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True freshman quarterback Noah Picton (pictured) completed all 12 of his pass attempts as he sparked the University of Regina Rams to a wild 30-25 comeback victory over Manitoba on Friday night in a non-conference game at Mosaic Stadium.
Picton came into the game facing a 17-point deficit with 10 minutes left, but led the Rams to touchdowns on three consecutive drives including the go-ahead major – a 31-yard pass to fellow rookie Davin Johnston – with just 47 seconds left. An interception by Rams defensive back Patrick MacDonald on the ensuing Manitoba possession sealed the win for the U of R.
Manitoba looked to have the game well in hand after Bisons quarterback Jordan Yantz connected with Kienan LaFrance for a 24-yard touchdown early in the fourth to give the visitors a 25-8 advantage, but that's when Picton went to work. His first drive was highlighted by a pair of big plays by Jens Johnson, as the running back got 27 yards on a catch-and-run that brought the ball into Manitoba territory and rumbled 38 yards for a touchdown on a 3rd-and-1 situation. Picton's pass to his cousin Mitchell Picton was good on the two-point convert.
The Rams then recovered the ball on an onside kick attempt, with Tevaughn Campbell coming up with the loose ball after kicker Zach Schmidt sent a knuckleball directly at a Manitoba player. Picton hit Mark McConkey for a 42-yard gain up the right sideline, and a 12-yard pass to Mitchell Picton set up a six-yard touchdown rush by Ben Graunke which brought the Rams to within two.
A two-and-out on Manitoba's next possession gave the ball to the Rams on their own 36-yard line with three minutes left on the clock, and four consecutive completions by Picton brought them into Bisons territory. The Rams had to convert on third down for the second time in the quarter, which eventually led to Picton's high lob to Johnston in the end zone to cap the furious rally.
Picton's final numbers were nothing short of spectacular, as he went 12-for-12 and piled up 160 yards and a touchdown pass in just a shade over 10 minutes on the field. Johnston led all players with four receptions, while McConkey ended up with three catches for a game-high 67 yards. Addison Richards and Jared Janotta also had three receptions for the Rams, while Johnson led all players with 50 rushing yards on just five carries.
Rams starting quarterback Cayman Shutter was also solid, ending up completing eight of 12 passes for 93 yards including a 22-yard touchdown pass to Richards. Brady Aulie led the Rams defensively with four tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup, while Campbell added four tackles and piled up 155 all-purpose yards on returns.
Yantz came on in relief of Manitoba starting quarterback Marc Paquette and went 9-for-17 with 149 yards including his touchdown strike to LaFrance, while running back Nic Demski was 2-for-2 as he completed a long pass to Graham Stephens on a halfback option and a desperation attempt to Andrew Barry for a two-point conversion following a botched snap on the kick. LaFrance was Manitoba's top receiver with two catches for 47 yards.
Lauren Kroeker led Manitoba's defence with a pair of sacks, while Ranji Atwall had three solo tackles and a pair of assisted tackles for the Bisons.
It's now off to the Canada West schedule for both teams. The Rams will make the short trek north to Saskatoon next Friday for a Week 1 game at the University of Saskatchewan, while Manitoba will open up at home against Alberta in what will be the team's first game at the new Investors Group Field.
