In their first action on home turf in 668 days, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team took care of business with a 31-14 win in preseason action over the visiting Manitoba Bisons at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park.
After a first half played primarily by starters, the Huskies led 8-6, before outscoring the Bisons 23-8 in the second half.
A trio of Huskies recorded their first majors in the green and white as Everett Iverson, Ryker Frank, Keegan Kaytor all found the house, while 2019 Hec Crighton Trophy finalist Adam Machart, who is no stranger to paydirt, also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Mason Nyhus.
Nyhus, who played the first half, finished his day with 126 yards passing and a touchdown, along with two interceptions. Ethan Watson finished with 55 yards and a score through the air, as well as 32 yards on the ground in a quarter of action, while Kaytor tacked on 86 yards through the air.
Depth was the story of the day for Saskatchewan, as Rhett Vavra finished the day as the leading receiver for the Huskies, recording 87 yards on two receptions, while Iverson tacked on 53 yards on his three receptions.
"I'm really proud of our young guys about how they stepped up," said Huskies head coach Scott Flory.
Regardless of the result, just getting back on home field and competing is something Flory is thrilled with.
"It just feels so good to actually be back. Whatever the parameters that we have to play under; we're fine. As long as we can actually play," said Flory.
That sentiment was one echoed by Bisons head coach Brian Dobie.
"Whether it's an exhibition game or the Vanier Cup, it's a competition, so for sure, it's not what we wanted, but the important part today was getting people experience on field and getting things for started it," said Dobie.
"We've been calling it the resurrection. Canada West is back. University football is back and that itself is an accomplishment. I'm happy for both teams."
Bisons starting quarterback Des Catellier finished his day with 82 yards on 7-13 passing before leaving the game at the end of the first half. Manitoba tacked on a late major as Jordan Hanslip hit Breydon Stubbs from six yards out, completing a nine-play, 109-yard drive with six seconds to play in the game.
The contest served as the lone pre-season tune-up for the Huskies. They'll take the road to McMahon Stadium next weekend in a Saturday afternoon duel with the Calgary Dinos in a rematch of the 2019 Hardy Cup.
"We know what we need to do, we know what our goals are and we're just going to go out there and play," said Machart.
