Bisons End Drought At Griffiths

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A strong offensive showing in the second half lifted the visiting University of Manitoba Bisons to a 33-26 win over the No. 7 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies Friday night at Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park.

Manitoba quarterback Jordan Yantz threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns in the second half including the game-winning touchdown with 5:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. Yantz found Alex Vitt in the end zone from 28 yards out to secure the win for Manitoba.

With the loss, Saskatchewan drops to 4-3 and sit tied for second in the Canada West with Bisons (4-3). Both the Huskies and Bisons secured a playoff spot thanks to a Regina Rams loss to the Calgary Dinos and both are still in the running for a home playoff date.

It was the first win for Manitoba in Saskatoon since October 7, 2006.

Saskatchewan scored on the game’s opening possession with a Denton Kolodzinski 33-yard field goal. Manitoba was quick to respond with a field goal of their own on their first drive.  After the Bisons showed signs of moving the ball downfield on their second possession, Huskie defensive back Braxton Lawrence dove to intercept Yantz at the Huskies’ 22-yard line.

Manitoba continued their hot start to the game, scoring on their third drive. Yantz connected with receiver Nic Demski on a 22-yard touchdown pass. Huskie safety Mark Ingram laid a big hit on the receiver, but was just too late to separate the ball.

Manitoba led 10-3 after the first quarter and 10-6 at the half.

The Huskies surprised the Bisons by opening the second half with a short kick. Jeremy Andrew recovered the ball on the play after Kenrick Hanna forced a fumble setting the Huskies up deep in Manitoba territory. Two plays later Dexter Janke scampered in from 15 yards out to give the Huskies a 13-10 lead.

With the Bisons up 19-16 to start the fourth quarter, Manitoba failed to get to the first down on a fake punt setting the Huskies up with good field position. Shane Buchanan brought the ball deep into Bison territory with a 49-yard run and would finish the drive off with a 1-yard touchdown plunge and a 23-19 lead.

Matt Sawyer would answer for the Bisons hauling in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Yantz after running past an injured Huskie defender on the play. Kolodzinski added a 43-yard field goal to knot the game up at 26 before Vitt scored the game winner.

Saskatchewan looked like they might score a late touchdown as they moved the ball in the fourth quarter, but Cam Teschuk would intercept a Drew Burko pass attempt ending the Huskies last real scoring threat.

Burko finished the game 21-for-38 for 324 yards with one interception. His counterpart, Yantz went 18-for-32 for 364 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.

Janke and Buchanan shared the load in the Huskie backfield rushing for 59 and 54 yards and a touchdown respectively. Hillis racked up 134 yards on 10 receptions, while Mitch Stevens caught five passes for 98 yards.

Anthony Coombs gained 88 yards on the ground for the Bisons on 16 carries. Andrew Smith’s five catches for 90 yards along with Matt Sawyer’s three catches for 89 yards and a touchdown led the way for the Manitoba receiving corps.

Kolodzinski was perfect on the day for the green and white hitting from 33, 29, 37 and 43 yards.

Saskatchewan will finish the season in Regina against the Rams next Saturday, while Manitoba travels to Edmonton to meet the Alberta Golden Bears.

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