Regina Rams win 1st all-Sask. Hardy Cup in more than 2 decades

Regina Rams players tore through the field to embrace their teammates Saturday afternoon as they were crowned Canada West football champions.

The Rams accepted the Hardy Cup after defeating the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 19-14 at the U of S's home field, Griffiths Stadium.

This year's 87th Hardy Cup showdown between the two Saskatchewan universities is the first all-Saskatchewan Canada West finals clash in 22 years. The 2002 fixture went to the Huskies.

As crowned winner, the Rams will host the Mitchell Bowl on Nov. 16 and play against the University of Laval from Quebec. Laval defeated Montreal 22-17 in the RSEQ Dunsmore Cup.

The winning team from that game will head on to the Vanier Cup.

Huskies, Rams ready for all-Saskatchewan Hardy Cup championship game

The Rams had lost their last four playoff appearances — dating back to a semi-final win over Saskatchewan in 2012 — before beating the Manitoba Bisons last weekend.

This is the team's first time winning the Hardy Cup since 2000. Quarterback Noah Pelletier said the players had what it took.

"We knew it was still in our grasp and we just kept fighting. Obviously it paid off in the end."

Pelletier completed 23 of 33 passes for 228 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions during the game.

Both teams worked hard this season. The Rams had a 3-5 regular season, finishing fourth in the six-team conference. The Huskies finished 5-3 for third. The teams split their regular season meetings, with each winning at home.

The Huskies won the Hardy Cup in 2021 and 2022 — and went on to lose in the Vanier Cup game both times — before the UBC Thunderbirds snatched away the trophy last year.

The Rams were falling behind in the first half of Saturday's game, with the Huskies