By Sarah Stall
In the important second game of the season, the Dinos defeated the reigning Canada West champions, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, 27-23 at Griffith Stadium in Saskatoon.
The Huskies started the scoring with a field goal 10 minutes into the game. The Dinos instantly moved into scoring mode, quickly responding with a field goal of their own. As the game moved into the second quarter, the Dinos scored two touchdowns four minutes apart. According to head coach Tony Fasano, the second quarter was the best quarter played by his team so far this season, both offensively and defensively.
The Dinos ran away with the first half, scoring 17 points and shutting down the Huskies. Saskatchewan tried unsuccessfully to put together a scoring drive in the last minutes of the second quarter, but it was too little, too late. The Huskies’ attempt to oust the Dinos in the second half was attacked by the hard work and perseverance of the unfailing kickers and solid tackling.
Players remembered the game plan utilized by the Huskies in games played last year, so the Dinos succeeded with confidence in their defensive line.
"The players were more prepared than last week and played very well," Coach Tony Fasano remarked.
He also noted that Saskatoon is a tough place to play because of their solid team and avid fans. However, the Dinos came through with crucial plays and well placed focus.
Players are finding the practices more intense. This year seems to be shaping up to be a winning one, with good team chemistry and more confidence in each other as individuals and as a team.
The players of the game were Jeff Almon for the offence and Yousef Traya on the defence, both showing the Huskies how Calgary plays football.
Calgary is currently fourth in the Canada West standings, with a one-point difference separating the top five teams. The Dinos have two players in both the scoring, rushing and receiving Canada West top tens. Jeff Lewis is also leading the Canada West in punt returns and is second in kickoff returns. The next Dinos game is against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. The game is crucial because it is a first place contest, and an awesome opportunity for the fans to come out and see some great football and have some fun.