Huskies go coastal this weekend
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The Huskies visit UBC in their only meeting of the 2024 football season on Friday night at Vancouver’s Thunderbird Stadium. While there are similarities between the schools, there are also differences. Both teams have 1-2 records, however the Huskie offense exploded for 44 points in a double overtime, four-point, win over Calgary in week three, while UBC put up just 14 points in a two-point win over Regina.
Following losses to Manitoba and Regina to open the season, Saskatchewan’s ground game was formidable against the Dinos last Friday at Griffiths Stadium. Running back Ryker Frank, who was named the Canada West offensive player of the week, had 224 of the 291 rushing yards for the home team. “He (Ryker) had a great night, the O-line had a great night”, said head coach Scott Flory. “It was a much better game on our end. We drove the field, there’s effort, there’s determination!” (Saskatchewan had 92 yards in rushing in week one against the Bisons and 89 yards on the ground in week two against the Rams.)
On the defensive side of the ball, younger players are evolving according to Flory. Chaz Walker, a first-year defensive lineman, registered the Huskies’ first sack of the season in the 44-40 win over the Dinos. First-year defensive back Taz Smith-Windsor is improving in the coverage game. While Flory is happy with the progress, he admits that there is room for improvement. “We’ve had one sack in three games”, he said. “We still have to eliminate big plays on defense.” One of Calgary’s touchdowns came on a 60-yard pass and run play in the 2nd quarter.
Points have been tough to come by for last year’s Hardy Cup champions. The Thunderbirds pulled out a 14-12 win over Regina last weekend. Last season, UBC averaged over 33 points per game. This season they are putting up fewer than 18. When asked for his assessment of this week’s opponent Flory said “I see an athletic team. They are coming into their own. We have to go in there with the mentality we are just getting better each and every play.”
