Bisons earn first win, spoil T-Birds homecoming

Photo credit UBC Athletics

VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds faced a desperate 0-2 Manitoba Bisons football team at Thunderbird Stadium on Saturday. Despite things being close at halftime, Manitoba took over in the second half, keeping UBC off the scoreboard and earning a 40-17 win.

The Bisons' (1-2) performance included five touchdowns – a vast improvement for Manitoba, who had managed just one major score in their first two games combined.

Thunderbird head coach Shawn Olson gave credit to the visitors, but ultimately hung the responsibility for the loss on his squad.

"You've got to go to work every single day, and I don't know if our guys did that this week," commented Olson. "People think football games are won or lost on Saturdays, but I think we lost this one through the course of the week. We've got to do the things every single day that allow us to be competitive, and that's work hard, be focused, and understand what your responsibilities are. Today in all three facets we didn't have it."

The Bison rushing attack dominated the day, racking up 283 total yards on the ground with 144 of those coming courtesy of running back Matt Henry, who also scored two touchdowns. Quarterback Khaleal Williams also hit triple digits along the ground with a 100-yard performance.

Adding to UBC's defensive struggles was the absence of T-Bird linebacker Nathan Kanya, who led the team with nine tackles and two sacks in last week's win over the Saskatchewan Huskies.

The Blue and Gold suffered another key injury mid-way through the game when all-star running back Dave Boyd suffered a high ankle sprain. UBC had 378 yards of offence and 17 points in the first half compared to 178 yards and no points in the second half. The major difference was Boyd.

"Any time you lose two of your team leaders, that's tough," said Olson of Kanya and Boyd. "Obviously with Dave out of the line-up that changes our running game. As for Kanya, Manitoba handled us pretty well in the running game today, so you can see what impact he has."

But Manitoba wasn't limited to its run game. The most impressive play of the game was Williams' 69-yard pass and run to receiver and B.C. boy Quincy Hurst. Williams put up a bomb into double coverage, but Hurst came down with the ball, leaving two T-Birds on the turf as he scurried to the end zone.

Bison receiver Stu Schollaardt also had a big day, catching two balls, both for touchdowns.

UBC previously had a long pass for a score of their own when quarterback Billy Greene launched a 38-yard arcing pass to Spencer Betts in the end zone during the second quarter. The reception marked the third straight game with a touchdown for Betts, who now has four touchdowns on the young season.

Mark McVeigh led the 'Birds with five receptions, while Greene finished the day 19 for 38 with 356 yards, one interception, and one touchdown. He also rushed for 109 yards.

As for Olson, he might have been a little disgruntled with his team's performance but he's keeping his eye on the big picture.

"It's a long season," said Olson. "This should be a wake up call that we need to bring it every single day, every single rep."

The Thunderbirds (1-2) are back in action on home turf Friday September 24 versus the Regina Rams. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. at Thunderbird Stadium.

Source:

UBC Sports Info