Huskies QB Mason Nyhus talks with HuskieFAN.

MN: Thanks Wray. It felt good being recognized. A lot of effort that was put in over the week to prepare for UBC. They are a good football team. It was a team win from top to bottom, and I thought we played very connected football which was awesome to see.

WM: What worked in week two against UBC that wasn’t as evident in the season opener against Calgary? (The Dinos defeated the Huskies 34-20 on September 25th, in week one of the Canada West season.)

MN: I think we just got back to what makes us good which includes being efficient in the pass game, running the ball often, and getting the ball to our playmakers in space. I think Coach Flory put together a really good plan which focused on clean surfaces in the run and pass game which allowed our guys to play fast.

WM: It’s been great to see Canada West Football return. How did you stay engaged during the pandemic, with no 2020 season?

MN: We, as a QB room, had weekly meetings throughout the COVID year to stay engaged in film, the playbook, and all things football. It was also super helpful just seeing your friends and teammates who you are used to seeing everyday.

WM: Let’s talk about some players that don’t always get enough credit with the fans..the offensive line. It must be nice to have returnees such as Nick Summach, Noah Zerr and Connor Berglof back for the 2021 season.

MN: Our O-line has been fantastic so far in 2021, especially in the pass game. They have kept me clean through the first two weeks, and are a big reason we were able to have so much success in Vancouver. That group is led by Nick, Noah, and Connor, who are obviously fantastic football players, but also great leaders who play with an edge. Those three guys are pillars to what we do on offense and they have established our team identity of being tough and physical.

WM: Offensive weapons such as Colton Klassen, Adam Machart and Sam Baker are among the best in the league. Is it a challenge to distribute the football equally to so many great players?

MN: I wouldn’t say it is a challenge, but it allows us to be creative with the offense knowing we have great players in our skill positions across the board. That said, all of our guys are great teammates and do not care about their target share or involvement as long as we win the football game. I also have to mention that along with Klassen, Baker and Machart, we have dynamic weapons with guys like Josh Ewanchyna and Daniel Perry who make big plays when the ball is in their hands.

WM: Huskies head coach Scott Flory often talks about all three phases of the team working in unison. Give us your take on how the offense can best help the defense and special teams.

MN: Connected football is something we as a team strive to have every game. Our job as an offense is to have long drives to have our defense get rested as well as flipping the field with those drives to put up points or pin the opposing offense deep. A great example of this is from our game in BC. The defense made a big stop on our 1 yard line, our offense had a big chunk play of 45 yards then we stalled. Punter David Solie made a fantastic play with his legs to extend the drive, and then we finished in the end zone. That is what connected football is all about, and we want to be more effective at it each game.

WM: What has to be improved upon, or at least maintained offensively, for this team to win the Hardy Cup in 2021?

MN: We know each game will be a battle in the Canada West. On offense, we simply need to be able to execute what Scott Flory puts together for a game plan and be able to have long drives that finish with points. I believe we have been great with protecting the football through the first 2 weeks which we have to continue. Ultimately, we have the players and coaches to go as far as we want to go, it will come down to commitment, execution, and the small things you can control each day throughout the next 2 months.

WM: Is there a final message you have to the Huskie football supporters out there?

MN: I appreciate all the community support we get in Saskatoon and all the alumni support we get from our Huskie Football family. Nothing beats playing in front of a packed Griffiths Stadium and it is truly the best place to play in the conference. We hope to see all of our fans out at Griffiths when we take on Alberta this Saturday.

by Wray Morrison

Huskies QB Mason Nyhus talks with HuskieFAN.

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