CALGARY, Alta. — The defending Hardy Cup Champion Saskatchewan Huskies football team opened the 2022 season with a 44-5 win over the Calgary Dinos at McMahon Stadium.
The win came off the backs of a standout showing from quarterback Mason Nyhus, who threw for 408 yards and five touchdowns — two of which were to Daniel Perry, who finished the day with 128 yards on five receptions.
In his Huskies debut, Ted Kubongo ran for 30 yards on four carries — one of which a 17-yard touchdown, while adding five receptions and 55 yards through the air. Ryker Frank led the Huskies with 53 yards on eight carries, as well as a 11-yard touchdown reception.
Calgary product Nick Wiebe led Saskatchewan with seven total tackles, while fellow linebacker Ramsey Derbas added seven tackles of his own.
Saskatchewan, who was ranked as the number-one team in the Canada West preseason coaches poll, opened their season with a win and sit tied atop the conference with a 1-0 record.
The Huskies more than doubled the Dinos output of total offence — 523 to 227.
"Obviously, we think we're a good team but really we don't know yet — we have to go out there and prove it. I'm happy we came out here and made a big statement offensively. I think we played really well, especially through the air," said Nyhus.
"Defensively, obviously, giving up five points — I'm just so proud of all the guys. I think it's a good start, but, obviously it's Week 1 — we got UBC coming in next week and we're looking forward to that."
Meanwhile, Calgary fell to 0-1 with the loss. Matteo Spoletini threw for 44 yards on five of eight passing, while Daniel Sananes threw for 55 yards. Gob Deng was Calgary's leading receiver with six receptions for 42 yards.
A massive first half paced the Huskies, as Nyhus connected with Perry on a 70-yard touchdown strike on the game's opening play from scrimmage. On the ensuing kickoff, Tom Whiting recovered a David Solie sky ball, which led to a Josh Ewanchyna touchdown reception. The Huskies added two more majors in the half — setting them up for a 31-4 lead through two quarters.
Nyhus was replaced midway through the fourth quarter, but not before tacking on his second major to Perry, then to Jesse Kuntz — who scored in his first conference game since the 2019 Hardy Cup after missing all of last season due to injury.
Four of Saskatchewan's six touchdowns on the night were scored by Calgary products — Perry (2), Kuntz (1) and Kubongo (1).
Next week, the Huskies will host homecoming. The green-and-white are set to welcome the visiting UBC Thunderbirds to Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park in a rematch of last years conference semifinal. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday night.
"They were really young and talented last year, so they're going to be a very good team. They have a very good, talented young quarterback too. We're going to have our hands full but I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Nyhus.
Calgary will take their show on the road to Regina, as they are set to take on the Rams at Mosaic Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday night.
