Iron Mask survive scare from Argonautes to stay perfect in French D1 Elite

The undefeated Cannes Iron Mask (3–0) escaped Aix-en-Provence with a hard-fought 20–15 victory over the winless but spirited Aix-en-Provence Argonautes (0–2–1), who pushed the French D1 Elite favorites to the brink in a tense, back-and-forth contest.

Argonautes stun with early intensity
Aix-en-Provence came out with relentless energy, as defensive back Isiah Loera intercepted Cannes quarterback Conor Miller and returned it for a touchdown on the opening drive. Loera remained disruptive throughout the first half, making a crucial tackle to prevent another Iron Mask score, while the offense added a field goal to build a surprising 9–0 lead. The Argonautes played with physicality and confidence that belied their winless record.

Julien Vast, Cannes respond when it matters
Facing a 9-point deficit, Cannes finally found rhythm just before halftime with Miller connecting with playmaker Julien Vast for a long touchdown. Vast struck again in the second half, scoring another touchdown to give Cannes its first lead at 14–9. Though Aix-en-Provence answered immediately with a drive capped by an Antoni Giglio touchdown to retake the lead, Vast and the Iron Mask responded instantly, scoring the decisive touchdown just three plays later.

Despite a valiant effort that included a critical fourth-down conversion and strong defensive stands, the Argonautes’ final drive ended with an interception by Gabriel Fernandez, sealing the narrow victory for Cannes. The Iron Mask remain perfect, but were given their toughest test of the young season by a determined Aix-en-Provence squad that proved far more competitive than their record suggests.

Source: Fédération Française de Football Américain