Shrum Bowl XXXIII game preview: Simon Fraser vs. UBC (Shawn olsen video interview)

VANCOUVER – New eras of football have begun at both UBC and SFU with Shrum Bowl XXXIII serving as a chance for each program to lay claim to first blood in the rivalry that now features one CIS and one NCAA school. UBC is being led by former standout Shawn Olson in their quest to regain CIS glory while Dave Johnson is at the helm of the Clan, guiding them through their first NCAA season.

This year’s game will not only serve to highlight football in the province, it will also provide support to a very important local initiative with 10 percent of all ticket sales being donated to the fledgling BC Football Hall of Fame.

Heading into Friday’s tilt, SFU leads 16-15-1 in the all-time Shrum Bowl series.

A LOOK AT THE T-BIRDS
The UBC Thunderbirds showed flashes of their early promise in last week’s meeting with Calgary, keeping the game close until the fourth quarter, when the Dinos took over for a 33-16 win. The ‘Birds are adjusting to the loss of key figures like running back Dave Boyd, linebacker Nathan Kanya, and offensive lineman Josh Williams, putting up much improved numbers last week.

Quarterback Billy Greene enjoyed a return to form against the Dinos, rushing for 132 yards and distributing the ball among a variety of receivers with 281 yards passing. The Blue and Gold rushing attack also received a shot in the arm from Tibi Banica, who stepped up in the absence of Dave Boyd, as the second-year back notched a career-best 125 yards for his first 100-yard rushing game.

Linebacker Mark Bailey had a big game last week that included an interception, while Levar Hayden continued his consistently strong output by leading the team with six tackles.

Prior to taking over the UBC program in January, T-Bird head coach Shawn Olson had most recently spent the previous three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Clan and helped turn around that program from a winless squad to Hardy Cup finalists. Olson now leads his new team against his old team in a match with personal implications for the T-Birds’ bench boss.

Since Simon Fraser’s move to the NCAA, the Shrum Bowl no longer has playoff implications as its a non-conference duel, but it remains one of the biggest games on UBC’s schedule. The thirty-third installment of the annual classic is the ultimate for bragging rights in British Columbia football, and a chance for the hungry ‘Birds to snap a three-game losing skid.

A LOOK AT THE CLAN
The SFU Clan has a tough task in their first year of NCAA football. The team is winless on the season, but has been competitive against some of Division II’s top-ranked teams, including Central Washington. Their 0-5 record is deceptive and they will pose a formidable threat for the Blue and Gold.

Defensively, the Clan is led by defensive back Marc DesLauriers with 37 tackles and an interception. Nigel Palma is a threat in the secondary with three interceptions, while defensive end Justin Capicciotti leads the charge off the line with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.

Offensively, SFU features a dual passing attack. Quarterback Ryan Schwartz controls much of the play for SFU, having thrown for 454 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Fellow QB Quinton Agosta also has three touchdowns through the air.

Gabriel Ephard leads the charge along the ground with 570 yards and two touchdowns on the young season. Meanwhile, Mathis Baumbach and Taylor Wilkinson represent the quarterbacks’ favorite targets. Each player has 17 catches with Baumbach leading all Clan receivers with 255 yards and three touchdowns.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
The T-Birds have lost their last four meetings with SFU, but previous to the last two seasons, UBC has enjoyed consistent success versus the Clan. The ‘Birds are 6-4 in their last ten match-ups against Simon Fraser.

Because UBC is playing host to the Shrum Bowl this year, the game will be contested under Canadian rules. That will be an adjustment for SFU, whose previous games this year have been played under American rules as they are members of the NCAA’s Division II.

COACH OLSON ON…
Two teams hungry for an elusive win:
“I think SFU is a good football team. Their starting unit on defense is a very senior unit. I know a lot of those guys personally, and they’re good football players. They’ve been playing their competition really tough. We’re going to have to limit our mistakes and maximize big plays. And create a few turnovers. If we can do those things we’ll be in good shape against a tough opponent.”

Playing his old team:
“I’m excited about it. I have good relationships with those players and coaches, so it will be fun and a little strange. We’re looking forward to starting a streak for the stretch drive where we can get a win and start building on it.”

The importance of the Shrum Bowl:
“It’s huge because of the tradition. It’s got massive importance to the football community – every year people talk about who won the Shrum Bowl. Also there are recruiting implications. Some people like to promote that NCAA Division II is a better caliber of football, but I don’t agree with that at all. This game could go a long way to dispelling that myth that. The Shrum Bowl is massive on many different levels as far as football in B.C. goes. It’s a game both teams want to win and both teams are taking seriously.”

Happy Kreter

THIS GAME: SFU at UBC (Shrum Bowl XXXIII), Fri., Oct. 8, 7:00 p.m., Thunderbird Stadium
RADIO/WEB: 101.9 CiTR FM,
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