On Saturday, November 17 at Canad Inns Stadium in front of a loud 4000 fans, the #3 ranked Manitoba Bisons (11-0) football defeated the #10 Western Ontario Mustangs (7-5) by a 52-20 score in the CIS-Semi-Final (Mitchell Bowl) game.

With the victory, the Bisons advance to their fourth Vanier Cup appearance (1969, 1970, 2001 and 2007) and will face the winner of the Uteck Bowl – #4 Saint Mary’s Huskies (9-1) – on Friday, November 23 at Rogers Centre in Toronto with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT.

This is the first time that Manitoba has played for a National Championship since 2001 and the Herd extended their winning streak in 2007 to eleven consecutive wins.

“We stared to accelerate as a team around game five this year and we have not stopped since heading into the playoffs,” stated Bison football head coach Brian Dobie. “We want to continue but we will face one of the great CIS teams (Saint Mary’s) with a great tradition who will be standing in our way.”

For the seventh time in 11 games, the Bisons fell behind to start the game after surrendering a safety but registered the first touchdown when Brady Browne ran back a blocked punt for a 26 yard score. Bisons defensive back Mike Howard had the block.

After a Mustangs field goal and a 7-5 Manitoba lead after one, the turning point occurred six minutes into the second quarter. With Western driving deep into Manitoba territory, Mustangs QB Michael Faulds had his pass tipped by defensive end Justin Shaw and linebacker Jim Jeavons caught the misdirected errant pass and proceeded to rumble 99 yards to the end zone. Instead of a potential Western score, the home side had increased their lead to 14-5 and the momentum shifted back to the Herd.

The Bisons have been successful in the second quarter throughout the season and the Mitchell Bowl was no different. Manitoba registered 24 unanswered points (started by Jeavons lengthy TD interception) by adding a 41 yard pass from quarterback John Makie to slotback Simon Blaszczak and one yard plunge by running back Matt Henry and a 41 yarder by kicker Scott Dixon to end the half. Manitoba led 31-7.

In the second half, Western tried to mount a comeback and generated nine straight points off a Manitoba safety and an impressive four play, 70 yard drive in 55 seconds that was capped by running back Randy McAuley six yard TD run. Western closed the lead to 31-14 but that was as close as it they would come. Manitoba responded with a 65 yard drive and ended with wide receiver Terry Firr grabbing a seven yard TD pass. Henry found the end zone on another one yard plunge. After three, Manitoba was up 45-14.

In the fourth, Western passed to get back into the game and both teams added one more touchdown with the Bisons scoring on fullback Neil Fulgueras 37 yard TD pass from Makie and for Western, Faulds had a one yard TD run.

The Bisons defence was led by Mike Howard who tied for a game-high nine tackles, several on special teams, two forced fumbles, one breakup and one blocked punt. For his effort, Howard was awarded the Maury L. Van Vliet Trophy, which recognizes the Mitchell Bowl MVP.

“This team isn’t loaded with stars. It is loaded with players who play like Mike Howard,” commented Dobie.

For Manitoba, Makie went 14-24 passing for 3 TDs and 235 yards. Simon Blaszczak had three grabs for 69 yards, 1 TD while Firr had three catches for 56 yards and 1 TD. RB Karim Lowen led the team with 95 yards on 13 carries (7.3 avg.) and Henry had 49 yards on 12 carries. On defence, Mike Howard, Browne and Jeff Alamolhoda were tied with a game-high nine tackles while Bob Reist snagged his ninth interception of the season (five in regular season and four in the playoffs) and the Bisons had four sacks.

For the Mustangs, QB Michael Faulds was 36-70 passing for 387 yards and 4 INTs. WR David Clayton had a game-high 107 yards on 12 catches while receiver Joshua Starr had 94 yards on eight receptions. RB McAuley was top rusher with 62 yards on nine carries. On defence, JohnSurla had six tackles (one for loss) and one forced fumble and Nick Kordic had five tackles (one for a loss) and one forced fumble.

Manitoba (11-0) and Saint Mary’s Huskies (9-1) face off for the Football National Championship in the Vanier Cup (CIS Final) on Friday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. CT at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Mitchell Bowl final thoughts: The Bisons streak of not allowing a touchdown ended in the third quarter but not before they had held opponents for just over four games – a total of 245:28…. In the first quarter, Western held the ball for 11:18 but was down 7-5…. Western had ten turnovers (four interceptions, one fumble and five turnovers on downs) during the game…. Western led in yards by a 468 to 378 margin…. Western threw 72 times…. Manitoba first two touchdowns were by the defence…. Manitoba has followed the same path as 2001 with playoff wins over Calgary, Regina and then a Greg Marshall coached team (McMaster in 2001, Western in 2007)…. The Bisons scored the most points in team playoff history...

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