Vanier Cup berth on the line as Huskies and Gaels clash in Mitchell Bowl

Scott Flory was barely in high school when his alma mater defeated the Queen’s University Gaels on route to the University of Saskatchewan football program’s first ever Vanier Cup appearance.

Thirty-six years later, the U of S Huskies have a chance to repeat history when the two teams clash Saturday afternoon at Griffiths Stadium in the Mitchell Bowl for a chance to vie for a national championship.

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The Dogs earned their first national semifinal berth since 2022 thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback effort against the Regina Rams, where the Huskies recovered from a 15-point deficit to claim the Hardy Cup.

For Flory, the Huskies’ head coach, the win solidified his belief that his squad can overcome any adversity.

“We sometimes throw that word around, but I truly see it and feel it with this group. I never felt for a second this year like we’re not going to win any football game,” Flory said during a news conference on Monday.

“With Queens coming in here, you can tell on tape that they fly around. They like to hit, which we love to do that too. We talk a lot about core values, this and that, but trust really is what it comes down to, and I trust these guys.”

The team’s resiliency was put to the test again this week with the news about Anton Amundrud’s cancer diagnosis.

Amundrud, a fourth-year quarterback, guided the Huskies to a 4-1 start before Jake Farell took over the starting role while Anton dealt with health issues.

Despite heavy hearts for their teammate, Flory said the team knows there’s still a job to do.

“We just want what’s best for Anton. We want him to be OK. That’s what we care about,” the head coach said.

“We understand there’s a game. Our guys are going to be ready. They’re going to be prepared. They’re going to play their asses off. I know that.”

The Huskies have history on their side, as Saskatchewan is 4-0 when hosting bowl games.

Griffiths Stadium became one of the toughest places to play in the country this season, with the Huskies posting a 6-0 record. However, the Gaels are more than comfortable playing on the road, having won all six of their games away from Richardson Stadium this season.

Huskies linebacker Seth Hundeby, a nominee for the most outstanding defensive player in the country, said he’s relishing the opportunity to play one last game at Griffiths.

“I’m super fortunate in the amount of games that I’ve gotten to play here,” said Hundeby. “I love playing here. Like I feel like I play a little faster and whatnot. Got a little bit extra motivation.”

Hundeby and the rest of the defence will have to slow down one of the most productive offences in the country, with Queen’s ranking third in both points per game and yards per game.

Flory said there is only so much film preparation you can do for an opponent you’ve never played against.

“You really don’t know until you feel it. Looking at tape and doing it live are two different things,” said Flory.

“Early in the game is just trying to get a feel for exactly what’s going on. I know they’re well coached. They’re going to be disciplined. I feel like our coaching staff does a great job too, so it’s going to come down to some execution.”

The Mitchell Bowl champions will face the winner of the Uteck Bowl between the University of Montreal Carabins and the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in the 60th Vanier Cup on Nov. 22 at Mosaic Stadium.