DWYER, PICTON NAMED PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Piper Sports Photography

The University of Regina Rams took two of three Canada West Player of the Week awards on Monday as Joey Dwyer and Mitchell Picton were both honoured by the conference for their performances in the team’s 32-27 win over No. 2-ranked Calgary.

Dwyer, the team’s starting strong-side linebacker, was named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Week. He was in on 14 tackles to lead all players for the game, but it was his game-saving play in the closing seconds that sealed the win for the Rams. With Calgary trailing by only five and Dinos quarterback Jimmy Underdahl scrambling towards the end zone, Dwyer met him at the one-yard line with a crushing hit that jarred the ball loose. Safety Braedy Will jumped on the ball in the end zone, putting an end to what could have been a game-winning drive for Calgary.

“You almost forget about Joey out there because he so consistently just goes about his business and gets the job done,” Rams head coach Steve Bryce said. “But everyone noticed him on Friday, and it wasn’t just that last hit – he made another fine play late when he took down their running back for no gain on a pass to the flats.”

Picton had his best game as a Ram on Friday, finishing with career highs in receptions (13) and receiving yards (215) and adding a career-high three touchdown catches, all three of which came during a 14-minute span in the second half of play. Picton, who’s eligible to be selected in the 2017 CFL Draft, has at least one touchdown catch in each of the team’s first four Canada West games and leads the entire CIS in both receiving yards per game (121.3) and touchdown receptions (7).

“Mitch is arguably our top receiver and I think you’re watching a future professional out there, a guy who could have a long career in the CFL,” Bryce said. “He wasn’t playing at 100% after being banged up in practice this week, but was still able to elevate his game and excel against one of the top teams in the conference.”

Dwyer and Picton will move forward as Canada West’s nominees for the CIS Player of the Week awards, which are announced each Wednesday.

The first-place Rams (3-1) will be in action next at the SaskTel Fall Classic against Saskatchewan (2-2) on Saturday in a clash that will go down as the first football game to be played at the new Mosaic Stadium.

(Courtesy Braden Konschuh)