Huskie Outsider

The Huskies face the number one team in the country tonight as they take on the Dinos in Calgary at 7:00 pm. The game is on TV on Shaw, on the radio on CK750 or online at ck750.com.

Huskies Head Coach Brian Towriss knows that the game will be a test for both teams and is excited to start the the Canada West season. The Huskies had a non-conference victory last week over Western Ontario, and spent this week focusing on Calgary.

Huskies Head Coach Brian Towriss (Steve Hiscock)

“We had a a really good week of practice this week,” said Towriss. “But you are going on what the Dinos did last year because this is the first week of the season. There is a chance that when you get into the game that you are going to see something new. They are going to see some new things from us and we expect the same from them.”

“The first game is always interesting although we played them at the end of last year so we have a pretty good idea of personnel,” Towriss said. “We think we have a good idea of what they will do offensively. Defensively, Coach (Blake) Nill has taken things over himself so there are going to be some wrinkles and we will have to adjust.”
“The first week of any season is always a lot of fun. There is lots of anxiety, nerves, anticipation,” added the Head Coach who is heading in to his 27th season of week ones. “We’ve got a lot of veterans on this team so that helps. There are 29 players dressing in this game who were in the Hardy Cup last year, so they know what to expect.”

One of the veterans that the Huskies are going to count on is fifth year quarterback Laurence Nixon. “Laurence has worked hard again in the off-season and we are expecting a big year from him,” said Towriss. “He is very accurate and can read defenses well. If we can eliminate mistakes and control the football, we should do OK.”

Nixon says that he is ready for the challenge. “We had a good week of preparation and a good trip out here (to Calgary). We are ready and excited for this game. It’s been on our minds since the schedule came out. Now it is time to see how we stack up.”

The Calgary Dinos offense is loaded with talent. From quarterback Erik Glavic, to running back Matt Walter, to receiver Anthony Parker, they will be able to move the ball. “Not only that, they also have (receiver) Nathan Coehorn , (running back) Steven Lumbala and a few other guys to contain. The best way to contain those guys is to keep them on the bench and that is why the onus is on our offense to control the ball.”

Tony Michalchuk tackles Western Quarteback (Liam Richards)

“We need to be able to take away the big play and get them to work short plays down the field,” said Towriss.

Huskies linebacker Tony Michalchuk agrees. “If we execute our game plan and play physical football for the entire 60 minutes, we should be able to slow them down and give the offense a chance to win the game.”

Coach Towriss said that the Huskies have always liked playing in Calgary. There is good field turf and McMahon Stadium. However, teams need to make their own atmosphere as the stadium holds 36,000 people and typically about 3,000 go out to a CIS game. “It’s a great stadium, there are great sight lines for the fans and out guys get excited about playing in a CFL stadium.”

Filed under: Game Day Tagged: | dinos, Huskies, michachuk, nixon, towrris