KICKOFF: Oct. 2 (7:00 p.m. CDT)
SITE: Investors Group Field (Winnipeg, Man.)
CAPACITY: 44,784
RANKINGS: Regina NR, Manitoba #6
RANKINGS: Regina NR, Manitoba #6
REGINA RADIO: 620 CKRM (Michael Ball/PxP)
WINNIPEG RADIO: 101.9 UMFM (Darrin Bauming/PxP, Tim Kist/CC)
LIVE VIDEO: www.canadawest.tv ($)
• The Rams will square off against a ranked Manitoba team that is enters Week 5 embroiled in a four-way tie for second place in the Canada West standings at 2-2
• This will be the first of two consecutive games between Regina and Manitoba – they’ll also meet in Regina on Oct. 17 following the Canada West bye week
• The two teams split their Canada West meetings last year, with Manitoba winning 42-18 in Winnipeg and Regina compiling a 56-41 home win in Week 7
• Though the Rams have held a significant advantage in the last 10 games of the series, they’ll be looking for their first road win over the Bisons since Oct. 29, 2011
• This will be the first of two consecutive games between Regina and Manitoba – they’ll also meet in Regina on Oct. 17 following the Canada West bye week
• The two teams split their Canada West meetings last year, with Manitoba winning 42-18 in Winnipeg and Regina compiling a 56-41 home win in Week 7
• Though the Rams have held a significant advantage in the last 10 games of the series, they’ll be looking for their first road win over the Bisons since Oct. 29, 2011
ALL-TIME SERIES: Looking back at the last 10 games between these two teams, it’s been the Rams holding a significant advantage with an 8-2 record over that span. That includes a seven-game winning streak that stretched from 2008 to 2012 in addition to the Rams’ Week 7 win last year that kept them in the playoff hunt. Overall, Regina has an 11-15 record against Manitoba in 26 Canada West games played.
MILESTONE WATCH: The Rams have a pair of players coming up on fairly significant career marks. RB Atlee Simon needs just 48 yards to join Neal Hughes, Graham Mosiondz, and Adrian Charles as the only players in Rams CIS history to hit 1000 in their career. QB Noah Picton is closing in on 3000 career passing yards, needing just 92 more to join former Rams pivots Teale Orban, Marc Mueller, Mark Anderson, Darryl Leason, and Cayman Shutter in that club.
GROUND GAME: With Simon out last week, RB Michael Webber got his first career start and responded with a strong performance against Calgary. The 6-3, 245 lb. product of the Windsor AKO Fratmen finished with 18 rushes for a game-high 131 yards last week and scored the U of R’s only major of the game with a 21-yard rumble late in the third quarter. Simon, who still ranks third in Canada West with 428 rushing yards, is expected to return to the lineup this Friday.
LINEUP LOOK: DB Travoy Martinez had to sit out the first four games of this season due to transfer regulations after coming over from the University of Saskatchewan, but he’s expected to dress for the first time this Friday. He’s listed as a backup at field corner on early projections this week and could even be utilized as a returner. On the travel roster for the first time this year is WR Brady Eurich, who has rocketed up the depth chart in recent weeks and should be the first backup to Andrew Bennett and Richard Sindani at the wide receiver positions. DL Wendell Thornton, Jr. is also projected to play in his first road game of the season and will back up Bryce McKinnon and Eric Wicijowski at the interior tackle positions.
RAMS IN THE PROS: The Rams currently boast three former players in the NFL, including DL Stefan Charles (Buffalo), DL Akiem Hicks (New Orleans), and P Jon Ryan (Seattle). OL Brett Jones was making a push for the New York Giants’ 53-man roster, but suffered a suspected MCL sprain in their final preseason game and was put on injured reserve. Five former Rams are currently in the CFL, including LS Jorgen Hus and OL Brendon LaBatte who are both on Saskatchewan’s active roster. WR Addison Richards (Winnipeg) and SB Chris Getzlaf (Saskatchewan) are both on the six-game injured list, while CB Tevaughn Campbell is on Calgary’s practice roster.
