Wray Morrison
Huskies at Golden Bears

Following a thrilling win over the Rams, the Huskies focus on Alberta.

Sep 21, 2022 | 4:31 PM

Saturday, October 15th! Many football fans have circled that date on the calendar. The 2022 re-match between the Regina Rams and Saskatchewan Huskies happens at 1pm at Griffiths Stadium. Even though several days have passed, supporters in both cities are still buzzing about last Friday’s Huskies’ 11-10 win over the Regina Rams at Mosaic Stadium.

Fifth year kicker David Solie admitted that his 32 yard field goal, with 2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, was a career highlight. “I can’t say I have”, (kicked a bigger career field goal) said Solie. “Saskatchewan rival. You’re playing a team you want to beat.”

In the first two games of the season, Solie only had two field goal attempts. Last Friday, Solie was successful in 3 of his 4 field goal opportunities. Under special teams coach Jerry Friesen, field goal attempts have been a point of emphasis this season. “In previous years, we haven’t put as much work in to field goal stuff”, said Solie. “Coach Friesen has emphasized it a lot this year.”

While some fans can’t wait for the second Rams/Huskies matchup of the season, Saskatchewan is focusing on September 23rd. The 3 and 0 Huskies visit the 2 and 1 Alberta Golden Bears this Friday. Like the U of S, Alberta defeated its provincial rival in week three…a 34-23 win over the Calgary Dinos. “(Alberta) is very physical, a lot like the Rams”, said Huskie running back Ryker Frank. “They’re very good at what they do, but we have some game plans to counter.”

Alberta has put up 34 points in each of its last two games. Huskies head coach Scott Flory described the Bears’ offense as “big strike, big play.” Alberta first year quarterback Eli Hetlinger had 348 yards in passing and two touchdowns against the Dinos. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said Flory. “They also run the ball real well. We have to make sure we are gap sound. Discipline (defensively) up front is going to be really big for us Friday night.”

An injury to Saskatchewan defensive lineman Nathan Jule gave 5th year Huskie, Carson Bell an elevated role last Friday in Regina. He more than delivered from the end position. Bell batted down a Noah Pelletier pass in the win against the Rams, while also registering a tackle for a loss in a huge fourth quarter. Bell’s assessment of the Golden Bears is very similar to that of head coach Scott Flory’s. “They have a young quarterback, and they pull a lot”, said Bell. “Hopefully, we can stop that.”

Friday’s Huskies/Bears game, from Foote Field in Edmonton, starts at 7pm on the HuskieFAN app and HuskieFAN.ca. The game can also be heard on 900 CKBI, 1050 CJNB and Beach Radio 750.

wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @wraymorrison

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