France: Ours outlast Centaures in high-scoring D1 Elite shootout

The Toulouse Ours (1–2) overcame the Grenoble Centaures (0–2–1) in a 42–23 offensive showcase, using a series of explosive plays and a crucial late defensive stand to secure an important French D1 Elite home victory and climb back to .500 on the season.

Big plays define first half
After an early Grenoble field goal, Toulouse running back Anthony Deschamps answered with a rushing touchdown to give the Ours a lead they would not relinquish. The game saw a lengthy delay due to an injury to Jack O’Dwyer, but Toulouse reignited the crowd before halftime with two massive touchdowns: an 82-yard score from Pierre Hilderald and a 90-yard run by Louis Salvagnac. Grenoble stayed within reach thanks to a touchdown from Mathéo Diarra, but trailed 21–10 at the break.

Late turnovers seal the win
The second half remained tight, with Grenoble closing the gap to just five points late in the fourth quarter. With two minutes remaining and the Centaures driving, the Toulouse defense delivered the decisive play, forcing and recovering a fumble from Grenoble quarterback Nathan Valencia. Anthony Deschamps scored again to extend the lead, and on the ensuing drive, Dorian Longhini secured the victory with another defensive takeaway.

The win provides a major confidence boost for Toulouse, whose high-powered offense proved capable of striking from anywhere on the field. For Grenoble, the narrow loss—their fourth without a win—highlights their continued growth but also the need to finish close games against D1 Elite competition.

Source: Fédération Française de Football Américain