RAMS FAMILY TIES:
• OL Aaron Picton and SB Mitchell Picton – brothers
• DB Luke Wilson and SB Riley Wilson – brothers
• OL Aaron Picton/SB Mitchell Picton, QB Noah Picton, RB Blake Anaka – cousins
• Defensive line coach Greg Nesbitt and LB Danny Nesbitt – father/son
• Greg Nesbitt and defensive coordinator Paul Dawson – brothers-in-law
• OL Aaron Picton and SB Mitchell Picton – brothers
• DB Luke Wilson and SB Riley Wilson – brothers
• OL Aaron Picton/SB Mitchell Picton, QB Noah Picton, RB Blake Anaka – cousins
• Defensive line coach Greg Nesbitt and LB Danny Nesbitt – father/son
• Greg Nesbitt and defensive coordinator Paul Dawson – brothers-in-law
PLAYER NOTES:
#1 Jens Johnson (FB • 4th • 5-10/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting fullback … has one reception for two yards this season … also has returned two short kickoffs for a total of 10 yards … team captain.
#2 Andrew Fabian (K • 5th • 6-0/195 • Tilley, Alta.)
Has the made the most career PATs in Rams CIS history without a miss (31) … has made 72.2% of his FG attempts, also the highest in school history.
#3 Michael Webber (RB • 2nd • 6-3/245 • Guelph, Ont.)
Starting fullback … has one reception for two yards this season … also has returned two short kickoffs for a total of 10 yards … team captain.
#2 Andrew Fabian (K • 5th • 6-0/195 • Tilley, Alta.)
Has the made the most career PATs in Rams CIS history without a miss (31) … has made 72.2% of his FG attempts, also the highest in school history.
#3 Michael Webber (RB • 2nd • 6-3/245 • Guelph, Ont.)
Made his first career start at running back last week and had 18 rushes for 131 yards and a TD … 10th in Canada West with 148 rushing yards.
#4 Noah Picton (QB • 2nd • 5-10/180 • Regina, Sask.)
Needs three TD passes to tie former teammate Cayman Shutter for fifth on the school’s all-time list … career completion rate of 62.8% is the highest in school history … team captain.
#5 Kahlen Branning (DB • 4th • 6-1/190 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Missed last week’s game due to injury, but is projected to return on Friday … 8½ tackles and one pass breakup this season.
#6 Mitchell Picton (SB • 3rd • 6-3/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting Y receiver leads the Rams and ranks fourth in Canada West with 21 receptions … also leads the team with 268 receiving yards.
#7 Ellis Richards (QB • 1st • 6-0/195 • Regina, Sask.)
Has settled in as the team’s No. 3 quarterback … younger brother of Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Addison Richards.
#8 Richard Sindani (WR • 3rd • 6-3/210 • Regina, Sask.)
Leads the Rams with an average of 16.4 yards per catch … fourth on the team in both receptions (14) and receiving yards (230).
#9 Jordy Kibamba (DB • 3rd • 6-2/180 • Calgary, Alta.)
Starting field corner for the Rams … tied for sixth on the team with 9½ tackles … also has one pass breakup on the season.
#10 Jeff Propp (DB • 3rd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started two out of four Canada West games this season … has 8½ tackles on the year.
#11 Andrew Bennett (WR • 4th • 6-4/225 • Miami Lakes, Fla.)
Third on the Rams with 16 receptions and second on the team with 250 receiving yards.
#12 Preston Paulson (DB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Terrell, Texas)
Has played in all four Canada West games and got the start at safety in Week 3 … has seven solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
#14 Ryan Schienbein (SB • 1st • 5-9/170 • Regina, Sask.)
