FB: Regina duo, Saskatchewan QB stellar in season openers

CALGARY - A pair of Rams and the Huskies' play caller have put the conference on notice after impressive feats in week one action.

Saskatchewan's Mason Nyhus earns the season's first nod as Offensive Player of the Week after wreaking havoc on Calgary in the Dinos' home opener.

He's joined by Rams Anthony Bennett and Ryder Varga (Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively) after the duo played big roles in upsetting the Manitoba Bisons on the road.

Nyhus started the CW season with a gut punch, finding receiver Daniel Perry for a 75 yard touchdown on the very first play of the game. He kept his foot on the gas from there, spotting four different receivers for four more touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback to post five major scores in a single contest since Adam Sinagra in 2018.

Nyhus marched his offence down the field seamlessly, connecting for over 400 yards while avoiding a single interception. He converted on 26 of 35 attempts as he showed why the Huskies are favourites to run back their CW title this season.

The defending Hardy Cup champs will be back in action Friday at 7 p.m. for their home opener against UBC (1-0). SaskTel customers can catch that game on channel 49 or 349, while TELUS customers can see it on channel 997 or 998.

The game will also be streamed on Canada West TV.

Meanwhile, Anthony Bennett was making a splash on the defensive side on the Regina/Manitoba match-up in Winnipeg. Bennett set the tone in Friday night's game, taking down Bison quarterback Des Catallier in the first quarter, issuing an early threat to the Bisons offence.

He reminded them of his dangerous presence twice more. As the game swung back and forth, he notched two more sacks for a total loss of nine yards. He stifled the offence, pushing them back three more times with three tackles for 12 yards lost.

Bennett led his team with five solo tackles and one assisted, holding the line to allow his offence to overcome the Bisons' first half lead and upset the sixth-ranked U SPORTS team.

The Rams are now set for their home opener Friday at 7 p.m. when they take on the 0-1 Calgary Dinos.

SaskTel customers can catch the game on maxTV Local on Demand channel 48 or 348, while TELUS customers can see the action on Optik TV channel 997 or 998.

The game will also be streamed on Canada West TV.

Ryder Varga was also making big plays in big moments Friday, helping his Rams extend their lead in a close game with his efforts on special teams.

With his team locked into a momentum-trading match, Varga turned an ordinary play into a major score for Regina. He came out of nowhere to block a Bisons punt, allowing the Rams to recover and run it back for a touchdown. The play put the Rams up 26-17, a lead they were able to maintain to upset the Bisons in a compelling week one match-up.

The linebacker punctuated the night with an interception in the final minute to quell any chance the Bisons had of making a comeback.

Varga and the Rams are now set for their home opener Friday at 7 p.m. when they take on the 0-1 Calgary Dinos.

SaskTel customers can catch the game on maxTV Local on Demand channel 48 or 348, while TELUS customers can see the action on Optik TV channel 997 or 998.

The game will also be streamed on Canada West TV.