Complete Game Notes

KICKOFF: Sept. 26 (4:00 p.m.)
SITE: Mosaic Stadium (Regina, Sask.)
CAPACITY: 33,427
RANKINGS: Calgary #1, Regina NR
TELEVISION: Canada West Football on Shaw - Access7 in Regina (Jim Mullin/PxP, Gord Randall/CC)
REGINA RADIO: 620 CKRM (Michael Ball/PxP, Luc Mullinder/CC)
LIVE VIDEO: www.canadawest.tv ($)
LIVE STATS: www.reginarams.com
 
• It's #RamsWhiteout at Mosaic Stadium! Wear white to the game, or check out limited-edition apparel available at the merchandise tent
• The Rams will host a No. 1-ranked team at Mosaic Stadium for just the second time - the only other time was against then-No. 1 Manitoba on Oct. 5, 2002
• It'll be the Rams' fourth game against a CIS No. 1 team - besides the 2002 home game, they also matched up in away games against No. 1-ranked Saskatchewan in 1999 and at top-ranked Manitoba in a 2006 postseason game
• The Rams will be looking for their first win over Calgary since a 12-9 win over a No. 2-ranked Dinos team on Oct. 19, 2012
 
ALL-TIME SERIES: Calgary has had a significant advantage over the Rams since 2008, winning 10 of 11 Canada West games played between the two teams. They've met five times in the last seven postseasons, with the Dinos winning all five those games. All told, Calgary has a 15-6 edge over the Rams in Canada West games and a 5-2 advantage in the playoffs. The last time the Rams defeated Calgary was a 12-9 barnburner in October of 2012, a game which saw a pick six by a then-rookie Joey Dwyer and future Big Brother Canada star Zach Oleynik start at quarterback for the Rams.
 
ON THE GROUND: This could have been a battle between the top two running backs in the conference, with Calgary's Mercer Timmis and Regina's Atlee Simon one-two in Canada West with 526 and 428 rushing yards on the season, respectively. But Timmis was injured last week against Alberta and is officially considered questionable by Calgary for this Saturday, and with backup Quentin Chown out the RB duties may fall to rookie Jeshrun Antwi (12 rushes for 142 yards last week after the Timmis injury).
 
THE TARGETS: Rams QB Noah Picton - and backup Tyler Vieira, who we saw for much of the UBC game - have done a fine job at spreading the ball around. The Rams have five players with at least 10 catches on the season, and all of them have between 171 (Riley Wilson) and 249 (Mitchell Picton) receiving yards. Andrew Bennett (15 catches for 211 yards), Mitch Thompson (13 for 195), and Richard Sindani (12 for 207) have also been heavily targeted by Rams pivots this year.
 
INJURY UPDATE: There's some good news on the injury front with Jeremy Zver expected to return to his starting left tackle position after being injured in practice leading up to the UBC game. The Rams are still without veteran defensive end Tyler Perkins, who was hurt in Week 1. Perkins does not have a projected return date.
 
LINEUP LOOK: The Rams are likely to dress Wendell Thornton, Jr. for the first time. Technically in his second season of CIS eligibility, Thornton is in his first year with the Rams and is slated to back up Eric Wicijowski at defensive tackle. Also drawing into the game-day lineup for the first time this year is first-year RB Blake Anaka.
 
RAMS IN THE PROS: The Rams currently boast three former players in the NFL, including DL Stefan Charles (Buffalo), DL Akiem Hicks (New Orleans), 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. Five former Rams are currently in the CFL, including LS Jorgen Hus and OL Brendon LaBatte who are both on Saskatchewan's active roster. WR Addison Richards (Winnipeg) and SB Chris Getzlaf (Saskatchewan) are both on the six-game injured list, while CB Tevaughn Campbell is on Calgary's practice roster.
 
