Photos courtesy of James Hajjar

This Sunday Ontario will battle Quebec in the Canada Cup final in Quebec.

Here's how they got here:

With a trip to the gold medal game on the line, defending champion Ontario edged Alberta 20-18 in a come from behind victory in the first semi-final on Thursday July 16 at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's Alphonse-Desjardins Stadium.

The first quarter was a feeling out process for both teams who were unable to put anything together offensively.

That would change in a hurry as Alberta's defence manufactured the first opportunity, bringing pressure to Ontario quarterback Connor Carusello, recovering an Ontario fumble.

Taking over at the Ontario 12-yard line, a Brandt Burns 11-yard run gave Alberta a 1st and goal at the 1-yard line. The wild rose province broke the deadlock as quarterback Desmond Catellier called his own number, making the score 7-0.

Alberta's defence continued to cause Ontario problems as linebacker Noah McDonough stepped in front of an Ontario pass, returning it to the 39-yard line. Penalties pushed Alberta's starting field position to the 14.  Alberta took full advantage as Desmond Catellier threw a tight spiral to Jacob Izquierdo in the end zone to widen the lead 14-0.

Ontario and Alberta traded field goals to make the score at halftime 17-3.

Ontario used a defensive turnover of their own to swing the momentum in their corner. While in wildcat with a receiver under centre, Alberta had difficulty with the exchange putting the ball on the ground. Ontario pounced on the fumble, taking over at their opponent's 50-yard line.

Ontario capitalized on the opportunity with a 2-yard Dominic Gandalfino rushing touchdown to make the score 17-10.

After holding Alberta to a 2-and-out, Ontario chipped the Alberta lead to four with a long 41-yard Gabriel Siemieniec field goal, making the score 17-14 after three quarters.

The score would stay unchanged until the last minute of the game. Ontario got into scoring range as quarterback Connor Carusello connected with Gordon Lam on a 39-yard strike to set-up first and goal at the 9.  With 43 seconds to play, Ontario took the lead on a broken play as quarterback Connor Carusello dropped the snap, regrouped and found receiver Gordan Lam in the end zone to give the defending champions a 20-17 lead.

With only 37 seconds on the clock, Alberta refused to quit. Starting the drive at their own 37-yard line, they drove down to the Ontario 38. With three seconds on the clock, kicker Desmond Catellier's (also Alberta's quarterback) field goal attempt missed the mark, ending the comeback as time ran out.

Both sides face the same fate as they did a year ago on day three as Ontario will play in the gold medal game while Alberta will play for bronze. The gold medal game takes place on Sunday July 19 at 7 P.M.

Quebec-Blue punched their ticket to the gold medal game after defeating Saskatchewan 17-10 in Thursday's second semi-final at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's Alphonse-Desjardins Stadium.

Quebec got off to a hot start, scoring on the game's opening possession as Mathieu Blanchard nailed a 15-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Quebec's defence began to flex its muscle as defensive back Denver Coursol made a terrific diving interception at Sask's 40-yard line. The host province took full advantage following a little trickery, converting on a 3rd down fake field goal run to give them a fresh set of downs. Seizing the momentum quarterback Ezechiel Tieide connected with Kevin Mital on a 12-yard touchdown pass to widen the Quebec lead to 10.

Blanchette added a single on a missed field goal to give Quebec an 11 point lead heading into halftime.

To start the second half, a 47-yard Kyle Borsa run put Sask in good position to score on their opponent's 5-yard line. Backed up on their goal line, Quebec's defence flexed its muscle once again as Antoine Lemire stepped in front of a Mason Nyhus pass stopping the Saskatchewan drive and momentum dead in its tracks.

Not to be outdone, Saskatchewan's defence stood strong following the turnover, forcing third down and 23. First Ryder Varga stuffed out Quebec's first down rush while on second down Tristen Moreau brought down Quebec's quarterback in the backfield. Quebec conceded the safety to put Saskatchewan on the board 11-2.

Seizing momentum from their defensive stand, a drive that began at their own 35-yard line culminated with a 1-yard Joshua Ewanchyna touchdown run followed by a successful 2-point conversion to make the score 11-10 heading into the final quarter.

Mathieu Blanchette added his second and third field goals of the night to make the final score 14-10.