FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Bisons’ Yantz, Kroeker, Regert honoured
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – The Manitoba Bisons' quarterback Jordan Yantz, defensive lineman Lauren Kroeker and punter/slotback Zach Regert put in marvelous performances in the Uteck Bowl on Saturday, November 22, before falling just short to the #2 Montreal Carabins, 29-26.
The trio were recognized as the Canada West Football Players of the Week, the last set of honourees for the season. This is Regert's second straight selection after also being honoured last week for his performance at the 78th Hardy Cup.
OFFENCE: #10 Jordan Yantz, Quarterback (Manitoba Bisons)
Manitoba Bisons quarterback Jordan Yantz had one of his finest games in his university career as he was a force in the air and on the ground in the 2014 CIS Semi-Final (Uteck Bowl) playoff game against Montreal.
Against the number one pass defence in the country, Yantz went 22-35 for 320 passing yards with two passing touchdowns. In addition, he had the game-high 61 rushing yards including a 10-yard TD run at the end of the second quarter.
The Regina native threw to six different receivers during the thrilling CIS semi-final contest. The fifth year veteran was constantly extending plays out of the pocket and closed the gap to only six points just before the end of the half as the Bisons were only down by 27-21 when he scampered for a 10-yard TD.
Yantz was instrumental in giving the visitors a shot to play for a national championship as he drove the team from their own 14-yard line with only 1:32 left in the game and down 29-24 all the way to the Carabins' 12-yard line in just one minute. He went 5-5 and threw to three separate receivers before the final two plays from the 12-yard line decided the post-season contest.
DEFENCE: #41 Lauren Kroeker, Defensive Lineman (Manitoba Bisons)
Manitoba Bisons defensive lineman Lauren Kroeker was a beast all game long as he created havoc in the passing game and running ground game against the Carabins.
Against one of the top offences in the country, Kroeker was second on the team and third in the game with 6.5 total tackles (five were solo) while adding one sack and three tackles for losses.
The Stonewall, MB native capped an impressive playoff run in 2014 with one of his most dominant performances in his final game as a Manitoba Bison. Kroeker set the tone for Manitoba on the defensive end with a sack on the first play of the contest. His three tackles for losses added up to 18 total yards and he was able to create pressure all day on the Carabins quarterback.
After the post-season game, Kroeker was added to the CFL's Montreal Alouettes negotiation list.
SPECIAL TEAMS: #88 Zach Regert, Punter/Slotback (Manitoba Bisons)
Manitoba Bisons punter/slotback Zach Regert battled injury in the game to assist on both special teams and offence in a valiant effort against Montreal.
Regert was injured just before the end of the first half after a great 28-yard reception but came back to the game in the second half and continued to be a force on special teams and offence for the rest of the post-season game.
The Winnipeg native had five punts for a 33.6 yards average and punted two of the five inside the 20-yard line to pin the Carabins deep in their end. His longest punt was 46 yards.
The multi-talented rookie was also tied for most receptions on Manitoba with five catches for 88 yards.
Manitoba (regular season: 4-4; playoffs: 2-1) completes their 2014 season as the 2014 Canada West champion. They earned the program's 11th Hardy Cup trophy and their first conference championship since the 2007 season.
Image Credit: Manitoba Bisons