Game Notes

The University of Regina Rams opened up their 2008 season with a disappointing 25-12 loss to the Manitoba Bisons, the defending Vanier Cup champions. They'll look to put a mark in the win column on Saturday against the visiting Saskatchewan Huskies, who are coming off of a season-opening 25-0 shutout over the Calgary Dinos.

The Bisons were able to keep the Rams out of the end zone last Saturday, holding the Rams to three field goals, a safety, and a single. The Rams' defence allowed just one touchdown, but a barrage of Scott Dixon field goals proved to be the difference. Just like he did during the first game of the 2007 season, Dixon converted all six of his field goal attempts, including a lengthy 52-yarder early in the third quarter.

Rams quarterback Teale Orban's streak of 22 consecutive Canada West games with at least one touchdown pass was broken. Prior to last Saturday, the last time Orban hadn't thrown for a major in a regular season contest was on Oct. 30, 2004 against Saskatchewan.

With wide receiver Jordan Sisco unavailable on Saturday, the Rams started John Kanaroski and Mark McConkey at wide out. McConkey, who redshirted last season, registered five catches for 61 yards in his first CIS start. Fourth-year fullback Sheldon Tillotson also had five catches for the Rams, while Chad Goldie had four catches for a team-high 65 yards. Fifth-year running back Luke Derkson took the handoffs for the Rams on Saturday, rushing for 57 yards on 14 carries.

The defence was a bright spot for the Rams, as they held the Bisons to just one touchdown and 308 yards of total offence. Halfback Darren Geddert had a solid outing for Regina, recording four tackles and a team-high two pass breakups. Brandon Ganne led the team with six total tackles, while Ganne and newcomer Bruce Anderson each had a sack. Fresh out of Sheldon-Williams Collegiate, first-year cornerback Jamir Walker got the start after a solid training camp and ended up with three tackles.

The Huskies were impressive in their 25-0 win over Calgary, but it may prove to be a costly victory. Starting quarterback Laurence Nixon was 18-for-24 for 220 yards and two touchdowns before going down with a shoulder injury. Second-year quarterback Trevor Barss came in to relieve Nixon, completing two of his four pass attempts for 44 yards. Also on the Huskies' depth chart at quarterback is Parker Siemens, a former Saskatoon Hilltop, and new addition Craig Stevens.

Dathan Thomas rushed 18 times for 78 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies last weekend, while Cory Jones and Scott McHenry both hauled in a team-high five passes. On defence, Taylor Wallace led all players with 10 total tackles, while Jordy Burrows had a huge game with three total tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and two pass breakups.

The Rams come into this game having won each of their past three games against Saskatchewan, including a 19-13 win in the Canada West semifinals last season. Saskatchewan last defeated the Rams on Sept. 9, 2006. The Huskies, however, still hold the edge in the all-time series, winning 11 of the 15 regular season games between the two teams. Regina is 2-1 against Saskatchewan in the playoffs.

Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. The game will be available live on 620 CKRM and on the Internet at 620ckrm.com. Live statistics will be available through the Canada West site at www.canadawest.org. The game will be televised by Access7 (tape delay to 9 a.m. Sunday) and by Max Local on Demand (available beginning mid-week following the game).