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 returned two short kickoffs for a total of 10 yards ... team captain.
#2 Andrew Fabian (K • 5th • 6-0/195 • Tilley, Alta.)
Averaging 37.2 yards per punt and has pinned the opposition inside their 20-yard line six times ... 2-for-3 on FG attempts (long of 32) this season.
#3 Michael Webber (RB • 2nd • 6-3/245 • Guelph, Ont.)
Has been one of the returners on all 13 opposition kickoffs, but only has a single return for 22 yards ... now No. 2 on the depth chart at RB.
#4 Noah Picton (QB • 2nd • 5-10/180 • Regina, Sask.)
Completed 62% of his passes for 799 yards and three TDs ... compiled over 400 passing yards for the third time in his career last week at Saskatchewan (422) ... team captain.
#5 Kahlen Branning (DB • 4th • 6-1/190 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Team's starter at boundary corner ... fifth on the Rams in tackles (7 solo, 3 assisted) ... also has a pass breakup and an onside kick recovery in 2015.
#6 Mitchell Picton (SB • 3rd • 6-3/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting Y receiver leads the Rams and ranks fourth in Canada West with 19 receptions ... also leads the team with 249 receiving yards.
#7 Ellis Richards (QB • 1st • 6-0/195 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to again be in the lineup this week as the No. 3 QB ... younger brother of Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Addison Richards.
#8 Richard Sindani (WR • 3rd • 6-3/210 • Regina, Sask.)
Leads the Rams with an average of 17.2 yards per catch ... fourth on the team with 12 receptions and third on the Rams in receiving yards (207).
#9 Jordy Kibamba (DB • 3rd • 6-2/180 • Calgary, Alta.)
Starting field corner for the Rams ... five solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and a pass breakup.
#10 Jeff Propp (DB • 3rd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Started at halfback and safety the first two games, but backed up at halfback last week ... has seven solo tackles and two assisted tackles this season.
#11 Andrew Bennett (WR • 4th • 6-4/225 • Miami Lakes, Fla.)
Second on the team in both major receiving categories ... has 15 catches for 211 yards.
#12 Preston Paulson (DB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Terrell, Texas)
First career start last week, getting the call at safety ... six solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
#14 Ryan Schienbein (SB • 1st • 5-9/170 • Regina, Sask.)
Has emerged as team's main returner in his first season with the Rams ... averaging 17.0 yards per kickoff return and 4.3 yards per punt return.
#15 Tyler Vieira (QB • 3rd • 5-11/200 • Winnipeg, Man.)
Former Winnipeg Rifles QB was 17-for-31 and finished with 286 passing yards and two TD passes after replacing Picton during the UBC game.
#16 Korey Greene (DB • 3rd • 6-0/175 • Toronto, Ont.)
Starting halfback is the only Rams player with multiple pass breakups ... also third on the team in tackles (11 solo, 2 assisted).
#18 Frankie Gray (DB • 4th • 5-10/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Backup defensive back has 2½ tackles and an onside kick recovery this season ... could see some time at safety this week.
#19 Luke Wilson (DB • 1st • 6-2/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Will dress for the second time this season as a backup at falcon ... younger brother of slotback Riley Wilson.
#22 Ben Lane (FB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Calgary, Alta.)
Should dress for his second Canada West game of the season ... No. 3 on the depth chart at fullback.
#24 Polis Koko (DB • 1st • 5-9/155 • Regina, Sask.)
Three-time provincial champion at LeBoldus … on the depth as a backup at boundary corner.
#26 Davin Johnston (SB • 3rd • 6-0/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Two catches for nine yards this year ... started at slotback in Week 1, but has been No. 2 on the depth since then.
#27 Joey Dwyer (DB • 4th • 6-2/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 ... ninth on the Rams in tackles (6 solo, 1 assisted) ... has a pass breakup and the team's lone fumble recovery this season ... team captain.
#32 Mason Rossler (DB • 2nd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Started at safety in Week 1 and at halfback the last two weeks ... second on the team in tackles (12 solo, 4 assisted) ... also has a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
#33 Blake Anaka (RB • 1st • 5-3/150 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to dress for his second career Canada West game ... on the depth chart as the No. 3 running back and could see a kickoff return or two.
#34 Ryan Serbu (DB • 2nd • 5-11/175 • Regina, Sask.)
Returned to the lineup last week after being injured in the non-conference game ... backup to Kibamba at field corner.
#36 Atlee Simon (RB • 2nd • 6-0/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Second in Canada West with 428 rushing yards ... third in the CIS with an average of 142.7 rushing yards per game ... on pace to become the U of R's first player to rush for 1000 yards in a season ... needs 48 rushing yards to hit 1000 for his career.
#41 Zack McEachern (LB • 3rd • 6-0/225 • Calgary, Alta.)
Had the team's first forced fumble of the season last week at Saskatchewan ... essentially splits playing time with Danny Nesbitt at mac LB ... fourth on the Rams in tackles (7 solo, 4 assisted).
