Homecoming blunder

By Sarah Stall

The Dinos played in front of more than 5,000 people at their homecoming game last Friday–all of whom probably had better things to do than watch the Dinos mess up many golden opportunities.

The Dinos lost to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds 17-9 in a game that player Dean Fischer called, "frustrating." Coming into this game, Calgary seemed prepared after playing so well last week against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. However, "red zone phobia" came into play forcing UBC to play football and the Dinos offence to sit on the bench watching their defence for most of the game.

However, Calgary not only had more first downs, they also exceeded UBC totals in passing, rushing and offensive yards, in addition to passes attempted and total rushing plays. A Dinos supporter has to ask, "How on earth did a team that out-played their opposition on their home field lose?"

There is really only one answer: fumble, fumble, fumble. Calgary started the game alright, going scoreless in the first quarter and allowing an eight-point lead to UBC. Five minutes into the second quarter, Calgary scored their only touchdown followed by a convert to bring them to 8-7, the closest they would get all game.

After this show of solid football, the Dinos slowly rode into the centre of the sun, surrendering to the Thunderbirds. UBC went on to lay the smack down on Calgary, continuing to score throughout the second, third and fourth quarters. Calgary made a bold effort late in the game when quarterback Lincoln Blumell pitched a 54-yard pass to Jamie Elliott. It got the Dinos to the UBC three-yard line but time ran out before they could score.

Head Coach Tony Fasano noted that the Dinos struggled in passing, in the red zone and just had a hard time finishing.

"The reason that B.C. won the game was that we didn’t finish off drives,’ he said.

UBC Head Coach Jay Prepchuk observed that UBC was "banged up coming into it, but continued to push thorough the unfailing Calgary defence."

"The game was too tight, playing a good team like Calgary who rushed more then we did," remarked UBC defensive tackle Tom Montez. "UBC just came out on top this game."

Calgary’s defensive line had a phenomenal game, with two solid first-year players on the team, and with David Swagar continuing his outstanding season. Calgary’s problem was not the yardage covered or the players; it was the drive to make it past the 30-yard marker. However, Calgary players noted the outstanding fan support and it definitely motivated the players.

Calgary tried in earnest to come back in the last two minutes of the game, but as Fasano commented, the Dinos just ran out of time.

"We have to take advantage of opportunities, as there were missed field goals and touchdown opportunities," said Fasano.

Calgary needs to be "calm like a bomb," said one of the Dinos players. "We folded under pressure and it showed."

The Dinos are fourth in the Canada West football standings and will play possibly the most pivotal game of the season against the Manitoba Bisons at McMahon, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

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