Game Statistics

Jeff Hassler had three rushing touchdowns to help the Saskatchewan Huskies clinch first place in Canada West with a 42-17 victory over the Regina Rams on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium.

Hassler, a first-year running back out of Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Alta., came into the game with just 143 rushing yards on the season but exploded for 224 yards in the win. Hassler opened up the scoring with a two-yard touchdown five minutes into the first quarter, added a five-yard major early in the second, and essentially put the game away with a six-yard score midway through the fourth quarter.

The victory gives Saskatchewan home field advantage through the Hardy Cup. The Huskies will host Alberta next weekend, while Calgary will host Manitoba in the other Canada West semifinal contest.

Saskatchewan's Laurence Nixon completed 20 of his 26 passes for a 76.9% completion rate. The fourth-year quarterback threw for 243 yards, including a four-yard touchdown pass to Cory Jones early in the third quarter. Nixon also scored on a one-yard plunge midway through the second. Alex Balogun also scored for the Huskies, as the big back rumbled in from nine yards out in the waning minutes of the contest.

Jon Krahenbil led the Huskies' defence with two interceptions and added a pass breakup. Peter Thiel had a game-high 8.5 tackles and added one of Saskatchewan's five sacks on the night. Bryce McCall had eight total tackles and a pick, while Mitchell Frisen had 5.5 tackles and a pair of key pass breakups.

Regina quarterback Marc Mueller had career highs in both completions (27) and attempts (46). He threw for 348 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to Brenden Owens in the third quarter as the Rams tried to cut into the Huskie lead. Jordan Sisco was Mueller's top target, ending up with eight receptions for 89 yards. Graham Mosiondz had 71 yards on 11 carries for the Rams.

Bruce Anderson led the Rams' defence with seven total tackles.

Fifth-year kicker Perri Scarcelli accounted for the Rams' other nine points, hitting field goals from 41, 46, and 50 yards out. The three field goals give him 20 for the year as Scarcelli becomes the only Canada West kicker besides Jamie Boreham to hit the milestone in a single season.

Saskatchewan ends the regular season with a 7-1 record and its second consecutive first-place finish, while the Rams (3-5) finish out of the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Alberta and Saskatchewan will meet next Saturday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.