#44 Michael Stefanovic (LB • 3rd • 5-10/210 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2013 ... team leader in tackles (14 solo, 9 assisted) and tackles for loss (2½) ... in his third year as a starting linebacker.
#45 Sam Varao (FB • 1st • 6-0/220 • Victoria, B.C.)
Listed as a backup fullback, but often lines up at tight end when in the game ... will dress for his third consecutive Canada West game.
#46 Alex Rorke (LB • 1st • 6-1/210 • Vanscoy, Sask.)
Has three solo tackles and two assisted tackles this year, all on punt coverage.
#47 Danny Nesbitt (LB • 2nd • 6-2/230 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all three games at mac linebacker, but splits playing time with Zack McEachern ... three solo tackles and four assisted tackles this season.
#48 Mitch Morrison (LB • 3rd • 6-0/215 • Wilcox, Sask.)
Third on the depth chart at both mac linebacker and will linebacker ... has three solo tackles and two assisted tackles this year, all on special teams.
#49 Tyler Perkins (DL • 5th • 6-3/250 • Campbell River, B.C.)
Tied for the school's all-time lead in blocked kicks ... injured in Week 1 and remains out.
#52 Matt Degelman (OL • 3rd • 6-3/265 • Regina, Sask.)
In his third year as the team's starting RT ... hasn't missed a game in his CIS career ... including postseason, has 20 career GP and 19 games started.
#54 Jeremy Zver (OL • 5th • 6-5/285 • Regina, Sask.)
Was injured in practice leading up to the UBC game and missed Week 2 and Week 3, but should reclaim his starting left tackle position this week ... 17 career games played and 17 games started ... also a key player for the U of R's basketball team.
#55 Kyle Paterson (OL • 5th • 6-3/275 • Weyburn, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 ... selected by Saskatchewan in the fifth round of the 2014 CFL Draft ... attended training camp with the Roughriders in 2014 and 2015 ... including postseason, has 32 career games played and 18 games started.
#57 Thomas Lill (DL • 3rd • 6-4/330 • Aurora, Ont.)
No. 2 on the depth chart at nose tackle behind Bryce McKinnon.
#58 Nathan Cugnet (OL • 4th • 6-0/285 • Weyburn, Sask.)
Team's starting centre, but has the ability to slide over to either guard position as required ... including postseason, has 18 career games played and seven games started.
#64 Keenan Carrier (OL • 5th • 6-1/300 • Tisdale, Sask.)
Had his first two career starts in Week 2 and Week 3, but will likely return to a backup guard role with Jeremy Zver returning from injury ... won three CJFL championships with the Saskatoon Hilltops.
#65 Aaron Picton (OL • 5th • 6-4/295 • Regina, Sask.)
Team captain and the Rams' most experienced lineman ... moved from right guard to left tackle after the Jeremy Zver injury, but will move back to right guard this week ... including postseason, has 37 career games played and 25 games started ... 2015 draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders.
#67 Roe Borgmann (OL • 1st • 6-1/270 • Lumsden, Sask.)
On the depth chart as the No. 2 centre behind Nathan Cugnet ... was a redshirt last season.
#69 Bryce McKinnon (DL • 3rd • 6-0/285 • Water Valley, Alta.)
Second season as the team's starting nose tackle ... has three solo tackles and six assisted tackles including a half tackle for loss.
#80 Daniel Scraper (K/WR • 1st • 5-11/150 • Regina, Sask.)
First season of CIS eligibility but redshirted with the Rams last year ... provides depth at placekicker, punter, and wide receiver.
#82 Mitch Thompson (WR • 3rd • 5-10/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Third on the Rams with 13 receptions and fourth on the team with 195 receiving yards ... has a team-leading two touchdown receptions.
#83 Riley Wilson (SB • 4th • 6-3/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Six catches for a career-high 141 yards last week at Saskatchewan ... normally utilized as a third slotback in the team's five-receiver package ... has 10 catches for 171 yards this season.
#84 Adam Rask (WR • 1st • 6-3/180 • Cochrane, Alta.)
First-year player out of Cochrane HS is expected to dress for his second Canada West game of the season ... No. 3 on the depth at Z receiver.
#91 Matt Moore (DL • 1st • 6-1/260 • Regina, Sask.)
In his rookie season with the Rams after winning three provincial titles with LeBoldus ... No. 2 on the depth chart at defensive end.
#92 Grey McKen (DL • 2nd • 6-3/240 • Yorkton, Sask.)
Missed most of camp due to injury, but returned for Week 1 and emerged as the starting defensive end after Perkins went down ... now tied for sixth on the Rams in tackles (7 solo, 2 assisted) and had the team's first sack of the year last week.
#95 Wendell Thornton, Jr. (DL • 2nd • 6-4/285 • Port Arthur, Texas)
In his first year with the Rams and expected to dress for his first Canada West game ... on the depth as a backup at defensive tackle.
#96 Eric Wicijowski (DL • 2nd • 6-2/265 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting defensive tackle has five solo tackles and an assisted tackle this season ... also has 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 Jule (DL • 1st • 6-4/235 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Starting rush end despite only being in his first season of CIS eligibility ... four solo tackles, five assisted tackles this season.