Complete Game Notes
 
KICKOFF: Saturday, Oct. 17 (4:00 p.m.)
SITE: Mosaic Stadium (Regina, Sask.)
CAPACITY: 33,427
RANKINGS: Manitoba #8, Regina NR
TELEVISION: Access7 (Mitchell Blair/PxP, B.K. Woldu/CC, Taylor Shire/sideline) - also live on Shaw across western Canada
REGINA RADIO: 620 CKRM (Michael Ball/PxP)
LIVE VIDEO: www.canadawest.tv ($)
 
• Saturday marks the first time ever that the Rams have played the same opponent in back-to-back Canada West games
• Manitoba dealt the Rams a 34-19 loss two weeks ago in Winnipeg, moving the Bisons up into a tie with UBC for second place in the Canada West standings
• The Rams are hoping for a similar script to last season, which saw them drop a road decision to Manitoba early in the year before coming up with a big Week 7 home victory over the Bisons
• Manitoba has a 16-11 advantage in the 27 Canada West games played between the two teams, though the Rams hold an 8-5 edge at Mosaic Stadium
 
JOHNSTON EARNS CANADA WEST HONOURS: Third-year SB Davin Johnston might not have been on Manitoba's radar prior to Week 5, but surely he is now after exploding for 13 catches and 203 receiving yards last game to earn Canada West Offensive Player of the Week honours. Johnston had two catches this year and was making just his second start of the season, but his total of 13 receptions is a total that's been eclipsed only once in Rams history - and that was eight years ago by Chad Goldie, who holds the school record with 15. Johnston also became just the fifth Rams player to go over 200 receiving yards in a CIS game.
 
YARDSTICKS: The Rams are 0-5 on the season, but have actually put up more yards of offence than their opposition in four of those five Canada West games. They outgained Alberta 532-452, UBC by a 562-346 count, had a 490-473 edge over Saskatchewan, and just last week clipped Manitoba 595-590 in total yards.
 
SAFETY SQUEEZE: Due to injuries and lineup shuffling, the Rams have started a different safety in each game this season including the August non-conference game against Calgary. Robbie Avram started at safety that game, and he's been followed by Mason Rossler, Jeff Propp, Preston Paulson, Frankie Gray, and Ryan Serbu in the five Canada West games since. The streak is slated to end this week, though, as the preliminary depth chart has pegged Serbu to start for the second consecutive game.
 
LINEUP LOOK: DB Kahlen Branning, DB Frankie Gray, and SB Mitch Thompson missed last game due to injuries, but all are expected to return for Week 6. The Rams can dress 50 as opposed to 45 now that they're back at home, so expect RB Blake Anaka, DB Royce Hanna, RB Josh Koshman, FB Ben Lane, and K/WR Daniel Scraper to get into Saturday's game. It'll be Koshman's first Canada West game of the season after redshirting last year, while Anaka and Hanna will dress for the second time this year.
 
RAMS IN THE PROS: The Rams currently boast three former players in the NFL, including DL Stefan Charles (Buffalo), DL Akiem Hicks (New England), and P Jon Ryan (Seattle). OL Brett Jones was making a push for the New York Giants' 53-man roster, but suffered a suspected MCL sprain in their final preseason game and was put on injured reserve. Four former Rams are currently on CFL active roster, including CB Tevaughn Campbell (Calgary), SB Chris Getzlaf (Saskatchewan), LS Jorgen Hus (Saskatchewan), and OL Brendon LaBatte (Saskatchewan). WR Addison Richards remains on Winnipeg's six-game injured list.
 
RAMS FAMILY TIES:
• OL Aaron Picton and SB Mitchell Picton - brothers
• DB Luke Wilson and SB Riley Wilson - brothers
• OL Aaron Picton/SB Mitchell Picton, QB Noah Picton, RB Blake Anaka - cousins
• Defensive line coach Greg Nesbitt and LB Danny Nesbitt - father/son
• Greg Nesbitt and defensive coordinator Paul Dawson - brothers-in-law
 
