THUNDER 49 RIFLES 32

REGINA — The Regina Thunder piled up 277 rushing yards on the way to a 49-32 season-opening victory over the Winnipeg Rifles Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.

Regina’s Victor St. Pierre-Lavoillette scored a pair of touchdowns along the ground as part of a 116-yard performance while teammates Colton Klassen and Ethan Hautz also scored rushing majors.

Starting Thunder quarterback Jaeden Marwick passed for 70 yards and a touchdown to Kristiane Desautels before leaving the game with injury prior to halftime.  Back-up Sawyer Buettner (BITT-Ner) went 7/17 for 109 yards in relief.

Regina’s Ashton Vien scored on a blocked punt while kicker Kristopher Calcutt added a pair of field goals.  Regina led 21-16 at halftime and held on for the 17-point victory.

The Thunder (1-0) host the Edmonton Wildcats next Sunday at 2:00 pm at Mosaic Stadium.