Rams enjoy some payback against UBC
The execution was erratic, but the University of Regina Rams nonetheless exacted a measure of revenge.
Despite spasms of what quarterback Noah Picton termed “sloppy” play, the Rams began their Canada West football season Friday night by defeating the UBC Thunderbirds 36-20 before an estimated 3,000 spectators at Mosaic Stadium.
After losing twice to Regina during the 2016 regular season, UBC upset the host Rams 40-34 in a first-round playoff game Nov. 5 — abruptly eliminating the conference’s first-place team on its home turf. However, there wasn’t much for the Thunderbirds to celebrate during the 2017 opener.
“I don’t want to say it completely wipes out the playoff game, because it doesn’t, obviously,” Picton said. “But it was good to get back out there against these guys and win the football game and outplay them in all three phases of the game.”
Regina won convincingly despite imperfections such as 18 penalties — five fewer than UBC was assessed during the flagfest — and two interceptions made by the Thunderbirds.
“At the end of the day, we are happy with the victory,” Picton said after completing 23 of 35 passes for 335 yards. “You want to peak at the end of the season, so to have the sloppy execution that we did and still be able to get out with the victory is kind of the best-case scenario for us.
“We’ll be able to go back to the drawing board and regroup and make sure we’re better next week.”
The defence won’t have as much to refine after a robust showing on Friday. Regina led 33-6 after three quarters before UBC scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Regina capitalized on both of its interceptions, by Cole Benkic and Polis Koko, by scoring touchdowns. The Rams also marched for a major after stuffing UBC on a third-and-one gamble near midfield.
The Rams got TD receptions from Kyle Moortgat and Mitch Thompson along with short scoring runs from Tyler Vieira and Atlee Simon.
Simon moved ahead of Neal Hughes on the collegiate Rams’ all-time rushing-touchdowns list. Simon, a fourth-year Ram, has 19 TDs along the ground.
Also of note was a standout performance by linebacker Nick Cross, who had six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, one quarterback sack and a pass breakup in his U Sports debut.
“We’ve got a relentless defence,” Picton said. “I think they’re going to be the anchor of this team.”
The Rams return to action Friday in Calgary against the Dinos (1-0).