Huskies to host Hardy Cup for first time since 2009 with win over T-Birds

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies are Hardy Cup bound for the third straight season.

Except this time, the game will be held at Griffiths Stadium. It’s the first time since 2009 that the Huskies will host the Canada West football championship game.

Saskatchewan took full advantage of the weather conditions against the visiting UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday, posting a 39-17 victory to keep its season alive.

The Huskies are to play either the Manitoba Bisons or Alberta Golden Bears in next weekend’s conference final. Manitoba was playing host to Alberta in Saturday’s other semifinal.

Head coach Scott Flory gave credit to the T-Birds for giving the Huskies a scare.

“They’re a good football team,” Flory said after the win. “We talked about it. They’re young, they’re athletic, they’re well-coached. You could just see how tight it was in the first half.”

The Huskies went into the locker room up 13-10 in a close contest. Some key adjustments were made in the second half to open the game up.

“Guys responded, came out in the second half, and finished it off,” Flory added.

“We just got a good feel for what they were doing, especially defensively. They did a real good job of shutting down our run. We got into some different stuff, made a few little adjustments upfront, but it was really from a play-calling standpoint putting those guys in positions.”

Most of the damage was done through the passing game. Sam Baker hauled in two touchdown passes in the win, to go along with several clutch plays to keep drives alive.

Baker credited his big afternoon to his strong connection with quarterback Mason Nyhus.

“Mason’s my guy,” Baker said with a smile. “Ever since Year 1 when we came here, we were roommates together. That connection has been built for the last five, six years.”

Baker made one circus catch in double coverage that left the Huskies faithful cheering in awe.

“That one play I came out of the huddle, (Nyhus) looks at me and tells me to get on my horse, so I know I’m getting that ball so I’ve just got to go make a play,” Baker said.

To go along with the two touchdowns, Baker finished his day with eight catches and 148 yards receiving.

Daniel Perry also had a nice day on the scoresheet, snagging seven catches for 143 yards and a touchdown.

Nyhus completed 25 passes on 35 attempts for 381 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.