There was plenty of “Sun Devil” flavour in a game that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Canadian university football.
A trio of South Delta graduates helped the University of Calgary Dinos capture their second consecutive Hardy Cup with a stunning 44-43 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds last Saturday at McMahon Stadium.
Running back Jack McDonald and linebackers Blake Gau and Charlie Moore all contributed to the thrilling win that saw Niko DiFonte hit a record 59-yard field goal on the game’s final play.
McDonald was a valuable blocker as the Dinos rolled up 533 yards of offense, Gau was instrumental on defense and Moore on special teams.
“All three players come from a program that develops hard-working players that are use to winning. All of them came here (Calgary) to compete for playing time from day one,” stated Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator Matt Berry.
“Blake (Gau) has started some games for us and has played well. When he has not started, he has played well in situations he has been in for.
Gau dressed for all but one conference game recording 10 tackles in regular season contests.
McDonald, whose father Bruce attended Saturday’s game, has been the starting fullback for the Dinos except for missing two games early in the season due to injury. He recorded three receptions for 26 yards including a key touchdown in Calgary’s win earlier in the year at UBC.
“Jack (McDonald) brings great intensity to the field both on offense and on special teams,” Berry stated.
Moore, now his second season with the Dinos after “red-shirting” last season, has carved out an impressive niche of special teams recording 10 tackles in six Conference games.
The Thunderbirds’ line-up includes SDSS grad Ryan von Ende who was a standout on the offensive line. He helped pave the way for Ben Cummings to rush for 141 yards and Michael O’Connor to throw for 357 yards and five touchdowns in the back-and-forth battle.
UBC’s roster also features first-year linebacker Michael Mann and offensive lineman David Edwards.
All six SDSS grads helped the Sun Devils win the provincial AAA championship in 2014.
The Dinos now host the Laval Rouge et Or in the Mitchell Bowl Final. The winner advances to the Vanier Cup.
