OFFENCE: #3 Steven Lumbala, Calgary
It was all Steven Lumbala, all the time Friday night as the No. 4-ranked University of Calgary Dinos scored a second straight come-from-behind victory, downing the No. 10 UBC Thunderbirds 30-25 at McMahon Stadium.
The third-year tailback racked up 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, to take over the Canada West rushing lead after Week 2. While he was impressive all night, it was the final, game-winning drive where he shone brightest. Starting at their own 25-yard line, the Dinos ran their two-minute drill to perfection as Lumbala tore up the UBC run defence. Of the 85 yards Calgary needed to reach the end zone, Lumbala racked up 80 of them including the final 9-yard carry to the house.
After two weeks, Lumbala leads Canada West with 314 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging better than 8.3 yards per carry.
Lumbala and the Dinos (2-0) head east to face the Regina Rams (0-2) Friday night at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, live on QR77 radio and CanadaWest.tv.
DEFENCE: #37 Tony Michalchuk, Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan linebacker Tony Michalchuk tallied 10 solo tackles and one interception to help hold the Regina Rams to 10 points in a 33-10 victory.
Michalchuk led the Huskie defense with 12 tackles 10 solo and four half tackles. The Foam Lake, Sask., native also added an interception and a breakup in the game.
The Huskies hit the road to face the University of Manitoba Bisons Saturday.
SPECIAL TEAMS: #27 Jess Valleau, Alberta
University of Alberta Golden Bears wide receiver and return specialist Jess Valleau is the Canada West special teams Player of the Week.
The third-year wide out from Wainwright, Alta., returned a Manitoba kick-off 100-yards to the house during Albertas 22-20 loss Saturday evening in Edmonton. It was Albertas first touchdown of the game, and followed immediately after the Bisons had scored to go up 16-4.
Valleau’s special teams spark provided the boost the Golden Bears needed, as they scored 10 points on their first two drives after the kick return TD to climb back into the game, before eventually falling two points short. The return TD is the third-longest in Golden Bears team history.
Valleau finished the game with 185 all-purpose yards.
The Golden Bears (0-2) are in action this weekend in Vancouver against the 1-1 UBC Thunderbirds.
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