In a meeting between a pair of programs who last met in the 2021 Hardy Cup, it was the University of Saskatchewan Huskies who prevailed, defeating the Manitoba Bisons 10-9 in preseason action at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park.
Second-year receiver Rhett Vavra's 72-yard catch-and-run was the difference for Saskatchewan, as he was on the receiving end of an Anton Amundrud pass which gave the Huskies a 10-0 lead early in the third-quarter.
Vavra's major stood up as the difference, despite some last minute heroics from Manitoba.
With the Huskies leading 10-3, Bisons quarterback Jordan Hanslip connected with Kaiden Bannon for a six-yard touchdown with just 0:28 remaining in regulation to trim the visitors deficit to just one. But Manitoba elected to go for the win and Hanslip fired incomplete on the two-point convert.
But just when it appeared the Bisons comeback had run its course, transfer kicker Niko Dinfonte had other plans. The Bisons recovered an onside kick and were set up on the Huskies 48-yard line. However, on third-and-20, Hanslip was intercepted by Jean-Luc Ouellet sealing the win for Saskatchewan.
The contest was the lone preseason game for both programs.
Fifth-year quarterback Mason Nyhus completed seven of his 14 passes for 113 yards before exiting following the first quarter — a quarter that included a 42-yard David Solie field goal that stood as the games only points through the opening half.
Daniel Wiebe led Saskatchewan in receptions with 43, while Seth Hundeby led the defence with six total tackles coupled with a sack.
On the opposite end of the field, Bisons starting quarterback Des Catellier threw for 125 yards on 9-12 passing. Catellier played the entirety of the snaps under centre in the first half for Manitoba, before he was replaced by Jackson Tachinski and Haslip.
Next up for Saskatchewan is a trip to McMahon for a meeting with the Calgary Dinos in Canada West week one action. The Huskies will be looking to snap a two-game losing skid at McMahon, which dates back to the 2019 Hardy Cup.
Meanwhile, Manitoba will kick off their season at home at IG Field, as they welcome the Regina Rams to Winnipeg.