PLAYER NOTES
#1 Jens Johnson (FB • 4th • 5-10/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting fullback ... has one reception for two yards this season ... team captain.
#2 Andrew Fabian (K • 5th • 6-0/195 • Tilley, Alta.)
Has the made the most career PATs in Rams CIS history without a miss (33) ... has made 14 of his 20 FG attempts in his career ... 70% FG rate is highest in school history.
#3 Michael Webber (RB • 2nd • 6-3/245 • Guelph, Ont.)
Made his first career start at running back against Calgary and had 18 rushes for 131 yards and a TD ... has 25 rushes for 168 yards on the season.
#4 Noah Picton (QB • 2nd • 5-10/180 • Regina, Sask.)
Had a season-high 456 passing yards at Manitoba ... 64% career completion rate is highest in U of R history ... needs 192 passing yards, 11 completions, and three TD passes to move into fifth place on all three U of R career lists ... team captain.
#5 Kahlen Branning (DB • 4th • 6-1/190 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Has missed both of the team's last two games due to injury ... is projected to return to the lineup this week ... 8½ tackles, one pass breakup this season.
#6 Mitchell Picton (SB • 3rd • 6-3/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting slotback leads the Rams and ranks fourth in Canada West with 27 receptions ... also leads the team with 338 receiving yards.
#7 Ellis Richards (QB • 1st • 6-0/195 • Regina, Sask.)
Team's No. 3 quarterback ... brother of Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Addison Richards.
#8 Richard Sindani (WR • 3rd • 6-3/210 • Regina, Sask.)
Tied with Andrew Bennett for second on the Rams with 20 receptions ... third on the team with 289 receiving yards.
#9 Jordy Kibamba (DB • 3rd • 6-2/180 • Calgary, Alta.)
Starting field corner for the Rams ... has 11 tackles (9 solo, 4 assisted) and one pass breakup.
#10 Jeff Propp (DB • 3rd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Dressed for all five Canada West games this season and has two starts ... 8½ tackles on the year.
#11 Andrew Bennett (WR • 4th • 6-4/225 • Miami Lakes, Fla.)
Leads the Rams with an average of 15.5 yards per catch ... second on the team in receiving yards (310) and tied for second in receptions (20).
#12 Preston Paulson (DB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Terrell, Texas)
Has played in all four Canada West games and got the start at safety in Week 3 ... has seven solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
#14 Ryan Schienbein (SB • 1st • 5-9/170 • Regina, Sask.)
Rookie out of Balfour Collegiate leads the Rams in punt returns (19 for 86 yards) and kickoff returns (10 for 176 yards) ... also has three catches for 31 yards, including an 18-yard catch in Week 5.
#15 Tyler Vieira (QB • 3rd • 5-11/200 • Winnipeg, Man.)
Played in three of five Canada West games ... has completed 23 passes for 361 yards and two TDs ... had a season-long 39-yard completion to Andrew Bennett in Week 4 against Calgary.
#16 Korey Greene (DB • 3rd • 6-0/175 • Toronto, Ont.)
Halfback has started all five Canada West games at the falcon position ... leads the Rams with four pass breakups ... fourth on the team in tackles.
#18 Frankie Gray (DB • 4th • 5-10/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to return to the lineup after missing the Week 4 game due to injury ... has played in four Canada West games and started one ... has five solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and a pass breakup.
#20 Travoy Martinez (DB • 4th • 5-9/190 • Dallas, Texas)
Sat out the first half of the season due to transfer regulations, but played his first game with the Rams in Week 5 ... got the start at cornerback and had three solo tackles ... also returned three punts and three kickoffs.
#21 Royce Hanna (DB • 1st • 5-10/175 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Expected to dress for the second time this season ... also played in Week 4 game against Calgary.
#22 Ben Lane (FB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Calgary, Alta.)
Will dress for his third home game of the season.
#24 Polis Koko (DB • 1st • 5-9/155 • Regina, Sask.)
Rookie out of LeBoldus program in Regina has one start this season ... had his first career fumble recovery last week at Manitoba ... also has six solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and a pass breakup.
#26 Davin Johnston (SB • 3rd • 6-0/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Reigning Canada West Offensive Player of the Week after exploding for 13 catches and 203 receiving yards at Manitoba, including a career-long 62-yard reception ... started at slotback last game with Mitch Thompson out, but is expected to get the start at wideout this Saturday.
#27 Joey Dwyer (DB • 4th • 6-2/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 ... has started all five games at dimeback and is sixth on the team with 12½ tackles ... also has two pass breakups and a fumble recovery ... team captain.
#30 Josh Koshman (RB • 1st • 6-0/205 • Okotoks, Alta.)
Redshirted with the Rams last season ... expected to dress on Saturday for the first time this year.
#32 Mason Rossler (DB • 2nd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all five Canada West games and is second on the Rams in tackles (25 solo, 6 assisted) ... has a team-leading 1½ sacks and is second on the Rams with 2½ tackles for loss ... had a forced fumble last game.
#33 Blake Anaka (RB • 1st • 5-3/150 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to dress for the second time this season ... had two carries for 12 yards in Week 4.
#34 Ryan Serbu (DB • 2nd • 5-11/175 • Regina, Sask.)
