University of Calgary will have distinct South Delta Sun Devils flavor in their lineup when they entertain the Atlantic University Sport St. Francis Xavier X-Men Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium.
SDSS 2015 graduates Jack McDonald and Blake Gau will dress for the Hardy Cup champion Dinos with the winner heading to Hamilton to play in the Vanier Cup for Canadian Interuniversity Sport football supremacy. A third Sun Devil, linebacker Charlie Moore, is a promising redshirt freshman.
Both players helped the Dinos in their epic 46-43 triumph over the defending Vanier Cup champion UBC Thunderbirds last weekend. McDonald, saw extensive action on offense from his slotback position and also on special teams.
Gau, a linebacker, saw action on a variety of specials.
McDonald missed three regular season games due to injury but managed five receptions for 99 yards, while Gau dressed for six regular season games. Both are expected to participate in the Mitchell Bowl.
"Coming to Calgary was a perfect cocktail for me. I have family here, and the program with the Dinos speaks for itself," stated Gau, who is in his second year of business studies, about making the decision to come to the Dinos.
McDonald was elated that his father,
Bruce, a member of the 1986 UBC national championship team was able to be present for the Hardy Cup triumph over the Thunderbirds.
"It was special to have him here. He coached me throughout my career and he was part of each big win for me and again he was here this one," stated 6'1", 210 pounder, who is also a business major.
For the 18-year-old Moore the atmosphere of being on the sidelines in the Canada West Final was exciting.
"I still have close friends on that team (UBC) but I am here now. The energy and excitement that was present was great to be a part of," Moore stated.
Calgary Head Coach Wayne Harris has high praise for the trio of Sun Devil players.
"They are great young men to work with that work extremely hard. I'm delighted that they are with our program," he stated.
End zone... Despite the loss, it was a big afternoon for a couple of SDSS grads with UBC.
Riley Jones helped the Thunderbirds mount a second half comeback with an interception returned 53-yards for the major score. It was the fifth-year linebacker's final university game.
Third-year receiver David Mann was quarterback Michael O'Connor's favourite target, making nine catches for 160-yards.
