Third-year University of Calgary defensive lineman Michael Klassen led a fantastic performance by the Dinos defence in Saturday’s 33-12 win over the previously unbeaten Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.
In addition to his three tackles, two of which were for loss, and 1.5 sacks on the afternoon, Klassen made a spectacular interception early in the fourth quarter that led directly to a touchdown – the score that put the game out of reach for the Bisons, who had been hanging around for three quarters.
On the tip-drill play, a Cam Clark pass bounced off the hands of a Calgary defender and straight up. A Manitoba receiver then tried to catch it, but it bounced of him as well. Just as it was about to hit the turf, a diving Klassen got underneath it and hauled it in for his first career interception, giving the Dinos great field position on the Manitoba 40-yard line. Three plays later, Eric Dzwilewski found Chris Dobko in the corner of the end zone to put the Dinos up 23-12 and salt away the victory.
Klassen has been a key part of the Calgary defence that leads Canada west in points allowed, yards allowed, run defence, and pass defence. They’ll face another test this weekend in Vancouver as they face Hec Crighton winner Billy Greene and the UBC Thunderbirds Saturday afternoon.
