Photo courtesy of Gord Mellor

Regina Thunder 29
Winnipeg Rifles 21

The Thunder did most of their damage in the first half, scoring 25 of their 29 points.    Meanwhile the Rifles scored 14 of their 21 points in the second half.

Thunder quarterback Brock Sich had a great game finishing 14 of 28 for 241 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Lee Brown while Isaac Foord made three receptions for a game high 108 yards.  Sich also hit pay dirt on the ground with a rushing touchdown.   Defensive lineman Dani Boudnikov powered his way for a one-yard touchdown plunge.

On the defence Finn Marcotte-Cribb picked off two passes and recovered a fumble that he forced.

The Rifles offence didn’t get on a role until back-up quarterback Drenin Busch stepped in.  He would finish nine of 18 for 114 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes.  Dallas Opiola hauled in a major as did Brendan Naujoks.  Starting pivot Riley Naujoks only completed six passes but did run for a touchdown.

Andrew Ricard led the Rifles “D” with six tackles.  Jake Richardson intercepted a pass.

Next week the Thunder (1-1) will visit the Edmonton Huskies (2-0) while the Rifles (1-1) will host the Saskatoon Hilltops (2-0).

Edmonton Huskies 41
Edmonton Wildcats 12

The Huskies used a 27 point first half and never looked back on route to their second win of the season.

Quarterback Tommy Yanchuk was 12 of 25 for 154 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes.  Sam Clayton caught a 24 yard TD pass while Tanner Buchanan scored the other.  Yanchuk also ran for a touchdown on eight carries.

Speaking of running, both Brandt Burzuk and Tayor Rempel scored touchdowns on the ground as well.

The Wildcats on the other hand didn’t have much of a running game gaining just 79 yards.  However their lone touchdown came on the ground as quarterback Justin Swedish got into the end zone.  Through the air Swedish finished 15 of 32 for 190 yards.

On defence the brightest spot was Jayden Dalke.  Last year’s CJFL leading tackler was at it again with nine solo tackles.  Chopper Hippe picked off a pass.

Next week the Huskies (2-0) will host the Regina Thunder (1-1) while the Wildcats (0-2) will visit the Calgary Colts (0-2).

Saskatoon Hilltops 59
Calgary Colts 1

The Hilltops hosted their home opener and gave their hometown fans plenty to cheer about gaining 509 yards of total offence.  They used four different quarterbacks as they attacked for 348 yards and four touchdowns.  Jordan Walls was 14 of 19 for 231 yards and threw two of those majors.

In all 12 different receivers caught passes and nine different players rushed the ball.  Walls had a 10 yard touchdown scamper while Josh Ewanchyna scored twice on the ground.

The Hilltops defence held the Colts to 80 yards passing.   Connor Delahey recorded a pair of sacks and Brant Morrow picked off a pass.

Next week the Hilltops (2-0) will visit the Winnipeg Rifles (1-1) while the Colts (0-2) will host the Wildcats (0-2).