It was an opportunity for the Bison football team to get on the road and tune up in their second week of training camp. In a preseason matchup with the Regina Rams, plenty of players got the chance to see the field, and ultimately participate in an exciting game. While Regina scored 18 points in the first 16 minutes, Manitoba answered with 12 in the last 20. In the end, the Bisons fell just short, losing 32-27 at Leibel Field.
Turnovers were decisive in this tight contest, as Manitoba had two interceptions and a lost fumble compared to Regina's clean sheet. The Rams were also strong in their passing game, as fifth-year starting pivot Noah Picton was 6-for-8, amassing 105 yards and a touchdown. Behind him, second-year Seb Britton was a solid 9-for-17, totaling 85 yards and a touchdown.
On the Manitoba side, third-year quarterback
Des Catellier saw the majority of the first half snaps, and had two long connections with
Trysten Dyce early. Catellier's opening drive was masterful, as he marched Manitoba down the field for a nine-play, 83-yard scoring drive capped by a seven-yard pass to third-year receiver
Macho Bockru. Catellier finished 11-for-16 with 159 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.
Behind him, both first-year
Jonathan Remple and
Jamie Ybarra saw action at Manitoba's quarterback position. Ybarra was key to the Bisons' late comeback. Down 25-15 midway through the third, Manitoba got a couple good rushes from
Somto Anyadike. When the drive stalled,
Brad Mikoluff kicked a field goal to make it 25-18.
After Regina scored another TD, Ybarra pushed Manitoba into Regina territory again before another stall. This time, it was
Matt Riley kicking a field goal from much further out, this one from 52 yards.
Finally, with time winding down,
Brandon O'Connor finished off an eight-play, 85-yard Manitoba drive with a rushing touchdown to make it 32-27. Manitoba would get the ball back with 43 seconds and have a final chance at a game-winning touchdown with six seconds on the clock. Unfortunately, the Ybarra pass attempt to
Eric Adams was incomplete.
Hoofprints from Bisons-Rams on August 22
- With a pair of catches beyond 20 yards in the first half, fourth-year Trysten Dyce led the Bisons in receiving yards with 81. In the slot, Jesse Walker totaled 44 yards on four receptions, adding a first half touchdown.
- With presumed starter Jamel Lyles not on the trip, second-year Somto Anyadike was impressive at running back, especially with younger players on the field in the second half. His 11 carries led all players with 65 yards, with a long play of 18 yards.
- While a young Manitoba corps on defence struggled to get stops in the first half, the veterans — with more to join them in the regular season — were solid. Defensive back Shae Weekes had six tackles to lead all players. Weekes also had a 21-yard kick return in the first half to jumpstart the Bisons' first, and best, drive of the game.
Bison football concludes training camp on August 31 before their first Canada West regular season game at UBC on September 1. The home opener goes September 7 vs. Saskatchewan at Investors Group Field — tickets are available now on Ticketmaster. University of Manitoba students and fans 17-and-under get in free.
