Rams earn win over Golden Bears 31-17 but get eliminated from playoff contention

The University of Regina Rams used some first-half big plays to win an important game 31-17 over the University of Alberta Golden Bears, but would ultimately be eliminated from the playoffs.

The Rams got a pivotal win but due to the Manitoba Bisons defeating the Calgary Dinos 43-29, the Bisons clinched the final Canada West playoff spot.

Rams quarterback Josh Donnelly connected with slotback Ryan Schienbein for 80-yards in the first quarter for the game’s first touchdown. Donnelly found Riley Boersma in the second quarter for a 69-yard score as well.

The Golden Bears scored first with a single point coming on the game’s opening kickoff.

The Rams answered back quickly with Donnelly’s first touchdown coming on the game’s first play from scrimmage.

Wide receiver Daniel Scraper handled field goal kicking duties for the Rams, and was good on both his field goal attempts in the first quarter and was three-for-three on the day. He also was three-for-three on extra point attempts.

Golden Bears running back Matthew Peterson scored Alberta’s only touchdown on a one-yard rush in the second quarter. Alberta kicker Jonathan Giustini was three-for-four on field goal attempts in the game. Giustini was also good on his only extra point attempt.

Donnelly threw his third touchdown pass of the game with a strike to slotback Kyle Moortgat from 24-yards out.

Kicker Aldo Galvan added a single point from a kickoff.

Donelly finished the game with 14 completions on 25 attempts for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Schienbein led the way for the Rams with 151 receiving yards on six catches and a touchdown.

The Rams (2-5) will end their season against the Bisons (4-3) on Oct. 25 at Leibel Field.