Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Out of the playoff picture, the UBC Thunderbirds (2-5) football team finishes off their 2012 season Friday night in Saskatoon against the Saskatchewan Huskies (4-3). Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm PST.
Last week's 37-31 defeat at the hands of the Manitoba Bisons was the final nail in the coffin for UBC's playoff hopes. Depsite a valiant effort versus the Bisons in which the 'Birds rallied from a 26 point deficit, only to lose by six, the Thunderbirds will be on the outside looking in when it comes to top four in the conference and the 2012 playoff picture.
"It's been a challenge this week to keep the guys motivated," said head coach
Shawn Olson. "That game last week was such an emotional rollercoaster of effort and desire and then eventually coming up empty handed in a way where we felt cheated was very tough. We didn't know what or how to feel. I do know, we were proud of the guys for giving everything, but in the end we came up short and ended our chances of playing in the post season. With that being said, it is the responsiblity of the team to play for those guys playing in the final game of their CIS careers and to build on the last half of the season, which has been much more positive then the first half."
Friday night marks the final game for quarterback
Billy Greene (Surrey, BC) and receiver
Jordan Grieve (Salmon Arm, BC), two of the most accomplished players in UBC history. Greene is fourth all-time in the Canada West in passing with 8,322 passing yards to go along with 49 career touchdowns. Grieve has 138 career catches, 11th best in Canada West history, and 2,103 career receiving yards.
"To be honest, I haven't talked to either guy with regards to it being their last game," said Olson. "I'm choosing to wait until it's officially over."
The Huskies meanwhilte have a chance to lockdown third place overall in the conference with a win over UBC. They are coming off 27-10 win over Alberta last week. Saskatchewan defeated UBC 39-34 at Thunderbird Stadium back in week three of the season. They are led by the top receiver in the conference, Kit Hillis, who has 797 receiving yards on 57 catches this season to go along with eight touchdown grabs. He had 14 catches, 224 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in the Huskies win over UBC earlier this season.
Defensively, fifth year safety Bryce McCall is the one to watch. He is tied for the most career interceptions in CIS history with 21 picks.
"Despite the tough surroundings, climate, and everything working against us, this is a game we can win," said Olson. "Friday's game is about pride, togetherness, and playing for the guy beside you. We don't care about playing spoiler, our focus is on the game and finishing the season on a positive note."
The game can be seen live on Shaw TV at 6:00 pm PST.
