Courtesy: Liam Richards/Electric Umbrella/Huskie Athletics
homecoming win

An overtime thriller

Sep 14, 2024 | 12:25 AM

History repeats itself on occasion. In 2009, the last time the Huskies played the Dinos in a home opener at Griffiths Stadium, the game went to overtime with Saskatchewan pulling out a 34-33 win. On Friday the Huskies prevailed in extra time again, defeating Calgary 44-40 in front of over 8,000 fans at Griffiths Stadium.

The Huskies, who had trouble establishing an early run game in the first two contests of the season, rode veteran running back Ryker Frank to victory. The Regina product had 224 yards in rushing and three touchdowns. “It feels great”, he said. “It was a battle. I’m super proud of the o-line. They were working their a**** off tonight.”

Saskatchewan’s offensive line, which allowed four sacks last week against Regina, turned in its best performance of the season. The Huskies had over 37 minutes of possession time. “The O line did a great job”, said Huskie head coach Scott Flory. “We worked on stuff all week. Our big boys up front were moving people!”

The Dinos, who entered the game with a 1-1 record, generated big plays to keep the game close. Connor Jones blocked a Huskie punt then scored on a 30-yard return early in the game. In the second quarter, Calgary pivot Dom Britton hit Isiah Woodley on a 61-yard pass and run play for a 15-10 lead.

Huskie quarterback Anton Amundrud stayed steady. In the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 37, the second-year starter engineered a 9 play, 59-yard drive that ended in a Frank four-yard touchdown. Amundrud finished the night with 25 completions for 286 yards and one interception.

Calgary made the most of a late possession as quarterback Dom Britton connected with his brother, Ben, on a 53-yard play that put the ball on the Saskatchewan 7 with three minutes remaining. The drive was capped off by a one-yard run by Tyson Rowe, tying the game at 34.

Both teams kicked field goals in the first overtime possession. Veteran kicker Vince Triumbari booted a 42-yard field goal on the Dinos’ second overtime drive to make the score 40-37.

The Huskies had the ball for the final possession of the game and made the most of it. Amundrud hit running back Kody Gutek for a couple of key catches and Frank had four carries in the final drive to help get the ball down to the three-yard line. From there first year quarterback Jake Farrell handed the ball to first year running back Javin Boynton for the win. “It was just a great football game”, said Flory. I was just really happy that our guys made the plays at the end to finish. We did what we had to do.”

The Huskies, now 1 and 2 on the season, visit the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday, September 20th at 7:00 PM. Rich Gabruch and Wray Morrison will have the play-by-play on CJVR-FM and on the HuskieFAN app, starting with the Saskatoon Minor Football Huskie Pre-Game Show at 6:45 PM.

wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

X: @wraymorrison

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