By Daniel Herrick, Sports Information Student Assistant
 
A strong performance by an unproven defence powered the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to a 28-5 win Friday night over the visiting UBC Thunderbirds in a non-conference game at Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park.
 
The Huskie defence, that lost six starters from a season ago, rallied throughout the night to hold the Thunderbirds out of the end zone.
 
“We were really physical, especially in the second half,” said Huskie head coach Brian Towriss, who enters his 30th season at the helm.  “Other than two or three undisciplined penalties, I thought we played really well.”
 
Rookie linebacker turned defensive lineman Michael Desjarlais shone in the game recording 5.5 tackles for the green and white. Third-year defensive back Corey Edington added another 4.5 for the Huskies, while Dane Bishop tallied 3.5 tackles and two sacks.

Game Stats
 
Saskatchewan opened the scoring with a rouge by kicker Denton Kolodzinski on the opening kickoff.  Kolodzinski added a field goal on the Huskies opening drive. The starting unit continued to move the ball in the first quarter finding the end zone on a 59-yard run by Shane Buchanan at 10:34 to close the frame ahead 11-0.
 
The T-Birds offence marched the field midway through the second quarter but could not break the plane of the goal line on third down from the Huskie one-yard line. UBC did record a safety on the ensuing punt to cut the lead to 11-2 at halftime.
 
Saskatchewan’s offence found its rhythm in the second half recording a 20-yard field goal on the leg of Sean Stenger in the third quarter and two touchdowns in the fourth frame.
 
Second-year running back Drew Bexson found the end zone on a one-yard plunge at 4:12 after rookie receiver Mitch Hillis snagged a 41-yard gain. Hillis, younger brother to Huskies’ 2012 CIS First Team All-Canadian Kit Hillis, caught a 48-yard screen pass to score the second touchdown in the quarter at 8:16.
 
UBC kicker Quinn Van Gylswyk hit a late fourth quarter field goal to bring the final score to 28-5.
 
Saskatchewan starting quarterback Drew Burko completed 9-of-14 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown playing in the first and fourth quarters of the non-conference affair. Matthew Bonaca completed 8-of-11 passes for 71 yards in the second at pivot for the Huskies, while Jordan Tarasoff went 9-for-11 for 68 yards in the third frame.
 
Carson Williams started the game for the T-Birds completing 8-of-15 passes for 84 yards. Greg Bowcott replaced Williams behind center in the second quarter finishing 4-for-13 for 91 yards.
 
Pierre Lacerte recorded 6.5 tackles to lead the way defensively for the Thunderbirds. Nik Termansen and Kevin Wiens both picked off Huskie quarterbacks on the night.
 
UBC will open their conference schedule at home against the Calgary Dinos next week, while Saskatchewan will host the Regina Rams next Friday night at Griffiths Stadium in PotashCorp Park. Tickets are on sale now for the regular season opener at huskies.usask.ca