UBC Thunderbirds climb U Sports football rankings amid 2-0 start

Photo: Bob Frid/UBC Thunderbirds

The UBC Thunderbirds climbed one spot in the U Sports football rankings following their 45-15 win over the Calgary Dinos, which improved their record to 2-0 on the season.

Garrett Rooker threw for 351 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the victory, hitting Isaiah Knight, Brad Hladik, and Edgerrin Williams-Hernandez for scores. The third-year quarterback from League City, Texas ranks third in the country in passing yardage per game, averaging 328 yards per contest. Derek Engel took over the controls in the fourth quarter and threw for 94 yards and two touchdowns in a relief effort.

UBC’s defence has allowed only 25 points through two games this season. The club beat the Regina Rams on the road in the first week of Canada West action by a score of 25-10 before dominating the Dinos in their home-opener in front of 1,300 fans at Thunderbird Stadium. Maka Bangura leads the team with 11.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks through two games.

The Windsor Lancers also climbed one spot to No. 9 after shutting out the Waterloo Warriors in a 37-0 road win. Danny Skelton hit Ben McJarret for a 61-yard touchdown pass, Joey Zorn ripped off a 39-yard touchdown run, and Javonni Cunningham returned a punt 52 yards for a score. The Lancers allowed only 154 yards of offence, generating two takeaways and sacking Waterloo quarterback Nick Orr six times.

The Ottawa Gee-Gees, who were on a bye this past week, fell from No. 8 to No. 10. The top seven spots remained unchanged.

Click here for a full breakdown of this past weekend’s football action in U Sports as well as the current standings. The Gee-Gees (OUA), Montreal Carabins (RSEQ), and Bishop’s Gaiters (AUS) were on a bye this past week.

Courtesy: U Sports