By Shawn Coates (@shawncoates)
Manitoba Bisons’ DJ Lalama (25) and Kienan LaFrance (27) celebrate a 1st Quarter TD against the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday, September 20, 2014. (SHAWN COATES / CHRISD.CA)
Manitoba Bison receiver Nic Demski (9) cranks off a big run in CIS action at Investors Group Field on Saturday. (SHAWN COATES / CHRISD.CA)
WINNIPEG — Solid defensive play and 224 combined yards from Nic Demski helped lead the Manitoba Bisons to a 20-10 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds Saturday afternoon at Investors Group Field.
The Bisons, ranked No. 9 in Canada entering play this week, took advantage of four sacks, six tackles for a loss and an interception to secure the win before a crowd of 1,826 fans.
“This game goes to the defence. They did an amazing job,” said Bison runningback Kienan LaFrance, who scored his fifth touchdown of the season with a 22-yard run in the 1st Quarter. “They’ve been getting stronger every half this season. Our coach upstairs (defensive coordinator) Stan Pierre, is the mastermind behind this. The defence is doing great.”
Demski gained yardage on rushes (45), receptions (65), punt returns (53), kickoff returns (32) and missed field goal returns (29). His performance makes him a constant threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Place kicker Ryan Jones was three-for-three in field-goal attempts, successfully connecting from 36, 40 and 19 yards.
With the win, the Bisons’ Canada West Conference record is now 2-1 while UBC is now 0-3.
“This game was huge,” said LaFrance. “Obviously every win is big but today even more so because it helps separate us from the pack in the Canada West standings.”
The contest was the Bisons’ Homecoming Game. With the win, the school’s all-time Homecoming record now moves to 8-5.
The Bisons hit the road to face the Calgary Dinos Friday, September 26 at McMahon Stadium. ChrisD.ca will be there to provide a game story and photos.
UBC will play host to the Alberta Golden Bears Saturday, September 27 at Thunderbird Stadium.
