Photo courtesy of Wanda Harron Photography

#4 Winnipeg Rifles @ #1 Regina Thunder - Sunday October 23, 1:00pm – Leibel Field | WATCH HERE 

The top team in the Prairie Conference, the Regina Thunder host the Winnipeg Rifles in one of two semi-finals on Sunday afternoon.  The Thunder completed their second straight undefeated regular season and will have homefield advantage right through the Canadian Bowl playoffs.  

During the regular campaign the Thunder won both meetings with the Rifles, but they were very physical and exciting games.   In the first meeting in Regina the Thunder claimed a two-point 24-22 victory kicking two field goals in the final quarter to pull ahead.  Then in the second matchup, this time in Winnipeg the Thunder escaped with a six-point 29-23 win after outscoring the Rifles 20-7 in the second half.  

The Thunder have been very balanced in their offensive attack, while the Rifles lean on quarterback Bryson McNeil.   He did torch the Thunder secondary for 667 yards and five touchdowns in the seasonal series. 

Both teams have a very good defence, the Thunder allowed 16-points a game, while the Rifles give-up 22 a contest. 

These two teams have only met once in the CJFL postseason, and it was last year when the Thunder beat the Rifles 45-26 to advance to the Conference title game.   Surprisingly this year’s playoff game is only the second time these two franchises meet in the playoffs.

Head-to-Head 

Records: Rifles 4-4 – Thunder 8-0
Points For: Rifles 173 – Thunder 286
Points Allowed: Rifles 177 – Thunder 130 

Passing Leaders: Bryson McNeil – 156 of 259 for 2269 yards and 12 touchdowns (Rifles) – Carter Shewchuk – 157 of 250 for 2351 yards and 18 touchdowns (Thunder) 

Rushing Leaders: Brady Meeks – 61 carries for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns (Rifles) – Ryland Leichert – 124 carries for 724 yards and 4 touchdowns (Thunder) 

Receiving Leaders: Jake Roger – 34 receptions for 651 yards and 2 touchdowns (Rifles) – Rylan Sokul – 44 receptions for 669 yards and 4 touchdowns (Thunder) 

Leading Tacklers: Brandon Kamenz – 37 tackles (Rifles) – Branden Janotta – 55 tackles (Thunder)