Two North Bay football players will return to their hometown turf on this weekend as the Sault College Cougars take on the Ottawa Sooners in the ‘Battle in the Bay’ exhibition game at Mike O’Shea Field. Former West Ferris Trojans standout Erron Beachey and former Algonquin Secondaire Barons player Mathieu Berube are both on the Cougars roster for the contest, which marks the team’s first action of the 2026 Canadian Junior Football League season. The matchup serves as a prelude to Sault College’s second CJFL season, following a historic 2025 campaign that saw the program reach the Ontario Football Conference playoffs in its inaugural year. Preparation for regular season Sault College began training camp on July 31, and the exhibition contest will provide the first opportunity for the team to test its progress in a live setting. Collaborative effort The game represents a partnership among Sault College, the Ottawa Sooners and the Algonquin Secondary Barons, who call Mike O’Shea Field home. It marks the first time the Cougars and Sooners will meet at a neutral site. “This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase CJFL football in the North Bay community, increase awareness of the league, and provide valuable game experience for our young roster as we continue to develop and prepare our student-athletes for the upcoming season,” said Cougars Head Coach Paul Orazietti in a news release. Facing a historic program While the matchup is designated as an exhibition, Orazietti said the Cougars are not underestimating their opponent. “We know North Bay is a great football community, and we’re looking forward to putting our exciting brand of OFC/CJFL football on display in the city,” said Orazietti. “As a new college in this league, we’re also looking forward to promoting post-secondary football opportunities at our college.” Orazietti said historically Ottawa Sooners represent one of the best CJFL programs in Ontario. North Bay game details “This event represents a great collaborative partnership … bringing together organizations committed to growing the game of football across northern Ontario,” said Orazietti. Kickoff for the ‘Battle in the Bay’ exhibition is set for 2 p.m. on Aug. 8. Tickets will be available for $10 at the gate on game day. Proceeds from the event will support Sault College Football, the Ottawa Sooners, and the Algonquin Secondary Barons football program. The Cougars officially open their 2026-27 CJFL regular season on Aug. 15 with a road game against the Hamilton Hurricanes in Burlington, Ont. The home opener follows on Aug. 22 when Sault College welcomes the Quinte Riptides to Superior Heights Field in Sault Ste. Marie.