Rookie out of Balfour Collegiate leads the Rams in punt returns (17 for 79) and kickoff returns (9 for 165) … also has two receptions for 13 yards.
#15 Tyler Vieira (QB • 3rd • 5-11/200 • Winnipeg, Man.)
Has seen the field in each of the last three weeks … has completed 23 passes for 361 yards and two TDs this season … had a season-long 39-yard completion to Andrew Bennett last week.
#16 Korey Greene (DB • 3rd • 6-0/175 • Toronto, Ont.)
Halfback has started all four Canada West games at the falcon position … leads the Rams with three pass breakups … is third on the team in tackles (13 solo, 5 assisted).
#20 Travoy Martinez (DB • 4th • 5-9/190 • Dallas, Texas)
Dresses for his first game with the Rams after sitting out the first half of the season due to transfer regulations … on projected depth chart as a backup to Kahlen Branning at boundary corner.
#4 Noah Picton (QB • 2nd • 5-10/180 • Regina, Sask.)
Needs three TD passes to tie former teammate Cayman Shutter for fifth on the school’s all-time list … career completion rate of 62.8% is the highest in school history … team captain.
#5 Kahlen Branning (DB • 4th • 6-1/190 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Missed last week’s game due to injury, but is projected to return on Friday … 8½ tackles and one pass breakup this season.
#6 Mitchell Picton (SB • 3rd • 6-3/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Starting Y receiver leads the Rams and ranks fourth in Canada West with 21 receptions … also leads the team with 268 receiving yards.
#7 Ellis Richards (QB • 1st • 6-0/195 • Regina, Sask.)
Has settled in as the team’s No. 3 quarterback … younger brother of Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Addison Richards.
#8 Richard Sindani (WR • 3rd • 6-3/210 • Regina, Sask.)
Leads the Rams with an average of 16.4 yards per catch … fourth on the team in both receptions (14) and receiving yards (230).
#9 Jordy Kibamba (DB • 3rd • 6-2/180 • Calgary, Alta.)
Starting field corner for the Rams … tied for sixth on the team with 9½ tackles … also has one pass breakup on the season.
#10 Jeff Propp (DB • 3rd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started two out of four Canada West games this season … has 8½ tackles on the year.
#11 Andrew Bennett (WR • 4th • 6-4/225 • Miami Lakes, Fla.)
Third on the Rams with 16 receptions and second on the team with 250 receiving yards.
#12 Preston Paulson (DB • 3rd • 6-0/200 • Terrell, Texas)
Has played in all four Canada West games and got the start at safety in Week 3 … has seven solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
#14 Ryan Schienbein (SB • 1st • 5-9/170 • Regina, Sask.)
Rookie out of Balfour Collegiate leads the Rams in punt returns (17 for 79) and kickoff returns (9 for 165) … also has two receptions for 13 yards.
#15 Tyler Vieira (QB • 3rd • 5-11/200 • Winnipeg, Man.)
Has seen the field in each of the last three weeks … has completed 23 passes for 361 yards and two TDs this season … had a season-long 39-yard completion to Andrew Bennett last week.
#16 Korey Greene (DB • 3rd • 6-0/175 • Toronto, Ont.)
Halfback has started all four Canada West games at the falcon position … leads the Rams with three pass breakups … is third on the team in tackles (13 solo, 5 assisted).
#20 Travoy Martinez (DB • 4th • 5-9/190 • Dallas, Texas)
Dresses for his first game with the Rams after sitting out the first half of the season due to transfer regulations … on projected depth chart as a backup to Kahlen Branning at boundary corner.
#24 Polis Koko (DB • 1st • 5-9/155 • Regina, Sask.)
Rookie out of LeBoldus program in Regina got his first career start last week against Calgary … has six solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and a pass breakup this year – all of which came last week.
Rookie out of LeBoldus program in Regina got his first career start last week against Calgary … has six solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and a pass breakup this year – all of which came last week.
