Call it a season
The Regina Rams take on the Calgary Dinos in playoff action
Autumn McDowell
Sports Editor
After a season of wild highs and lows, the University of Regina Rams season finally came to an end after a 16-4 loss to the host Calgary Dinos in a Canada West semifinal on Nov. 4.
It was a small miracle that the Rams made it to the playoffs after enduring growing pains of rookie quarterbacks in the first three games of the season. However, the Rams eventually earned a playoff berth after defeating the Manitoba Bisons 31-22 on Oct. 28.
The future looked grim for Regina heading into the game against Calgary, as the Dinos were riding an eight-game winning streak against the Green and Gold. Unfortunately for the Rams, the streak would continue.
The Rams were chasing their tails from the very first offensive play of the game as Dinos quarterback Eric Dzwilewski connected with Richard Snyder on a 90-yard pass to put the first points on the board.
Regina punter and rock for the Rams this season, Chris Bodnar, got the Rams on the scoreboard with a 39-yard field goal four minutes after Calgary’s major.
A team safety, combined with Calgary’s Matt Walter scampering 21 yards into the end zone, put the Dinos up by 13 heading into the break.
The Walter touchdown would prove to be the final points that Calgary would put up for the rest of the game. Bodnar sent a 50-yard rouge through the end zone, but the Rams could never catch the Dinos, who went on to win the game 16-4.
Regina quarterback Zach Olyenik finished the night with 183 passing yards after completing 18-of-35 attempts. Mark McConkey was once again Olyenik’s favourite target as he snagged five passes in the game. Third-year Jay Smith had a team-high 44 receiving yards while Adrian Charles rushed 14 times for 63 yards.
Even in the postseason Jamir Walker did what he did best, picking off two of Dzwilewski’s passes. With the two interceptions, Walker became the first Rams player to register multiple picks in a postseason contest. The Rams defence can be held accountable for holding the Dinos to just 16 points – their lowest offensive output this season.
With the loss, the Rams have ended their season while Calgary looks to be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs and beyond.
Fifth-year players Mike Kerr, Brenden Owens, and Charles all played their last game as member of the Regina Rams.
