Embracing Canadian game, Texas-born Rooker leads UBC's hunt for Vanier Cup vs. Montreal

In many ways, things have had to come together perfectly for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds to return to the Vanier Cup championship game. 

Earning their berth in the final with a 47-17 win over St. Francis Xavier University in the Mitchell Bowl last weekend, the signature moment of the team's postseason run to date came a week prior in the Hardy Cup Final where they captured the Canada West banner.

With no time left on the clock, quarterback Garrett Rooker connected with Sam Davenport on a 13-yard pass to secure UBC a 28-27 win over the University of Alberta Golden Bears and the conference title in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at Thunderbird Stadium.

GARRETT ROOKER ARE YOU KIDDING ME <br><br>THE GAME TYING TD WITH ZEROES ON THE CLOCK!!!<br><br>MADNESS AT THUNDERBIRD STADIUM <a href="https://t.co/6IdSZvLhLr">pic.twitter.com/6IdSZvLhLr</a>

The Texas-born quarterback Rooker and former Simon Fraser University receiver Davenport – who transferred to UBC after the Burnaby, B.C. school axed their NCAA DII program – have been the dual engine of the team's offence throughout their march to the national championship game.

"I remember one of the player-led sessions in the summer, it was clear [Davenport] would help us a lot. We built chemistry throughout training camp and the regular season, and even though he got injured for a bit, we had a lot of depth," Rooker said.

"We've found a way to get healthy and have everyone back for the playoffs, and Sam has been able to hit another level and has done an unbelievable job."

On Saturday, the duo headline the Thunderbird's efforts at the 58th Vanier Cup in Kingston, Ont. It's UBC's first trip to the final since 2015, and features a matchup with the Université de