By: Mike Still (@mikestill94)
Feature photo: Mathe Mitayango went off for over 100 yards against the Wildcats in week one. Photo by Matthew Hamilton.
The Winnipeg Rifles were certainly happy to have the bye week this week. Two straight losses and 10 combined turnovers led to back-to-back losses over the 2-2 Regina Thunder and 3-0 Saskatoon Hilltops, respectively.
The team went into halftime down 24-1 against Saskatoon in their most recent contest on Sunday, Sept. 2 and were unable to dig themselves out of the first half hole they created, falling 38-8. Despite the loss, there were a few bright spots to make note of.
Winnipeg’s front seven continued to prove why they are one of the best in the country, stuffing the Hilltops in multiple goal line situations, while holding running back Ben Abrook to just 79 rushing yards. Veteran Donovan Hillary led the way with eight total tackles, while the Rifles starting defensive line of Noah Wilson, Justin Kwiatkowski, Hayden Nellis and Machuor Akau combined for 12 tackles.
In the secondary, Andrew Ricard continued to prove why he is a likely CJFL All-Canadian, literally stealing a ball out of the hands of a Saskatoon receiver on their third drive of the game. He also added 66 yards on kickoff returns.
Offensively, fifth-year Austin Klein had a stellar performance, running the rock 14 times for 66 yards. As has been mentioned before, the Rifles have a dangerous three-headed monster in the backfield with power backs Mathe Mitayango and a currently injured Brandon Urciuoli, along with Klein, who has great vision and speed. Additionally, tight end/h-back Tyler Hodgson had his best game of the season, exposing the middle of the Hilltops zone for 54 yards on three receptions. He’s also hard to bring down with his big frame.
Pausing on the injury front for a second, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for numerous players. Akau and Ricard both suffered injuries against Saskatoon and certainly benefited from an extra week of rest. On top of those two, Urciuoli is getting closer to game action each week and should be set to make his debut quite soon, while starting pivot Riley Naujoks has been recovering from a knee injury suffered against the Regina Thunder and should be able to play this weekend. If not, the team is in capable hands with backup Drenin Busch.
This Saturday, the Rifles will head to Clarke Stadium to take on the Edmonton Wildcats in a rematch of their week one contest, which Winnipeg won 19-3. Winnipeg’s front seven was stupendous in the game, as was Mathe Mitayano, who blitzed for over 100 yards in front of tremendous blocking in the trenches.
It will be interesting to see how the Wildcats defend Winnipeg’s two biggest threats in the receiving corps, in Brendan Naujoks and Griffin Shillingford. The former had 27 yards on two catches but also had a punt return touchdown the last time the team played Edmonton, while the latter led the team with 66 yards and a touchdown. Look for Shillingford to try and get involved early, as he’s been held to just one catch for seven yards over the past two games and is hungry to make an impact.
The Wildcats are definitely more of a passing team, which will have Ricard and company licking their chops in the secondary. One player to keep an eye out for at the defensive back position is University of Manitoba transfer Keenan Onyebuchi. He played multiple positions in the secondary in his debut against the Hilltops and should be primed for a breakout performance.