#25 Brady Eurich (WR • 3rd • 5-10/180 • Regina, Sask.)
Dressed for his first Canada West game last week and will now be on the roster for his first road game with the Rams.
#26 Davin Johnston (SB • 3rd • 6-0/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Two catches for nine yards this year … has played in all four Canada West games and started one.
#27 Joey Dwyer (DB • 4th • 6-2/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 … fifth on the Rams in tackles (10 solo, 1 assisted) … has two pass breakups and a fumble recovery … team captain.
#32 Mason Rossler (DB • 2nd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games and is second on the Rams in tackles (19 solo, 6 assisted) … has a team-leading 1½ sacks and is second on the Rams with 2½ tackles for loss.
#34 Ryan Serbu (DB • 2nd • 5-11/175 • Regina, Sask.)
Missed the first two games of the Canada West schedule, but returned to the lineup for the Week 3 game at Saskatchewan … could start at safety.
#36 Atlee Simon (RB • 2nd • 6-0/205 • Regina, Sask.)
With his next touchdown run, will tie Mark Anderson for third in school history … is the school’s all-time leader with an average of 6.4 yards per carry … still ranks third in Canada West in rushing despite missing last week’s game.
#41 Zack McEachern (LB • 3rd • 6-0/225 • Calgary, Alta.)
Has yet to start a game this season, but gets plenty of playing time at mac linebacker and is fourth on the team in tackles (11 solo, 6 assisted) … has the team’s lone forced fumble of the season.
#44 Michael Stefanovic (LB • 3rd • 5-10/210 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2013 … team leader and ranks fourth in Canada West in tackles (19 solo, 15 assisted) … also leads the team with three tackles for loss.
#45 Sam Varao (FB • 1st • 6-0/220 • Victoria, B.C.)
Has dressed for three of the team’s four Canada West games … credited with his first career start last week after lining up as a tight end on the first offensive play of the game.
#46 Alex Rorke (LB • 1st • 6-1/210 • Vanscoy, Sask.)
Has six solo tackles and two assisted tackles this year, all on kick coverage.
#47 Danny Nesbitt (LB • 2nd • 6-2/230 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four games at mac linebacker, but splits playing time with Zack McEachern … three solo tackles and six assisted tackles this season.
#48 Mitch Morrison (LB • 3rd • 6-0/215 • Wilcox, Sask.)
Four solo tackles and three assisted tackles this year, all of which have come on special teams.
#49 Tyler Perkins (DL • 5th • 6-3/250 • Campbell River, B.C.)
Tied for the school’s all-time lead with three blocked kicks … expected to return to the lineup this week after being injured in Week 1.
#52 Matt Degelman (OL • 3rd • 6-3/265 • Regina, Sask.)
In his third year as the team’s starting RT … hasn’t missed a game in his CIS career … including postseason, has 21 career GP and 20 games started.
#53 Lyndon Smith (OL • 2nd • 6-4/300 • Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.)
Played in his first Canada West game last week since the 2013 season … missed all of 2014 and the first three weeks of this season due to injury.
Dressed for his first Canada West game last week and will now be on the roster for his first road game with the Rams.
#26 Davin Johnston (SB • 3rd • 6-0/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Two catches for nine yards this year … has played in all four Canada West games and started one.
#27 Joey Dwyer (DB • 4th • 6-2/200 • Regina, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2014 … fifth on the Rams in tackles (10 solo, 1 assisted) … has two pass breakups and a fumble recovery … team captain.
#32 Mason Rossler (DB • 2nd • 6-0/185 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games and is second on the Rams in tackles (19 solo, 6 assisted) … has a team-leading 1½ sacks and is second on the Rams with 2½ tackles for loss.
#34 Ryan Serbu (DB • 2nd • 5-11/175 • Regina, Sask.)
Missed the first two games of the Canada West schedule, but returned to the lineup for the Week 3 game at Saskatchewan … could start at safety.
