The U of M Bisons football team are on a winning spree after making it 5-0 this season for the first time in 17 years.
The herd showcased resilience by overcoming a stuttering start to the game and chalked up a win over Regina Rams with a 22-13 score at the Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Playing in front of 4,000 spectators, the Bisons justified their impeccable performance by playing to maintain their enviable winning adventure, leaving Regina Rams in a state of aggravation after recording their third defeat in the season.
Manitoba presently stands 16-5 at home against Regina over the last 27 seasons.
Quarterback Jackson Tachinski came through with an incredible 224 passing yards, Breydon Stubbs with 121 rushing yards and AK Gassama with 90 receiving yards.
The Regina Rams caused a stir in the first quarter following a 3-0 score. Isaac Wegner had every reason to smile and celebrate following a 22-yard field goal. There was a drive of six plays, 37 yards.
The Bisons revamped their strategy in the second quarter to end with 7-3 score. Visiting team Regina Rams did not disappoint for the Bisons. Maya Turner advanced a good kick for Breydon Stubbs to run one yard, with a drive of nine plays, 75 yards.
The third quarter changed the dynamic of the game, swinging in favour of the host in grand style. It was a moment of dominance and joy for the herd as they wrapped up with 14-0 score. Maya Turner delivered a spectacular kick for Jackson Tachinski to rack up a 13-yard run. There was a drive of six plays, 57 yards. Mula Yitna received a pass from Jackson Tachinksi and ended up with a 25-yard run.
The Regina Rams tried to stage a surprising comeback as they fought their way across the lines in the closing stages of the fourth quarter, ending with 7-1 score. Isaac Wegner whipped a good kick for Marshall Erichsen to run seven yards. Despite exerting power and agility in the final quarter of the game, the Rams were left with no choice than to depart Winnipeg with defeat.
“You look at the sideline, it doesn’t look like we’re down 6-0. Everyone looks pretty upbeat. Our experience, our wisdom, we’ve been here, done that,” said Tachinski to Bison Sports.
He continued, “last year we were in a lot of close games that ended up slipping through our fingers, and this year we’re making sure those games don’t slip through.”
“We made some pretty uncharacteristic mistakes at the beginning,” stated Tachinski. “We were a little slow, a little flat. The coaches told us to get on our horse. I don’t think we had the fastest start or the strongest start, but it didn’t really matter.
“I looked at those guys on the sidelines and they weren’t defeated. They were very optimistic. When we were in the locker room at halftime everyone was optimistic, and we just kept grinding.”
On the 2024 Canada West football standings, the Bisons football team ranks at the top with 10 points — four points ahead of the University of British Columba Thunderbirds.
The Bisons have the chance to extend their winning streak as they play away against the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, Oct. 4.
