For the first time in Canada West history, the Regina Rams had two players rush for more than 100 yards in a single game. It happened in Friday night’s 47-23 win over the Alberta Golden Bears at Leibel Field. Marshall Erichson rushed for 171 yards on 18 carries, while Christian Katende added 112 yards on 12 attempts for the Rams who are now 2-0 on the season. “I want to throw the ball 60 times a game [as a former receiver] but they just make it so easy to call a run. They did an outstanding job and the o-line group was unbelievable,” joked head coach Mark McConkey after the win. A pair of turnovers, which included a fumble by Erichsen and a punt return error by Michael Eagle Bear, gave the Golden Bears some momentum. The Rams fell behind 7-2 early in the first quarter before the ground attack really took off. Erichsen seemed to elevate his game after the error and led his team downfield thanks in part to a 36-yard dash that led to an eventual rushing touchdown by quarterback Noah Pelletier. The Golden Bears replied with a field goal to lead 10-9 after the first quarter. Just 14 seconds into the second quarter, Erichsen dashed 17 yards up the middle for a touchdown to restore the Rams lead. Both running backs were quick to give credit for their success to their offensive line. “[They] gave us such great holes and they’re grinding every game. Me and Katende feed off of each other,” Erichsen said. “It’s just a testament to the hard work this offence put in over the off-season. Marshall and I said to each other that we were going to be the 1-2 punch,” Katende said. The Rams held a 23-17 lead heading into the second half. The pendulum of momentum swung back and forth until the Rams regained control thanks in part to a 12-play, 87 yard drive, capped off by a two yard Katende touchdown. “There were still a lot of mistakes on both sides of the ball, we just need to clean those up and we’ll be a dangerous team in the Canada West,” quarterback Noah Pelletier said while recounting the game. Pelletier finished the night completing 14 of his 18 pass attempts for 169 yards and one touchdown. Alberta quarterback Eli Hettinger threw the ball a lot more, finishing 28 for 36, 310 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. That interception came at a pivotal time. The Golden Bears were trying to mount a comeback when Hettinger attempted a pass to a receiver at the goal line that was picked off by Carson Sombach and returned, a school record, 109 yards for six points. “Our guys were ready. [Alberta was] throwing some things at us that we haven’t seen before. We’re smart. We’re a veteran group,” McConkey said of the win. The Rams improved to 2-0 on the young season and will now head to Vancouver to face the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. PT.