#36 Atlee Simon (RB • 2nd • 6-0/205 • Regina, Sask.)
With his next touchdown run, will tie Mark Anderson for third in school history … is the school’s all-time leader with an average of 6.4 yards per carry … still ranks third in Canada West in rushing despite missing last week’s game.
#41 Zack McEachern (LB • 3rd • 6-0/225 • Calgary, Alta.)
Has yet to start a game this season, but gets plenty of playing time at mac linebacker and is fourth on the team in tackles (11 solo, 6 assisted) … has the team’s lone forced fumble of the season.
#44 Michael Stefanovic (LB • 3rd • 5-10/210 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Canada West all-star in 2013 … team leader and ranks fourth in Canada West in tackles (19 solo, 15 assisted) … also leads the team with three tackles for loss.
#45 Sam Varao (FB • 1st • 6-0/220 • Victoria, B.C.)
Has dressed for three of the team’s four Canada West games … credited with his first career start last week after lining up as a tight end on the first offensive play of the game.
#46 Alex Rorke (LB • 1st • 6-1/210 • Vanscoy, Sask.)
Has six solo tackles and two assisted tackles this year, all on kick coverage.
#47 Danny Nesbitt (LB • 2nd • 6-2/230 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four games at mac linebacker, but splits playing time with Zack McEachern … three solo tackles and six assisted tackles this season.
#48 Mitch Morrison (LB • 3rd • 6-0/215 • Wilcox, Sask.)
Four solo tackles and three assisted tackles this year, all of which have come on special teams.
#49 Tyler Perkins (DL • 5th • 6-3/250 • Campbell River, B.C.)
Tied for the school’s all-time lead with three blocked kicks … expected to return to the lineup this week after being injured in Week 1.
#52 Matt Degelman (OL • 3rd • 6-3/265 • Regina, Sask.)
In his third year as the team’s starting RT … hasn’t missed a game in his CIS career … including postseason, has 21 career GP and 20 games started.
#53 Lyndon Smith (OL • 2nd • 6-4/300 • Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.)
Played in his first Canada West game last week since the 2013 season … missed all of 2014 and the first three weeks of this season due to injury.
#58 Nathan Cugnet (OL • 4th • 6-0/285 • Weyburn, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games this season at centre … including postseason, has 19 career games played and eight games started.
#64 Keenan Carrier (OL • 5th • 6-1/300 • Tisdale, Sask.)
Had his first two career starts in Week 2 and Week 3, and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Friday … product of the Saskatoon Hilltops.
#65 Aaron Picton (OL • 5th • 6-4/295 • Regina, Sask.)
Team captain and the Rams’ most experienced lineman … started the season at right guard, but moved to left tackle after Week 1 … including postseason, has 38 career games played and 26 games started … 2015 draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders. but had his rights dealt to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday.
#66 John Lerach (OL • 1st • 6-0/285 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to return to the lineup as a backup at left guard … won a 3A city championship last year with Luther College HS.
#67 Roe Borgmann (OL • 1st • 6-1/270 • Lumsden, Sask.)
First career start last week against Calgary, getting the call at left guard … again projected to be the team’s starting LG this week.
#69 Bryce McKinnon (DL • 3rd • 6-0/285 • Water Valley, Alta.)
Second season as the team’s starting nose tackle … eighth on the team in tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted) … also has a half tackle for loss.
#82 Mitch Thompson (WR • 3rd • 5-10/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Only player on the Rams with multiple touchdown receptions (2) … second on the team in receptions (18) and third in receiving yards (237).
#83 Riley Wilson (SB • 4th • 6-3/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Normally utilized as a third slotback in the team’s five-receiver package … has 12 catches for a total of 177 yards this season … had a career-high 141 receiving yards against Saskatchewan in Week 3.
#92 Grey McKen (DL • 2nd • 6-3/240 • Yorkton, Sask.)
