The University of Saskatchewan Huskies triumphed over the Regina Rams with a narrow 25-24 victory in the Hardy Cup, securing the Canada West football championship and seeking retribution for last year’s 19-14 defeat. This marked the 88th Hardy Cup, featuring only the second all-Saskatchewan title match in over twenty years and the first consecutive provincial final between these two teams. Regina Rams had clinched their first all-Saskatchewan Hardy Cup in more than two decades in the previous season.
In a remarkable comeback, the Huskies rallied from a 24-9 deficit in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points to clinch the title. Kicker Lucas Scott sealed the game with a crucial field goal, described as a pivotal moment in the Huskies’ season.
Running back Ryker Frank, a seasoned fifth-year player, attributed the team’s resilience to their second-half turnaround, emphasizing the importance of faith and execution in challenging situations. Coach Scott Flory commended the team’s composure in the final minutes despite facing setbacks during the game.
With this win, the Huskies are one step closer to the Vanier Cup, set to be held in Regina this month for the first time and only the third time in Western Canada. Their upcoming challenge is the Mitchell Bowl against Queen’s University in Saskatchewan next week, where Frank highlighted the team’s strong work ethic and culture as essential elements for success.
The Huskies, who previously won the Hardy Cup in 2021 and 2022 but fell short in the Vanier Cup both times, entered the postseason with an impressive 7-1 regular-season record, securing the top spot in the Canada West conference. On the other hand, the Rams earned their spot in the final by prevailing over the Manitoba Bisons in a thrilling 32-29 double-overtime semi-final.
The Mitchell Bowl is scheduled to take place on November 15 at 2:15 p.m. CST, as the Huskies continue their quest for the championship.