WINNIPEG — It shaped up as one of those irresistible force-versus-immovable-object scenarios. But Sunday afternoon at Winnipeg’s Canad Inns Stadium, another influence was clearly at play.

To be sure, the Winnipeg Rifles’ explosive offence, with quarterback Ryan Marsch at the helm, went at it hammer and tongs with that stingy Calgary Colts defence, which had surrendered just 47 points through its first five games of the season. In the middle of this epic battle, though, stepped Colts quarterback Clayton Masikewich, slotback Rodreke Joseph, and running back Cuong Thai Lieu — ringing up 412 yards’ worth of net offence, and posting an eye-popping 49 points, in a pivotal 49-33 Prairie Football Conference victory over the Rifles.

“It was a windy day here, but our offence did a really good job of moving the ball into it,” said Colts offensive co-ordinator Ray Salverda.

The win boosts the Colts’ record to 5-1, and all but clinches a home playoff berth at McMahon Stadium for Keith Kendal’s troops on the Oct. 15-16 weekend. The Rifles (3-3) and Regina Thunder (3-3) are tied for third place overall, but either of those teams would have to run the table, and get help in other games, to nose out Calgary for second place overall.

Masikewich (3rd year, Calgary, John G. Diefenbaker HS), named the PFC’s offensive player of the week on Sept. 10 for his 375-yard air attack against the Edmonton Huskies, was at it again Sunday — connecting on 14 of 28 attempts for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His favourite target was Joseph (2nd year, Toronto, OFC Burlington), who caught six of those balls for 127 yards, including a 75-yard swing pass and scamper for a major.

Masikewich also hooked up with Mac Sarro (2nd year, Calgary, Notre Dame HS) for a 53-yard TD, and Ben Hnatiuk (3rd year, Calgary, Centennial HS) for a 36-yard scoring play, both in the opening quarter.

Not to be outdone, Lieu (3rd year, Nanaimo, B.C., John Barsby HS), who entered the game fourth in PFC rushing yardage with 380, ripped off 128 more on 20 carries, and accounted for six more of Calgary’s points on a 31-yard, fourth-quarter rumble. The Colts’ offence consistently put points on the board, scoring 14, 10, 13, and 12 in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters, respectively.

The visitors led 24-19 at the half, and 37-20 after the third quarter.

Meanwhile, Marsch entered this critical matchup against Calgary’s defence with a Canadian Junior Football League-leading 22 touchdown passes, and a PFC-topping 1,851 yards through the air. The Winnipeg gunslinger racked up 425 more against the Colts, but also tossed a pair of costly picks to go with his two TDs.

“Defensively, we had a huge third quarter (giving up just one point),” noted Colts defensive co-ordinator John Stevens. “We also created a number of turnovers in key situations, both with interceptions and on downs. And then in the fourth quarter, our offence really took control and led us to victory.”

Colts defensive end Prince Baffoh (3rd year, Hamilton, Ont., BCFC Vancouver), who entered the game with a conference-leading six sacks, chalked up 13 defensive points, while Calgary linebacker Layne Semenchuk (1st year, Calgary, Bowness HS) accounted for 17 of his own.

Backup quarterback Jeremy Long (3rd year, Calgary, Bowness HS) also found the end zone for Calgary on a 13-yard, third-quarter run. Colts kicker Andrew Fabian (2nd year, Tilley, Alta., Brooks Composite HS) booted field goals of 32, 29, 27, and 21 yards.

The Colts next head to the Queen City to face the Thunder on Sunday, Oct. 2.