SASKATOON – It was a night of frustration for the reigning Hardy Cup champion University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team, as seven turnovers cost them a chance at victory in their first game of 2019 in Winnipeg against the Manitoba Bisons on Aug. 30.
 
The Bisons' defence forced two interceptions and three fumbles on the night, as well as recording two stops on third down, giving their offence the chance to put up 43 points to the Huskies' 19, despite Saskatchewan out-gaining Manitoba 489-359 on offence.
 
In the first start of his Huskie career, quarterback Mason Nyhus went 27-39 for 315 yards and one touchdown. Adam Machart and Josh Ewanchyna combined for 159 yards on just 42 carries while Daniel Perry and Yol Piok were the leading receivers, putting up 76 and 68 yards respectively with Piok adding a touchdown.
 
All of that offensive production was for naught however, as the Bisons were able to put up 27 points on drives directly after turnovers by the Huskies.
 
Des Catellier threw for just 163 yards but hit on three touchdowns in the game while the triple-headed monster of Michael Ritchott, Victor St. Pierre Laviolette and Logan Fischer combined for 177 yards on the ground. Machu Bockru had an outstanding day for Manitoba, hauling in six catches for 99 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Defensively the Huskies were led by Nicholas Dheilly, who finished the game with one sack and six tackles, three of which came in the Bisons' backfield.
 
The Huskies offence started strong, with Nyhus going 3-3 for 45 yards on the opening drive resulting in a field goal from David Solie.
 
A Bisons' touchdown on the following drive made the score 7-3 and while Nyhus started the next drive hot, the Bisons forced two-straight interceptions after that, helping Manitoba jump out to a 17-3 lead.
 
Nyhus and Piok would connect for a three-yard touchdown to draw the score closer, but 10 Manitoba points following Huskie turnovers would allow the hosts to lead 27-9 at the half.
 
Solie added two more field goals and Ewanchyna crossed the line for a touchdown, but persistent ball security issues continued to haunt the Huskies en route to a final score of 43-19 in favour of Manitoba.
 
Next up for the Huskies will be the home-opener against the UBC Thunderbirds on September 7 inside Griffiths Stadium. Tickets are available huskies.usask.ca