The U of M Bisons football team is holding onto their impeccable and phenomenal start to the season following a crucial win at the University of Calgary against the Dinos on Saturday, Sept. 21. The herd – ranked number five nationally – plucked a victory with a 22-17 score and remained undefeated in four consecutive games for the first time since winning the Vanier Cup in 2007.
The win against the Calgary Dinos becomes a first-time victory for Bisons football since the 2014 Hardy Cup.
The Bisons announced their presence and ambitions after winding up the first quarter with 7-2 score. With four minutes and 11 seconds remaining in the quarter, Breydon Stubbs piled up an 18-yard run after connecting with a Maya Turner kick, putting the Bisons ahead. The drive was nine plays and 75 yards.
The second quarter was all action filled with incessant attacks from the Calgary Dinos, staging a comeback to claim a win with 13-0 score. Evan Smith had a three-yard run while Matthieu Clarke made use of a 40-yard pass from Dom Britton.
The third quarter had little to offer for both teams after ending with 2-1 score for the Calgary Dinos.
The Bisons turned up the heat on their opponent following a ferocious performance and a well-rehearsed approach to complete the fourth quarter at 14-0 score. Quarterback Jackson Tachinski had a reason to smile with a 14-yard run with a good kick from Maya Turner. The drive was nine plays and 68 yards.
The Bisons pulled another resounding display, finding the endzone twice in the final frame and held a five-point edge with a minute and 26 seconds left to play.
“It’s cool to be undefeated to this point, and that’s a cool little fact, but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves,” said Tachinski to Bison Sports. “We just need to focus on the week at hand, which is Regina.”
The Bisons’ victory at McMahon Stadium makes a compelling mark to what may be a delightful season for the team and retiring head coach Brian Dobie.
On the Canada West league standing, the herd sits on top with eight points, followed by Alberta, British Columbia and Regina with four points each.
The Bisons football will host the Regina Rams on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Princess Auto Stadium.