Missed most of camp due to injury, but returned for Week 1 and emerged as the starting defensive end after Tyler Perkins was injured … sixth on the Rams in tackles (8 solo, 3 assisted) … had the team’s first sack of the year in Week 3.
#95 Wendell Thornton (DL • 2nd • 6-4/285 • Port Arthur, Texas)
In his first year with the Rams … dressed for his first Canada West game last week against Calgary … backs up at both interior tackle positions.
#96 Eric Wicijowski (DL • 2nd • 6-2/265 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games at defensive tackle … tied with McKinnon for the team lead in tackles by a lineman (8 solo, 2 assisted) … also has a pass breakup and a sack.
#98 Ajai Washington (DL • 1st • 6-3/230 • Dallas, Texas)
One of four Texans on the Rams’ 2015 roster … named an all-district lineman for Woodrow Wilson HS last year … No. 2 on the depth at rush end.
#99 David Julé (DL • 1st • 6-4/235 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games at rush end … has five solo tackles and five assisted tackles this season.
Has started all four Canada West games this season at centre … including postseason, has 19 career games played and eight games started.
#64 Keenan Carrier (OL • 5th • 6-1/300 • Tisdale, Sask.)
Had his first two career starts in Week 2 and Week 3, and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Friday … product of the Saskatoon Hilltops.
#65 Aaron Picton (OL • 5th • 6-4/295 • Regina, Sask.)
Team captain and the Rams’ most experienced lineman … started the season at right guard, but moved to left tackle after Week 1 … including postseason, has 38 career games played and 26 games started … 2015 draft pick of the Calgary Stampeders. but had his rights dealt to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday.
#66 John Lerach (OL • 1st • 6-0/285 • Regina, Sask.)
Expected to return to the lineup as a backup at left guard … won a 3A city championship last year with Luther College HS.
#67 Roe Borgmann (OL • 1st • 6-1/270 • Lumsden, Sask.)
First career start last week against Calgary, getting the call at left guard … again projected to be the team’s starting LG this week.
#69 Bryce McKinnon (DL • 3rd • 6-0/285 • Water Valley, Alta.)
Second season as the team’s starting nose tackle … eighth on the team in tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted) … also has a half tackle for loss.
#82 Mitch Thompson (WR • 3rd • 5-10/190 • Regina, Sask.)
Only player on the Rams with multiple touchdown receptions (2) … second on the team in receptions (18) and third in receiving yards (237).
#83 Riley Wilson (SB • 4th • 6-3/205 • Regina, Sask.)
Normally utilized as a third slotback in the team’s five-receiver package … has 12 catches for a total of 177 yards this season … had a career-high 141 receiving yards against Saskatchewan in Week 3.
#92 Grey McKen (DL • 2nd • 6-3/240 • Yorkton, Sask.)
Missed most of camp due to injury, but returned for Week 1 and emerged as the starting defensive end after Tyler Perkins was injured … sixth on the Rams in tackles (8 solo, 3 assisted) … had the team’s first sack of the year in Week 3.
#95 Wendell Thornton (DL • 2nd • 6-4/285 • Port Arthur, Texas)
In his first year with the Rams … dressed for his first Canada West game last week against Calgary … backs up at both interior tackle positions.
#96 Eric Wicijowski (DL • 2nd • 6-2/265 • Regina, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games at defensive tackle … tied with McKinnon for the team lead in tackles by a lineman (8 solo, 2 assisted) … also has a pass breakup and a sack.
#98 Ajai Washington (DL • 1st • 6-3/230 • Dallas, Texas)
One of four Texans on the Rams’ 2015 roster … named an all-district lineman for Woodrow Wilson HS last year … No. 2 on the depth at rush end.
#99 David Julé (DL • 1st • 6-4/235 • Moose Jaw, Sask.)
Has started all four Canada West games at rush end … has five solo tackles and five assisted tackles this season.
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