Saskatchewan football fans will be breaking out their team gear this weekend, as two huge games loom.
The Roughriders will be in Winnipeg battling for a spot in this year’s Grey Cup game, but dedicated fans will also be eyeing the Hardy Cup clash between the province’s two university teams.
The Hardy Cup goes to the winner of the Canada West division of U Sports. The winner will also host the Mitchell Bowl, with the winner of that game going on to the national championship Vanier Cup game.
This year’s Hardy Cup showdown between the University of Regina Rams and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies is the first all-Saskatchewan Canada West finals clash in 22 years. The 2002 fixture went to the Huskies.
The teams are set to clash at the U of S’s home field, Griffiths Stadium, on Saturday at 1 p.m. CST.
WATCH | Huskies, Rams ready for all-Saskatchewan Hardy Cup championship game:
The Rams had lost their last four playoff appearances — dating back to a semi-final win over Saskatchewan in 2012 — before beating the Manitoba Bisons last weekend.
The team hasn’t won the Hardy Cup since 2000. Quarterback Noah Pelletier said the players are ready to change that Saturday.
“[We] just kept on fighting and we know what we’re capable of,” Pelletier said. “We were able to show it in those past couple weeks, so hopefully we can continue on with that.”
Rams quarterback Noah Pelletier said last game’s game-winning touchdown will go down in Rams history. (Adam Bent/CBC)
The Rams had a 3-5 regular season, finishing fourth in the six-team conference. The Huskies finished 5-3 for third. The teams split their regular season meetings, with each winning at home.
The Huskies won the Hardy Cup in 2021 and 2022 — and went on to lose in the Vanier Cup game both times — before the UBC Thunderbirds snatched away the trophy last year.
When the Huskies last won the Vanier Cup in 1998, head coach Scott Flory was an offensive lineman with the team. Flory said this has been one of the most competitive seasons in Canada West conference history.
“It’s gonna be a real exciting finish in our conference,” he said. “This will be a fitting game on Saturday. Will be a lot of fun.”
The last time the University of Saskatchewan Huskies won the Vanier Cup, in 1998, head coach Scott Flory was an offensive lineman with the team. (Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards)
Rams defensive back Jackson Sombach, said the cross-province rivalry will only elevate the level of play on the field.
“I think it’ll bring out the best in both teams. I think it’s the best. It’s like the trilogy for the Hardy Cup. I think you couldn’t really draw it up any better as a Can West scenario,” he said.
Rams defensive back Jackson Sombach said the inter-province rivalry will only elevate the level of play on the field. (Adam Bent/CBC)
Both teams pulled off dramatic upsets on the road to set up the all-Saskatchewan final.
The Rams pulled off a 28-25 win over the first place Bisons. Receiver Nicholas Sirleaf took a pass from quarterback Pelletier and ran the ball into the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown with just 19 seconds on the clock. Rams linebacker Garret Hatchard then intercepted Bisons quarterback Jackson Tachinski with three seconds remaining, sealing to the victory.
Rams head coach Mark McConkey said that winning touchdown was an all-time moment for him, but the team will try to top it in the finals.
“It’s our provincial rival, so the juices are flowing a little bit more,” he said. “The guys have been great. They’re prepared, they’re ready to go and we’re just excited for the opportunity on Saturday.”
Huskies defensive back Katley Joseph said the team prepared for closely contested battles. (Scott Larson/CBC)
The Huskies, meanwhile, beat the UBC Thunderbirds 38-33 in Vancouver after overcoming a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit.
Quarterback Anton Amundrud threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ercy Avul with a minute left to go to get the game within three points. Then, with 30 seconds left of the game, Ryker Frank scored a one-yard touchdown, stunning the home team.
Huskies defensive back Katley Joseph said the team knew it would be a close contest.
“It just happened so fast, but if I’m being honest, it’s a moment that each and everyone of us — we were ready for it,” he said.