By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Rifles fifth-year defensive back Andrew Ricard has been stellar so far this year with a conference leading three interceptions. Photo by Matthew Hamilton.
The Winnipeg Rifles are currently in a three-way tie for third place in the PFC after five games this season, sitting at 2-3 along with the Edmonton Wildcats and Regina Thunder. There are a few positives to take away from this situation.
The first is that they’ve already swept the Wildcats this year, which essentially ensures them fourth place at a minimum, as the Calgary Colts are 0-5 and likely out of the playoff mix due in part to scoring just 17 points all year. The second positive is that the Rifles play the Colts this coming Sunday at home and will hopefully use the game as a bounce-back after being defeated yesterday 44-18 by the now 4-1 Edmonton Huskies.
The Rifles most critical game of the 2018 season however, will come on Sunday, Oct. 7 at home when they host the Thunder. This game will likely be for third place in the conference, as the Saskatoon Hilltops sit at 5-0 while the Huskies only loss came at the hands of Regina earlier this year. In most people’s eyes, a first round playoff game against the Huskies is likely the more ideal situation compared to going on the road against Saskatoon — a team Winnipeg plays one more time on Sunday, Oct. 14 on the road.
The Thunder beat Winnipeg 29-21 in Regina earlier this season in a game that saw Rifles starting pivot Riley Naujoks go down with a leg injury on a dirty play from the hosts. The Rifles also committed six turnovers in that contest, one of which occurred on a potential scoring play in the redzone. If Winnipeg can limit their mental mistakes — which haunted them against the Huskies and Hilltops as well — then they should be able to compete at a high level against the Thunder.
Standouts through five games
Leading the way this year has been the Rifles front seven. Entering week five, Winnipeg’s starting front four of Noah Wilson, Justin Kwiatkowski, Hayden Nellis and Machuor Akau had combined for 26 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. Akau has been the team’s best pass rusher, leading the conference with 4.5 of those sacks despite not playing this weekend against the Huskies. Kwiatkowski also has both of the starting unit’s interceptions, while rookie defensive end Devyn Turner also recorded an athletic pick-six against the Edmonton Wildcats two weeks ago.
In the linebacking corps, fifth year captain Donovan Hillary has led the way once more, with 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Fellow linebackers Mike Hart and Cole Sneesby have been just as stout, combining for 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
In the secondary, fifth year Andrew Ricard — who has moved all over the field from safety to corner — is having an all-star calibre year. He leads the conference with three interceptions and has also produced on special teams, registering a combined 241 yards in punt and kick returns. The addition of safety/halfback Keenan Onyebuchi from the Manitoba Bisons has also played a factor for the team’s defensive backfield. He recorded his first interception of the year against the Huskies and also had five tackles last week against the Wildcats.
Speaking of special teams, fifth year receiver/returner Brendan Naujoks has also been stellar. He’s averaging over 25 yards per punt return and has taken two back to the house. Punting-wise, Drenin Busch — who doubles as the team’s backup quarterback — is averaging 36.7 yards every time he boots the ball. He’s also recovered two of his own punts, demonstrating his hustle and fearlessness to make a play for his team.
The team has struggled to find their footing in the passing game so far this year, however the run game has clicked at times, thanks to some solid blocking from returning offensive lineman Jaden Lakie (tackle), Spencer Filmon (guard), Brody Jones (centre), Kenneth Whittaker (guard) and Cole Dimitroff (tackle). Running-back wise, Winnipeg has gotten contributions from three different players, with second year Mathe Mitayango leading the way with 245 yards heading into the game last night against the Huskies. Fifth year Austin Klein has also chipped in 129 yards while second year Brandon Urciuoli returned from injury two weeks ago and had a great game against the Wildcats. This depth will likely play a factor in the home stretch of the season.
It’s been tough sledding for the Rifles pivots this year, as Riley Naujoks and Busch have combined for just over 600 yards passing this year while also throwing seven combined interceptions. Interestingly, four of the duo’s five passing touchdowns have come in the fourth quarter, which demonstrates both of their resolve and dedication to finish off contests in strong fashion. They will both need to be at their best going forward, and can lean on a variety of experienced receivers, such as Brendan Naujoks, Griffin Shillingford, Cole Chowen and Tyler Hodgson. Entering week five, those four players had combined for 36 receptions, with Naujoks leading the way yardage-wise, with 152 yards.