Got the start at safety last week ... has 6½ tackles in three games played this season.
#36 Atlee Simon (RB • 2nd • 6-0/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Had 16 rushes for 79 yards and a TD last game ... fourth in Canada West with 507 rushing yards, but trails conference leader Jamel Lyles (MAN) by only 37 ... third on U of R's all-time list in career rushing yards (1031), tied for third in rushing TDs (9), and first in average yards per rush (6.29).
#41 Zack McEachern (LB • 3rd • 6-0/225 • Calgary, Alta.)
Hasn't started a game yet this season, but is third on the team in tackles (15 solo, 8 assisted) ... also has 1½ TFLs, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
#44 Michael Stefanovic (LB • 3rd • 5-10/210 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2013 ... team leader and ranks sixth in Canada West in tackles (22 solo, 18 assisted) ... also leads the team with three TFLs.
#45 Sam Varao (FB • 1st • 6-0/220 • Victoria, B.C.)
Has dressed for four Canada West games and has started both of the last two games for the Rams ... has a pair of special teams tackles.
#46 Alex Rorke (LB • 1st • 6-1/210 • Vanscoy, Sask.)
Has eight solo tackles and two assisted tackles this year, all on kick coverage.
#47 Danny Nesbitt (LB • 2nd • 6-2/230 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all five games at mac linebacker, but shares playing time with Zack McEachern there ... five solo tackles, six assisted tackles this year.
#48 Mitch Morrison (LB • 3rd • 6-0/215 • Wilcox, Sask.)
Has six solo tackles and three assisted tackles this year, all of which have come on special teams.
#49 Tyler Perkins (DL • 5th • 6-3/250 • Campbell River, B.C.)
Was injured in Week 1, but returned to the lineup at Manitoba and got the start at defensive end ... had two solo tackles last game in his return ... tied for the school's all-time lead in blocked kicks (3).
#52 Matt Degelman (OL • 3rd • 6-3/265 • Regina, Sask.)
In his third year as the team's starting right tackle ... has never missed a game in his CIS career ... including postseason, has 22 career games played and 21 games started.
#53 Lyndon Smith (OL • 2nd • 6-4/300 • Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask.)
Missed all of 2014 and the first three weeks of this season due to injury, but has been on the depth as a backup guard each of the past two weeks.
#55 Kyle Paterson (OL • 5th • 6-3/275 • Weyburn, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 ... 2014 CFL Draft selection of Saskatchewan (5th round) ... including postseason, has 34 career games played and 19 games started ... didn't start last week due to injury, but should return to right guard.
#58 Nathan Cugnet (OL • 4th • 6-0/285 • Weyburn, Sask.)
Has started all five Canada West games this season at centre ... including postseason, has 20 career games played and nine games started.
#64 Keenan Carrier (OL • 5th • 6-1/300 • Tisdale, Sask.)
Has dressed for all five Canada West games and started three of the last four games at right guard.
#65 Aaron Picton (OL • 5th • 6-4/295 • Regina, Sask.)
Team captain and the Rams' most experienced lineman ... started the season at right guard, but moved to left tackle after Week 1 ... including postseason, has 39 career games played and 27 games started ... 2015 draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders, but had his rights dealt to the Saskatchewan Roughriders two weeks ago.
#67 Roe Borgmann (OL • 1st • 6-1/270 • Lumsden, Sask.)
Redshirted the 2014 season ... has now started at left guard each of the past two weeks.
#69 Bryce McKinnon (DL • 3rd • 6-0/285 • Water Valley, Alta.)
Second season as starting nose tackle ... fifth on the Rams in tackles (8 solo, 10 assisted).
#80 Daniel Scraper (K/WR • 1st • 5-11/150 • Regina, Sask.)
Returns to the lineup this week as a backup at both kicker and wideout ... has four kickoffs for an average of 55.5 yards this year.
#82 Mitch Thompson (WR • 3rd • 5-10/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Only player on the Rams with multiple touchdown receptions (2) ... fourth on the team in both receptions (18) and receiving yards (237).
#83 Riley Wilson (SB • 4th • 6-3/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Normally utilized as a third slotback in the team's five-receiver package ... has 17 catches for a total of 223 yards this season ... had a career-high 141 receiving yards against Saskatchewan in Week 3.
#86 Kyle Moortgat (SB • 1st • 6-1/185 • Cochrane, Alta.)
Has played in three of the team's five Canada West games ... redshirted the 2014 season.
#92 Grey McKen (DL • 2nd • 6-3/240 • Yorkton, Sask.)
Started at defensive end for three games while Tyler Perkins was injured ... had the team's first sack of the year in Week 3.
#95 Wendell Thornton (DL • 2nd • 6-4/285 • Port Arthur, Texas)
In his first year with the Rams program ... backs up at both interior tackle positions.
#96 Eric Wicijowski (DL • 2nd • 6-2/265 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all five Canada West games at defensive tackle ... second on the team's linemen in tackles (11 solo, 2 assisted) ... also has two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup.
#98 Ajai Washington (DL • 1st • 6-3/230 • Dallas, Texas)
One of four Texans on the Rams' 2015 roster ... named an all-district lineman for Woodrow Wilson HS last year ... No. 2 on the depth at rush end.
#99 David Julé (DL • 1st • 6-4/235 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Has started all five Canada West games at rush end ... has six solo tackles and five assisted tackles this season.