EDMONTON, Alta. – The U SPORTS No. 9-ranked Huskie Football team captured a decisive victory to open the 2025 season Friday night (Aug. 29) at Foote Field in Edmonton, holding the Alberta Golden Bears to just three second-half points to secure a 29-20 week one victory.
Fourth-year quarterback
Anton Amundrud threw for 248 yards and a major while
Ryker Frank found the endzone twice to help the Dogs to a second consecutive win over the Golden Bears in head-to-head meetings.
Alberta got off to a quick start at home, forcing a fumble on the first Huskie punt return of the game before a quick strike from quarterback Eli Hetlinger made it a 7-0 game early.
After the Golden Bears kicked a field goal to extend their lead, the Huskies found their rhythm. Amundrud connected with four different receivers on Saskatchewan's first scoring drive of the season, which was capped off by an 18-yard sprint to the pylon from Frank.
In what was a highlight-reel major, Amundrud avoided the sack before finding the All-Canadian running back who turned up field with open space ahead of him. It was his 24th career rushing touchdown and 26th total score, placing him just four back of the all-time program record.
Midway through a scoreless second quarter, fourth round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft,
Seth Hundeby flipped the script. The fifth-year linebacker intercepted a Hetlinger pass appeared to be aimed directly at him before taking it 46 yards untouched into the endzone.
The home team then responded with a nine-play drive, ending in a 17-yard rushing score from Alberta's Seth Poelzer to retake the lead. A rouge from Huskie kicker
Lukas Scott in the final minute of the half saw Alberta ahead by just two points at the break.
Early in the third, the Saskatchewan offence was clicking once again, with Amundrud finding the 2024 Canada West receiving leader,
Daniel Wiebe, for a chunk play to set up the Dogs deep in Alberta territory.
On third and goal, the Huskie pivot found
Rhett Vavra headed for the sideline in the endzone, once again flipping the lead in a back-and-forth affair.
After another Golden bear field goal to close out the third, the Dogs were back in action and driving early in the fourth quarter.
In what proved to be another fantastic drive from Amundrud, the veteran field general connected on four passes to four receivers before Frank showcased his patience on a 33-yard rushing score.
With the Huskies up by two scores, the Golden Bears were forced into desperation mode as the pace of their offence picked up.
A missed field goal with just under five minutes left all but sealed the final score for the home team, with the Dogs running out the clock while the defence came up with back-to-back stops to secure the victory.
In addition to Frank and Amundrud leading their respective categories, the Huskie receiving corps was led by third-year pass catcher
Dawson Lennea who recorded five receptions and 78 yards.
On defence, second-year linebacker
Jacob Goldstone led the game with 12 tackles, 11 of which were solo, and was followed closely behind by
Anesu Latmore who made eight in his Huskie debut.
Defensive lineman
Charlie Parks and
Brady Johansen also impressed in Edmonton, getting to Hetlinger for a total of three sacks.
The Huskies return to action in a week's time, with the team set to make their home debut at Griffiths Stadium on Friday, September 5. Kickoff in the 2025 USask Homecoming game is set for 7:00, with tickets available at
HuskieTickets.com.
