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The Cougars face the Ottawa Sooners in a preseason game for their second season in the CJFL (Photo: Sault College Cougars)
The Cougars face the Ottawa Sooners in a preseason game for their second season in the CJFL (Photo: Sault College Cougars)
Posted: Jul 20, 2026

Cougars kick off 2026 Football season with exhibition game in North Bay

Thiago Neuenschwander
tneuenschwan@saultcollege.ca

Following an exciting inaugural season in 2025, which saw the Sault College Cougars reach the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) playoffs of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), the team is ready to take the next step in 2026.
 
The Cougars will return to action on August 8 for their first game of the new season, travelling to North Bay to face the Ottawa Sooners. The "Battle in the Bay" will be an exhibition matchup at Mike O'Shea Field, home of the Algonquin Secondary Barons.
 
The game will serve as an important preparation opportunity ahead of the 2026-27 CJFL regular season, which officially begins for the Cougars on August 15, when they visit the Hamilton Hurricanes in Burlington, ON. Sault College's home opener is scheduled for August 22, when the Cougars welcome the Quinte Riptides to Superior Heights Field in Sault Ste. Marie.
 
Sault College will begin its training camp on July 31, and the exhibition game against the Sooners will provide the first opportunity to showcase the progress made during preseason preparations.
 
"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.
 
"We are excited to kick off our 2026 football season with an exhibition game against the Ottawa Sooners in North Bay. This event represents a great collaborative partnership between Sault College, the Ottawa Sooners, and the Algonquin Secondary Barons, bringing together organizations committed to growing the game of football across Northern Ontario," added Orazietti.
 
Tickets for the Battle in the Bay exhibition match will be available for $10 at the gate on game day. The event will also serve as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the three programs involved in organizing the game.
 
Event Summary
 
Battle in the Bay (Exhibition Match)
Sault College Cougars vs. Ottawa Sooners
Location: Mike O'Shea Field (Omishl Sportsplex), North Bay, ON
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10 (Available at the gate on game day)