The No. 1 ranked Calgary Dinos will try to complete their second undefeated season in school history this weekend.
The last time they did that was two years ago.
The only team standing in their way is the Alberta Golden Bears, who host the regular season finale Saturday at 1 p.m. at Foote Field in Edmonton.
The Dinos continue their dominance over Canada West opponents, losing just four games in the last 5 regular seasons (one coming by forfeit, due to ineligible student-athletes last season against Alberta). They already own home field advantage throughout the Hardy Cup playoffs, but would like to enter coming off a victory.
Meanwhile, the Golden Bears (2-5), are tied for the final playoff spot with the Saskatchewan Huskies (2-5). They need a win to guarantee a playoff spot for the first time 2010. But it’s a much steeper climb for the Bears, who lost 80-18 to Calgary in mid-September.
The Huskies get the winless Regina Rams (0-7).
If the Bears want to have any chance, they’ll have to find away to slow down the Calgary offence, which continues to produce record numbers. The Dinos have already set a school record for passing yards with 3,015.
They are just 12 points shy of 419 single-season mark for points, set last year.
Reigning Hec Crighton Trophy winner QB Andrew Buckley is also closing in on a couple records. With 2,699 passing yards on the year, he’s just 124 yards from the single-season passing record for both the school and conference. It currently belongs to Greg Vavra (1983). Buckley also has a chance at the CIS record, if he can make 437 yards to reach the 3,136 set just last week by Ottawa’s Derek Wendel.
Buckley has still not thrown an interception this season, to go along with 16 touchdowns.
Last week, kicker Johnny Mark entered the record books for a second time this season, kicking the 85th field goal of his career in the 2nd quarter against Regina. The kick moved him into top spot in the CIS all-time leaders, passing Tyler Crapigna (McMaster).
Mark added two more and now sits at 87.
Earlier this year, Mark became the all-time scoring leader in CIS history. He now has one last game to add to his total, which stands at 516 career points.
But both Buckley and Mark would trade any personal accomplishments for post-season success.
Both seniors have seen their fair share of disappointment during their five years at the University of Calgary, either in the Vanier Cup, or more recently in last year’s Hardy Cup final.
The post-season journey starts next weekend at McMahon Stadium, when they will welcome either Saskatchewan or Alberta.
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