A matchup many hope for at the start of a new season, but one that always seems too unrealistic considering they’ve only met once prior to Saturday afternoon. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies get set to battle the University of Regina Rams in an all-Saskatchewan battle for the Hardy Cup, and it was a classic. After a slow first quarter, Regina quickly shifted gears to erase a 13-point deficit and claw their way to a 19-14 victory to become the first ever 3-and-5 team to win the Hardy Cup.
FULL SUMMARY BELOW…..
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The opening kickoff from Regina was deep enough for Ryker Frank to conceive the rouge giving Regina an early 1-0 lead. Anton Amundrud would march his offence down the field that included a great pass to Dawson Lenna for 18-yards to enter the red zone. Shortly after now at the Regina 21-yard line, Amundrud would connect with Daniel Wiebe for a beautiful 13-yard pass to complete the opening drive with a 7-1 lead. Saskatchewan continued their early pressure with Reese Kack forcing a Regina turnover recovered by the Huskies. Saskatchewan wouldn’t be successful in adding to their early lead, however the Huskies continued to apply the pressure defensively causing Rams quarterback Noah Pelletier to fumble the snap which was quickly recovered by Carter McLean to end a dominant first quarter by the Huskies.
After the turnover, Saskatchewan began their drive at the Regina 53-yard line with Anton Amundrud connecting with his top receiver once again for a 7-yard touchdown making it a 14-1 Huskie lead. Regina wouldn’t get far in their next possession after the Huskie major having to settle for an Issac Wegner field goal from 34-yards out cutting the Huskies lead to 10, now 14-4. On the next drive for Saskatchewan, the Rams would show off why they’re the top defence in the conference as Jackson Sombach picked off Anton Amundrud and take it back 34-yards to the Huskies 16-yard line. Noah Pelletier would later connect with Emmett Steadman for Regina’s first major of the afternoon to make it a 14-11 Saskatchewan lead. Both teams would trade chances in the final five minutes of the second quarter before Lukas Scott had a chance to end the half with a 49-yard field goal attempt falling wide left. Although missing an attempt to add to their lead, the Huskies entered the half leading 14-11.
Regina started off the third quarter rocky, fumbling the opening kickoff but quickly recovering before feeling the effects of the Huskie defence. Regina wouldn’t get too far on their first possession but their defence would be the story of the second half and show Saskatchewan and everyone in attendance why they’re the top defence in the conference. The turning point of the game came late in the third quarter when Carson Sombach picked off Anton Amundrud for a pick-six and giving Regina their first and only lead of the afternoon at 18-14, and the kickoff for Regina after sailed through the end zone to pick up a single, now 19-14.
Saskatchewan’s offence would have its chances in the fourth quarter but struggled all afternoon trying to establish their run game with Ryker Frank. Regina’s defence helped hold their 19-14 lead until the final buzzer securring the 87th Hardy Cup as the first team ever with a 3-and-5 record to win the title. Regina’s season will continue next Saturday in the Queen City as they’ll welcome Laval in the Mitchell Bowl with a chance to win and advance to the Vanier Cup.
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Media Scrum with Huskies Head Coach Scott Flory:
Media Scrum with Rams Head Coach Mark McConkey:
GAME STATS – TEAM
First Downs: REG 19 – SSK 19
Third Down Efficiency: REG 33% (1 for 3) – SSK 75% (3 of 4)
Total Yards: REG 318 – SSK 304
Net Rushing: REG 90 – SSK 81
GAME STATS
HUSKIES QUARTERBACKS:
Anton Amundrud (29-for-43, 230 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 4 Interception)
HUSKIE RECIEVING:
Daniel Wiebe (8 Targets, 60 Yards, 2 Touchdowns)
Jesse Kuntz (6 Targets, 46 Yards)
Rhett Vavra (5 Targets, 43 Yards)
HUSKIE RUSHING:
Ryker Frank (14 Attempts for 55 Yards)
