The Thunder visit the Colts
The PFC Game of the Week is a dandy and has playoff positioning on the line when the Calgary Colts (4-2) host the Regina Thunder (4-2).
These two teams haven’t seen each other since last year’s semi-final in Regina when the Colts upset the Thunder 20-17 to advance to the PFC Final.
The Colts are coming off a 37-17 victory over the Edmonton Huskies as the offence posted 512 total yards. They have won two straight and will host their third consecutive home game. They sit 2-1 at McMahon Stadium, outscoring the opposition 57-35 in their last two home wins.
The offence is starting to become very balanced. In their last two wins they have passed for 516 yards, while running for 445. Quarterback John Kiesman has attempted a Conference high 155 passes, completing 88 of them for 1,281 yards. He has connected on 11 touchdowns with a passer efficiency rating of 94%. His favourite target has been Kyle Brick who has caught a Conference high six touchdown passes. He’s averaging 17.8 yards on his 21 receptions.
The Colts run game has been led by Xavier Ramsay who has rushed 62 times for 504 yards.
Arguably the Thunder defence will be the toughest the Colts have faced since Week 1 and yards could be at a premium.
The Thunder are coming off a bye week and boast a defence that has allowed 138 points, or 23 points a game. The “D” has forced 22 turnovers, including 11 interceptions and six fumbles.
No less than three players have at least two picks. Linebacker Paul Toth has been solid with a team high 17 tackles and two interceptions. Marcus Hall has also been great collecting 16 tackles, and returned his lone interception 76 yards.
Offensively the Thunder come up against a Colts defence that has allowed 130 points, second fewest in the PFC. The Colts have forced 19 turnovers including nine interceptions.
Owen Redlick has been a ball hawk, leading the PFC with five picks. The reigning CJFL Defensive Player of the Year Jakub Jakoubek is also starting to heat up. He leads the club with 24 tackles, second most in the PFC and is tied for Conference lead with 16 assisted tackles. Akida Lewis has been a force with his four sacks, one shy of the PFC lead.
Thunder quarterback Jaeden Marwick entered the bye week throwing for three touchdowns adding to his Conference high of 17. He also leads the Conference with 1,493 yards and 98 completions. Averaging 10 yards a completion, Marwick’s passer efficiency rating is 115.1%, best among PFC starters.
Marwick has three quality receivers to throw to. Kasim Ocaya has a Conference leading average of 20.2 yards a catch and five touchdowns. Thomas Bresciani and Preston Bews each have 20 receptions and have combined for 661 yards and seven majors.
On the ground the 1-2 punch of Colton Klassen and Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette have been effective. Klassen leads the PFC with 700 yards, while St. Pierre-Laviolette has a Conference high seven touchdowns.
The game on Sunday will be the first trip to Calgary for the Thunder since the 2013 season, which could be a welcome change of scenery after dropping the last two home meetings.
Kick-off is set for 1:00pm at McMahon Stadium with the winner in the driver seat for second place and a home playoff date.
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