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PFC Game of the Week

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 10/09/14, 12:15AM PDT

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The Thunder host the Rifles

The Game of the Week in the PFC will feature the Regina Thunder hosting the Winnipeg Rifles in the regular season finale.  It’s a rematch of Week 6 when the Thunder blasted the Rifles 43-20 in Winnipeg.

The defending champs are coming off a tie last week, while the Rifles have lost three straight and are endanger of missing the playoffs.

With the tie last week the Thunder have clinched a home playoff date in the PFC semi-final next weekend.  With a win over the Rifles and a Hilltops loss, the Rifles would clinch first and have home field advantage through the PFC post season.

The Rifles on the other hand are in a three way tie for third place and need to win to clinch a playoff spot.  If they do make the playoffs, they will play on the road, which might work to their favour with a 1-3 home record.
The Thunder will look to their defense to keep them in the ball game.  The “D” has allowed the second fewest points in the Conference (141).  That said, the Thunder haven’t generated many turnovers this season, just 17 tied for the fewest…tied with the Rifles.

The secondary will be tested as the Rifles love to throw.  Back in Week 6, the secondary allowed 347 yards, but did make two interceptions.

The defense also put points on the board with two fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

Offensively the Thunder are without starting quarterback Jaeden Marwick after suffering an injury in Week 7.  His status is unknown for this weekend.  In Week 6 Marwick torched the Rifles with 415 yards and three touchdowns.

Like the Rifles, the Thunder like to throw.  Spencer Mack, who started in place of Marwick last week is completing 50% of his passes and a 53.3% efficiency rating and has thrown three touchdowns.   Preston Bews has been their best receiver with 39 receptions for 545 yards and five majors.  Kevin Ocaya has 30 catches for 395 yards and a score.

Rifles quarterback Tyler Vieira is the top rated pivot in the PFC with a 90.4% efficiency rating, completing 63% of his passes.  His #1 threat has been the PFC’s leading receiver, Kurt Goodrich who has 48 catches, 718 yards and six touchdowns.

Defensively the Rifles have allowed the second most points (223) in Conference.  Defensive back Jason Kelly leads the Conference with five interceptions, as a matter of fact he has five of the seven Rifle interceptions this year.  Brooks Falloon leads the team with 28 solo tackles.

It should be a perfect day for the passing game in Regina on Thanksgiving Sunday, under the sunshine and 14 degrees.  Plenty on the line as the regular season wraps up.