini came up with a key interception, while Gibbon still managed 227 yards and 4 TDs, with Armand hauling in 9 catches for 75 yards and 2 scores, but Raw Dawgs’ ability to answer every punch with one of their own made the difference.

Braves – MTL MAGIC (Semifinals)

Game Info: Tuesday, Aug 19, 10:15pm @ Complexe CN (Field 1)
Result: Braves 40 – MTL MAGIC 34

This one was a dogfight. Braves jumped out early with back-to-back touchdowns from Jean-Daniel Chevalier, who also came up with an interception to set the tone. But MAGIC answered right away with AJ Gomes and Jeanslee Alexis keeping them in it, and by halftime it was 22–16 Braves in a game that felt like it could go either way.

The second half was all about momentum swings. A Maheu interception gave MAGIC a chance to steal control, but Braves’ defense responded with a huge sack from Isiah Allard and an interception by James Drysdale. That set up a touchdown to Emile Chateauvert, only for MAGIC to fire back with big-play touchdowns from Alexis and Gomes on a broken play corner route. Every time Braves stretched the lead, MAGIC closed the gap.

In the end, though, Braves did what they do and closed the game with a 22-yard strike from Maheu to Drysdale that sealed a 40–34 win. Leaving only time for 2 plays for MTL Magic they used up all the clock on a 18-yard run by Jeanslee opting out of putting the ball up in the end zone for a miracle. Simple just giving your guys a chance. Braves never broke, and once again proved they’re at their best when the pressure’s highest.

A Preview Written in August

Before we break down Sunday’s championship, let’s rewind to August 3rd — the only time Braves and Raw Dawgs met during the regular season. And what a game it was.

In what felt like a teaser, both teams went shot-for-shot until Raw Dawgs narrowly escaped with a 39–38 win. Both quarterbacks were electric. Panetta went 21 of 29 for 314 yards and 6 touchdowns, with Nick Richard scoring 4 TDs and Rosen exploding for 127 yards. Meanwhile, Maheu was nearly perfect himself, completing 24 of 28 for 300 yards and 6 touchdowns, as Chateauvert (4 TDs) and Drysdale (2 TDs) led the way.

The game came down to the smallest margins — a convert here, a defensive stop there — and ultimately Raw Dawgs held on by a single point. The fact that this showdown came late in the season, just weeks before the final, makes Sunday’s matchup feel like the natural sequel. We only got one taste of this clash.

Finals Preview: Raw Dawgs vs Braves

Raw Dawgs’ Attack

The Dawgs’ offense has been nothing short of dominant. With Panetta running the show, they spread the field, attack mismatches, and finish drives. Mancini’s speed, Kerr’s reliability, Rosen’s versatility, and McMahon’s dual impact make this receiving group tough to cover. They’ve scored 40+ in both playoff games, and if they get rolling early, it could spell trouble for Braves.

Braves’ Championship DNA

For Braves, it’s all about consistency, chemistry, and clutch plays. Maheu has been here countless times, and his ability to stay calm under pressure is unmatched. Drysdale have been elite all season, while Pierrecin and Chateauvert bring versatility and red-zone finishing ability. On defense, Braves might bend, but their knack for forcing timely turnovers is what makes them so dangerous. And when the game comes down to the wire — which it mostly likely will, the Braves simply don’t panic.

Prediction

The first meeting gave us a one-point win. There’s no reason to expect anything different in the championship. I expect both teams to be offensive dominant and the team with the lone defensive stand to win. Also finishing drives with conversions will be big.

If Raw Dawgs can build an early lead, they have the firepower to keep Braves at arm’s length. But if it comes down to one final possession — history says Braves know how to win those games.

Prediction: Braves 38 – Raw Dawgs 42

Competitive Showdown