Regina Rams clinch playoff berth with gritty win over Calgary Dinos

Another slow start. Another big win.

The University of Regina Rams fought through early offensive struggles to grind out an 18–12 victory over the University of Calgary Dinos at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, clinching their return to the Canada West playoffs.

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It was a defensive statement more than an offensive showcase. The Rams scored just one touchdown but leaned heavily on their defence and kicker Ty Gorniak, who went a perfect four-for-four on field goals to keep the team in control.

Head coach Mark McConkey said the game wasn’t pretty, but his group has learned how to win when things don’t go their way.

“We just kind of struggled getting into a groove a little bit,” McConkey said.

“But the way our defence is playing, we knew we had time. At the end of the day, we’re learning how to win these tough games, and that’s what great teams do. They find a way to win.”

The win moved Regina to 5–1 on the season and guaranteed a playoff berth heading into their bye week. Depending on how the remaining games play out, the Rams could still secure a home semifinal later this month.

Running back Marshall Erichsen once again led the way offensively, recording another 100-yard rushing performance, his third straight.

“Our defence is so resilient, they just come up big and know how to win games for us now,” Erichsen said.

“And Gorniak’s stone cold. I’ve got the utmost confidence when he goes on the field that he’s going to drill it.”

The Rams’ defence was relentless, holding Calgary to no touchdowns and making key stops late in the fourth quarter. Defensive lineman Anthony Montas Leipert credited the game plan and the trust between players and coaches.

“Our coach knows what we can do in the run, and he lets us use our weapons on D,” Leipert said. “We just kept banging, bringing the linebackers down, stopping the run first and then having some fun in the pass.”

McConkey said the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure reflects how far they’ve come since last season.

“Losing five straight last year was tough, but going through that made us better,” he said. “Even when things go wrong now, we don’t flinch. There’s a belief in that room that we can win any game we’re in.”

The Rams now get a week off before visiting the Alberta Golden Bears on Oct. 17 in Edmonton, with their sights set on climbing the standings before the playoffs begin.

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