Calgary, AB - In a possible opening round playoff preview, the #3 Calgary Dinos (8-0) defeated the UBC Thunderbirds (4-3) 34-17 Friday night at McMahon. With the win, the Dinos completed their first perfect regular season in school history.
In a game which featured the top two running backs in the country, they did not disappoint. In the end it was Calgary's Mercer Timmis outdueling UBC's Brandon Deschamps. Timmis ran for 184 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown, while Deschamps racked up 161 yards on 20 carries in a losing cause.
The Thunderbirds hung tough with the #3 ranked Dinos, but in the end costly mistakes were the difference. The turning point came late in the first half with the Thunderbirds trailing 15-11 and driving in Calgary territory when Micha Theil fumbled. It was recovered by the Dinos on their own 44 yard line. They would march the length of the field in just over a minute as Andrew Buckley hooked up with Jake Harty on an eight-yard touchdown catch to put the home side in front 22-11 with 35 seconds left in the half.Â
The third quarter saw neither offence find their groove, the 'Birds managed a single while the Dinos put up a field goal to lead 25-12 with one quarter left to play.
After a field goal got UBC within 10 points, Buckley would put it out of reach, punching it in from four yards out to give Calgary a 32-15 lead. Both teams would surrender safeties late to make it 34-17 final.
Calgary started the game with a bang, scoring on the opening drive on a Mac Sarro touchdown grab to go ahead 7-0.
Quinn Van Gylswyk responded with a 42 yard FG and a safety off the ensuing kickoff to cut the lead to 7-4 after one quarter of play.
UBC took the lead early in the second quarter as David Scott caught a 17 yard touchdown strike from Greg Bowcott capping off a four play, 75 yard drive, giving the Thunderbirds a 11-8 lead.
The Dinos responded immediately courtesy of Timmis. He scored his league leading and Canada West record setting 19th touchdown of the season to put Calgary back in front 15-11.
With the 161 yards on the ground today, Brandon Deschamps went over 1000 yards for the season finishing with 1,007 yards in seven games, averaging 144 yards per game on the ground.
UBC will now sit and wait to see where who they will be playing in the opening round of the playoffs next week. If Saskatchewan and Manitoba both win tomorrow, they will play Calgary. If Manitoba wins and Saskatchewan loses, they will play in Calgary. If Saskatchewan wins and Manitoba loses, they will play in Saskatchewan. If both Saskatchewan and Manitoba lose they will play Calgary.
