CIS Non-conference (RECAP): Calgary Dinos vs Regina Rams

MEDICINE HAT, Alta. – The University of Calgary Dinos received contributions from veterans and newcomers alike in a 37-13 win over the University of Regina Rams Thursday night in non-conference CIS football action at the Methanex Bowl in Medicine Hat, Alta.

Leading 13-3 at halftime after the presumptive starters played the first two quarters, the Dinos outscored the Rams 24-10 in the second half to grab their second non-conference victory in as many seasons over Regina in this eastern Alberta city.

Starting quarterback Jimmy Underdahl had an efficient 30 minutes of work, completing 15 of 20 passes for 235 yards and adding a one-yard touchdown plunge before giving way to his backups. Both performed well in the second half, with Adam Sinagra completing 6 of 9 passes for 90 yards and adding a 21-yard rushing major of his own, while Josiah Joseph tossed the highlight of the game – a 65-yard TD bomb to Dallas Boath – on his first play from scrimmage. Joseph finished 2-for-4 for 70 yards.

With more than 80 players dressed for each side, plenty of players had the opportunity to get involved on the night. Thirteen Dinos had rushing plays in the game, while a dozen caught at least one pass as they looked to impress the coaching staff heading into the regular season.

“It was a typical exhibition game – there was a lot of sloppiness and a lot of areas where we need to get sharper,” said reigning CIS coach of the year Wayne Harris. “But I certainly like the enthusiasm, excitement, and intensity our young guys brought in the second half, and that’s what we’ll need from the seniors as well if we are to be successful this season.

“Jimmy had a good night and was finding his targets. There are still some things to clean up, but we have confidence in how he will carry us this year.”

One of the intriguing battles for the Dinos this year is in the kicking position, with three players getting the chance to compete for the job Thursday. Alec Curtis went 2-for-3 on field goal tries with makes from 20 and 35 and a miss from 39, while Niko DiFonte hit both of his opportunities from 26 and 41 yards. Matias Bueno split the uprights once in two tries, missing from 39 before connecting from 32.

Calgary opens conference play next Thursday, Sept. 1 when they face the Manitoba Bisons at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg. Kickoff goes at 6 p.m. MT, live on Shaw TV and CanadaWest.tv – and Harris will head back to work Friday morning to get his team prepared.

“Our execution has to be better,” the second-year head coach explained. “I thought our discipline was very good tonight, but there were many areas where our execution needs to be better. If we can get that part down, we will be in good shape heading into next week.”

 

SCORING SUMMARY

1^st Quarter

CGY – Alec Curtis 20-yard FG, 9:47, 3-0 CGY

CGY – Alec Curtis 35-yard FG, 14:53, 6-0 CGY

2^nd Quarter

REG – Daniel Scraper 20-yard FG, 7:18, 6-3 CGY

CGY – Jimmy Underdahl 1-yard TD run (Alec Curtis convert), 13:11, 13-3 CGY

3^rd Quarter

CGY– Adam Sinagra 21-yard TD run (Niko DiFonte kick), 3:27, 20-3 CGY

REG – William McGee 26-yard FG, 6:09, 20-6 CGY

CGY – Niko DiFonte 26-yard FG, 11:05, 23-6 CGY

4^th Quarter

CGY – Niko DiFonta 41-yard FG, 1:54, 26-6 CGY

CGY – Dallas Boath 65-yard TD pass from Josiah Joseph (Matias Bueno convert), 3:32, 33-6 CGY

REG – Kyle Moortgat 35-yard TD pass from Seb Britton (William McGee convert), 7:55, 33-13 CGY

CGY – Matias Bueno missed FG single, 10:01, 34-13 CGY

CGY – Matias Bueno 32-yard FG, 13:43, 37-13 CGY

-UC-