For the fifth straight season, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies will use a non-conference matchup to prep for everything CIS football will throw at them.
 
This season, the Huskies will host the OUA’s University of Guelph Gryphons Friday at Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park. It is the fourth time in five years the Huskies have played a non-conference game against an Eastern opponent.
 
“Guelph is a young and upcoming team in the OUA,” said Huskie head coach Brian Towriss. “This game is a great way to get players on both sides in game situations.”
 
Saskatchewan and Guelph enter the 2012 campaign in similar situations. Each team boasts young offences that will be look to create sparks and stingy defences that ranked among the top teams in statistical categories in 2011 in their conferences.
 
After a slow start to Guelph’s season in 2011, several first year players were inserted into key positions, giving the team a spark that should allow for continued growth in the 2012 season. Included in thisgroup is running back Rob Farquharson and quarterback Jazz Lindsey. Both will be looked to carry the load on offence and create explosiveness for the Gryphons.
 
In total, the Gryphons will have as many as 10 potential returning starters on offense, including the entire offensive line. They also will see many of their top receivers return to the lineup, including fifth year receiver Saxon Lindsey, the older brother to the Gryphons’ pivot.
 
Guelph will once again expect great things out of their defence, which ranked fourth in the OUA in yards allowed in the 2011 campaign. The front seven will all return, anchored by fifth year veteran and OUA leading tackler Jake Reinhart. 
 
Saskatchewan’s strength will be a veteran defence that includes speedy defensive backs Bryce McCall, Seamus Neary, Mitch Friesen and Luke Thiel, as well as the tough and sturdydefensive line anchored by veterans David Rybinski, Joel Seutter, Zach Hart and Levi Steinhauer.
 
In 2011, the tough Huskie defence allowed opponents just 152 points in eight games, had a pass defence efficiency of 110.5 and snared 13 interceptions - the best in the Canada West in all three categories.
 
Rookie Drew Burko, who spent 2011 on Huskies’ show teams, takes over at quarterback for Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren. The speedy Gilbert-Knorren moves to receiver joining veteran receivers Braeden George, Garrett Burgess and JeffMoore. Dexter Janke will take over tailback duties. The Huskies’ offensive line will be led by 2011 Canada West Rookie of the Year Jordan Arkko.
 
Adding experience to the Huskies will be Saskatoon Hilltops transfers Braxton Lawrence, Chase Bradshaw, Lane Bryksa, Steven Boryski and Corbin Eskelsen. The five won the Canadian Junior Football Championship with the Hilltops in 2011.
 
Kick off is set for 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available online at huskies.usask.ca or by calling 306-966-1111. The game can be heard live on CK750 or www.ck750.com.
 
Game Notes: Once again Huskie football will have a fan focus with exciting events planned at each game to show pride for the Saskatoon community and  fans. A pre-game tailgate party is scheduled on Field 2, located on the west of the Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park entrance prior to the Friday’s non-conference game. The party will feature live bands, food and drink. It’s open to all fans to help kick off the season right!