Wray Morrison
Huskies ground Bisons

Saskatchewan returns to the Hardy Cup against T-Birds

Nov 5, 2022 | 7:12 PM

The Saskatchewan Huskies proved that they can diversify and adapt when necessary. The Huskies rolled over the Manitoba Bisons 37-9 in unconventional fashion on Saturday afternoon in the Hardy Cup semi-final at Griffiths Stadium.

With winds from the north at 40 kilometres an hour, and steady snow, the Huskies, for the first time this season, had more rushing yards than passing yards to win a football game. Back up quarterback Ethan Watson had over 100 yards in rushing and scored two touchdowns. Watson’s first major was a one yard run in the first quarter to give Saskatchewan a 7-3 lead. Late in the fourth quarter, with the score 30-9, the 3rd year quarterback from Calgary raced 56 yards to the end zone on a third and one play to put the game out of reach.

Saskatchewan’s offensive line was impressive in the tough conditions. Watson said that when the Huskies saw the forecast, there was a mid-week change in the game plan. “Credit to our coaches and players for adapting”, said Watson. “The last couple of days have been a little hectic with the preparation process. “I think we did a great job. Our o-line was super tough. We knew it was going to be won or lost in the trenches.”

The Huskies had 264 yards in rushing. 2nd year running back Ryker Frank 93 yards on the ground. Huskies’ fifth year quarterback and Canada West all-star, Mason Nyhus, had 153 yards in passing with one touchdown toss to Rhett Vavra and one interception.

Manitoba was dealing with a number of injuries. One of which forced 5th year quarterback Des Catelier to handle the punting duties. Saskatchewan’s defense was tenacious with four sacks. Canada West all-star Charlie Ringland had three interceptions for the home team. “It seemed like the ball just kept coming my way”, said Ringland. “The coaches put me in the right spots with the right calls.”

The Huskies had the conference’s best defense in the regular season allowing just 14.8 points per game. Ringland didn’t seem surprised to see his team trim that to 9 for Saturday’s playoff game. “I think our best is yet to come. We’ve been playing together for a long time now.”

The Huskies, who now enjoy a 17 game home win streak, will now make a fourth straight appearance in the Hardy Cup against the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday, November 12th at Griffiths Stadium. The Thunderbirds defeated the Regina Rams 28-14 in Saturday’s other semi-final.

The Huskies split two regular season games against the Thunderbirds this season. Saskatchewan beat UBC 29-10 at Griffiths Stadium on September 9th. On October 22nd, the Thunderbirds beat the Huskies 35-29 in Vancouver.

wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @wraymorrison

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