RAMS FALL 58-6 IN CALGARY
CALGARY – The University of Regina Rams saw their playoff hopes slip away on Friday night after a 58-6 loss to the No. 3-ranked Calgary Dinos at McMahon Stadium.
After having to forfeit three wins earlier this month, the Rams needed to win all three of their games following the bye week to have a shot at the playoffs. They won last week over Alberta, but Friday’s loss to Calgary mathematically eliminates the Rams from the postseason race.
The story for the Rams coming into the game was at quarterback. For the second consecutive week, Regina had a player making his first career start under centre with All-Canadian pivot Noah Picton injured. Seb Britton got the start last week but was injured himself in the victory, and the Rams went with true freshman Josh Donnelly against the Dinos.
Donnelly, just the third true freshman in Rams history to start a U SPORTS game at quarterback, acquitted himself nicely. He completed 20 of 33 passes for a total of 243 yards, but was picked off twice in the end zone.
Veteran quarterback Adam Sinagra was brilliant in the win for Calgary, which improves its record to 7-0 with the win. Sinagra completed 20 of his 28 pass attempts for 428 yards and two touchdowns, with three of his receivers hitting triple figures in yards. Tyson Philpot had six catches for 191 yards and a touchdown, Dallas Boath had three receptions for 126 yards and a pair of majors, and Hunter Karl had six catches for 110 yards.
Sterling Taylor had a 110-yard interception return for the Dinos, the longest in Canada West history. Taylor also had a pass breakup, while Boston Rowe, Tyrese Best, Jacob Plamondon, and Joel Van Pelt each had sacks. Deane Leonard also had an interception for Calgary, while Van Pelt – a defensive lineman – added the Dinos’ final touchdown on a one-yard catch from Josiah Joseph.
Ryan Schienbein was Regina’s leading receiver with nine catches for 119 yards, including one for a 36-yard gain on Donnelly’s first offensive snap of his career. Jaxon Ford had a third-quarter interception for the Rams, his second of the season.
The Rams will close out their 2018 season next Friday night against Saskatchewan. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 at Mosaic Stadium.
NOTES: Donnelly joins Teale Orban (2004) and Frankie Gray (2011) as the only three quarterbacks to start a U SPORTS game as a true freshman for the Rams.
(Braden Konschuh/UofR Athletics)
