By Sarah Stall
The University of Calgary Dinos defeated the Regina Rams 47-13 in front of 1,271 fans at McMahon Stadium on Friday. Quarterback Lincoln Blumell completed 18 of 29 passes while adding 50 yards on the ground, and runningback Dean Fisher chipped in 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Dinos. This was the fifth straight game in which tailback Fisher rushed for over 100 yards this season.
U of C stayed in second place in Canada West and is now creeping up the national rankings to become this week’s number seven.
"This was a must-win game for us leading closer to the playoffs," Head Coach Tony Fasano noted. "Our team captains and fifth-year players have set lofty goals for the team this year. They want to make the playoffs as well as host them."
The Dinos have a three-game winning streak and most students weren’t even on campus the last time the Dinos had a streak this long.
It seems the team this year is not only playing with confidence but also setting the team up for years to come. Many first-years have the opportunity to play because of minor injuries to key players, allowing them on-field experience to add to the skills they acquire at practice.
The Dinos are now taking advantage of their strong offence as well as their solid defence.
"The offence moved the ball effectively," commented Fasano.
This was one of the key ways the Dinos won the game. They started strongly and continued to control the tempo of the game. They led 15-6 at the end of the first quarter, then 32-13 at the end of the first half. In the second half, the Rams failed to score any points as the Dinos went on to increase their lead with eight in the third quarter and seven in the fourth to round off an outstanding game. The Dinos put up 683 yards of offence and allowed the Rams 477 yards and only 13 points.
The Rams were their own worst enemies in this one, turning the ball over nine times (four fumbles, two interceptions and three turnovers on downs). Four of their first-half fumbles led to three Calgary touchdowns. This dominant performance increased the Dinos’ regular season record to 4-2.
The next game the Dinos play is right here at home against the Saskatchewan Huskies.
"Saskatchewan has been a tough team to beat in the last five years, as they are well coached and are a talented team," noted Fasano. "Every game that we play puts us closer to the playoffs, and are all very important to us as a team."
This year, the Dinos are a better team overall, with more focus on their team goals, hard work and strong leadership. They can definitely contend for a playoff spot.
The Manitoba Bisons are currently leading the Canada West and their 34-31 loss to the Dinos may make the difference in the playoffs.
The game this Friday is at 7 p.m. at McMahon and could propel the Dinos into a playoff position.