EDMONTON - The Golden Bears responded to an opening loss in Vancouver with a resounding 34-11 home victory against the Manitoba Bisons. They return to McMahon Stadium this week for a rivalry matchup against the Calgary Dinos Friday night.
Alberta (1-1) dominated a Bisons team that was ranked second in the CW preseason coaches poll. Second-year Bears QB Eli Hetlinger continued to impress in his first season as a starter, completing 19 of 28 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns. Every touchdown found the hands of second-year receiver Kolby Hurford, who caught four passes for 202 yards on top of the trio of touchdowns. It was the second-most receiving touchdowns in a game in Bears history, as he was named the Canada West Offensive Player of the Week. The defence was also stout on the day, allowing 11 points and only 194 yards through the air. Third-year Bears defensive back Jonathon Giustini picked off a pass and added six tackles, while first-year Alberta linebacker Reiss Flunder led the team with eight tackles, two being for a loss.
The Dinos (0-2) lost a close 32-24 bid in Regina to the upstart Rams (2-0). The Rams led by as much as 23 points late in the third quarter, but the Dinos scored 15 unanswered to bring the game to within a possession in the fourth quarter. Second-year Calgary QB Daniel Sananes had an excellent game in a relief appearance, going 15/23 with 197 yards after entering midway through the contest. The defence was impressive, holding the Rams to just 254 total offensive yards, but penalties and a pick-six proved too costly in the comeback effort.
GAME INFORMATION
Golden Bears Football (1-1 Conference, 1-1 Overall)
Conference
Friday, September 16
Alberta @ Calgary Dinos (0-2), McMahon Stadium, 6:00 p.m. MT
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HEADLINES
- The Golden Bears won this matchup last year at McMahon Stadium in an exciting 36-30 game.
- Calgary holds a large all-time margin over the Bears, sporting a 65-43 record in the Battle of Alberta.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alberta: QB Eli Hetlinger (#7) - The second-year hometown product has been nothing short of exceptional in his first two starts with the Bears. He ranks second in the CW in passing yards and touchdowns, and clearly has developed chemistry with his target throwing a completion to 12 different Bears already in the young season. With a great crop of young receivers, he looks to continue on his success Friday night.Â
Calgary: LB Daniel Flanagan (#6) - The second-year linebacker is a bright spot on the Dinos defence, currently ranked third in the CW in tackles. He has shown a proficiency in the pass rush in the past, posting three sacks across seven games last season, and will play a large role in the plan to stop the hot Alberta offence.
