CALGARY – In front of just over six thousand people for KICKOFF XIV, the No. 4 University of Calgary Dinos put on a defensive clinic to take a 24-10 win against the sixth-ranked Manitoba Bisons Friday night at McMahon Stadium.
Not every win is going to be pretty, and this was the definition of a grind-it-out victory for the Dinos. Calgary head coach
Wayne Harris knows that his team still has a long way to go in terms of execution, but he is still very pleased with his team's effort through the first two weeks of the season.
"We had some big plays, but we also had some missed opportunities. I am pleased with the fact that we battled for the full game."
While those hoping for a high-scoring offensive affair were sorely disappointed, the Dinos defense was spectacular, giving up just one field goal all night. Calgary confused Bisons quarterback Des Catellier throughout the contest, causing the local Calgary product to throw three interceptions on the evening.
Manitoba's opening drive was arguably their most impressive, however, it would be snuffed out by Week 1 hero
Deane Leonard, as he was able to jump in front of the Catellier deep out for his second interception of the season, and the first of Catellier's three.
After missing the opener against Alberta, reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year
Tyson Philpot would get off to a hot start in his second season. A beautifully designed route combination would allow Sinagra to find Philpot all alone down the sideline for the first touchdown of the game, putting the Dinos ahead 7-2 late in the first quarter.
Calgary's best drive of the game would come early in the second quarter, as a 41-yard
Jeshrun Antwi rumble would set the Dinos up deep in Bisons territory.
Dallas Boath would then put himself in early consideration for catch of the year, with a diving snag in the back corner of the end zone. Boath would add his second major of the game just minutes later, and give the Dinos a comfortable 24-7 lead heading into halftime.
While the first half had some offensive excitement, the second half was all defence with just three points scored. Calgary gave up a third safety of the night, and Manitoba added a single point off a missed field goal, leading to the final score of 24-10.
Boath, who celebrated his 23rd birthday with two touchdowns, knows that these tight games to start the season will only end up helping his team in the end.
"We faced some adversity early on here, that we haven't faced in awhile, and now we just have to keep moving forward, and get some more wins hopefully," said the fifth-year receiver.
Catellier finished 23-for-46 for 271 yards and three interceptions on the night, and was also the Bisons' leading rusher with 65 yards. His top target was Trysten Dyce, who hauled in eight catches for 114 yards.
Adam Sinagra completed 18 of 29 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns on the night, with
Tyson Philpot accounting for 71 of those yards.
Jeshrun Antwi's 76 yards paced the Dinos run game.
Defensively,
Charlie Moore and Stefan Conway led the Dinos and Bisons, respectively, with identical stat lines: six tackles, one tackle for loss.
Calgary will head out west next weekend to take on the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday night, while Manitoba will be back in wild rose country to take on the Alberta Golden Bears next Friday night.
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