Huskies-Rams in early CIS football playoff spot battle

THE GAME

Although it is only Week 4 in the Canada West football schedule, Friday’s matchup between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Regina Rams could have home playoff date implications. As the lone meeting between the provincial rivals in 2012, each team looks to gain the edge in the head-to-head matchup.

BROADCAST INFO

Kickoff is 7:08 p.m. on Friday night. The game will be available live on CK750 or www.ck750.com. It can also be viewed on Shaw Cable or www.canadawest.tv.

THE HEADLINES

� Saskatchewan (No. 7) is one of four Canada West teams to hold a spot in the CIS Top 10. Calgary (No. 2), Manitoba (No. 8) and Regina (No. 9) join the Huskies in the national rankings.

� Friday’s match is the lone meeting between the provincial rivals. It is the first time since 2008 that the Huskies-Rams have met just once in a regular season. Saskatchewan won the meeting in Regina 42-14.

� Saskatchewan is 17-5 against the Rams since 2001 and is on a three game winning streak against the Rams. Regina’s last win against the Huskies was on September 18, 2010 in a 37-26 victory in Regina.

� Third-year wide receiver Kit Hillis enters the game as the reigning Canada West offensive player of the week after recording 224 on 14 receptions with three touchdowns in last week’s 39-34 win over the UBC Thunderbirds.

� Kit Hillis set a Huskie single-game record with 14 receptions in last week’s 39-34 win over UBC Thunderbirds.

� Friday’s game is University of Saskatchewan’s Homecoming. Special events will include a ceremonial kickoff with the new University President Ilene Busch-Visniac, as well as the annual running of the residence togas at halftime.

� Huskie Athletics will also honour 2012 Summer Olympians Kaylyn Kyle (bronze medalist with women’s soccer), Lisa Thomaidis (assistant coach women’s basketball) and Al Bodnarchuk (medical staff track & field) between the first & second quarters.

CIS RECORD WATCH

Huskie safety Bryce McCall sits one interception away from tying the CIS career record of 21. It would also break the CanadaWest and Huskies record in the category. The record of 21 is shared by Bob Coffin (Saskatchewan, 1970-74), Peter McNabb (Toronto & Queen’s) and Matt Carapella (Western).

RAMS/HUSKIES SERIES

Since 2001, the Huskies are 17-5 against the Rams in conference action, including 33-10 and 16-15 victories in their two meetings in the 2011 season. The Rams last defeated the Huskies on September 18, 2010 in a 37-26 victory in Regina.

NO. 9 REGINA RAMS (2-1)

Next Week: Manitoba Bisons
After a Week 1 loss to the Calgary Dinos (3-0), the Regina Rams have put together two straight victories to remain in the hunt to stay near the top of the standings.

As expected, fifth-year quarterback Marc Mueller has been their offensive strength averaging 300.3 yards per game with seven touchdown passes. In the 31-10 victory over Alberta last weekend, Mueller, who sat out 2010 with an injury, led the Rams offence to explode in the fourth quarter with three touchdowns to secure the lead after a tie ball game at halftime.

Jared Janotta, Kolten Solomon and Jay Smith have been the main targets for Mueller in the first three games of the season. All three receives average over 13 yards per reception.

The Rams secondary has proved to be tough in 2012 snaring a conference-best eight interceptions, three a piece for Kirby Kezama and Jamir Walker. Alex Meldrum leads the Rams with 15.5 tackles, followed by Chris Sciog with 15.

No.7 SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (2-1)
Next Week: Calgary Dinos
Saskatchewan also enters Week 4 after a fourth quarter resurgence for a victory.

The Huskies tallied two fourth quarter touchdowns within the first five minutes of the final frame to seal the 39-34 win against UBC. Rookie quarterback Drew Burko found Kit Hillis at 1:41 on a 48-yard pass, followed by Mitch Stevens at 4:43 on a 15-yard play for the win.

Burko’s connection with third-year wide receiver Hillis was the highlight of the game against UBC. Burko completed 26-of-32 passes for 328 and four touchdowns in the win. Hillis, once again, was his main target hauling in 14 receptions for 24 yards and three touchdowns to earn him Canada West offensive player of the week honours. The 14 receptions set a Huskie record for most in a game.

Saskatchewan once again spread the defensive around. Richard Zacharias led the Huskies in the game with nine tackles, followed by Corey Edington with eight and Bryce McCall with seven.