The Regina Thunder have improved to 5-1 on the Prairie Football Conference season with a narrow 41-40 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles in the Manitoba Capital.
The Thunder built an early 10-0 lead after the opening quarter.
However, Winnipeg answered in the second quarter, outscoring Regina 17-7, to tie the game at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Thunder restored their lead, outscoring the home squad 17-3 to take a 34-20 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Rifles did not go quietly; instead, they pulled within seven points with under a minute left. Winnipeg then marched the ball into Regina territory and found the end zone. However, instead of trying to tie the game by kicking the extra point, Rifles head coach Geordie Wilson elected to try to take the lead by attempting a two-point conversion.
The play was unsuccessful, resulting in Regina holding on to a 41-40 lead.
Winnipeg's attempted onside kick on the next play was unsuccessful, allowing Regina to drain the clock and seal the victory.
Statistically, Regina quarterback Adam Mosher was 9-15 passing for 144 yards. At the same time, Winnipeg’s Riley Element was 34-47 for 486 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
On the ground, Thunder running back Carter Ashman was the top rusher, carrying the ball 19 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
Winnipeg’s Jarome Penner was the top receiver, catching 15 passes for 223 yards.
Regina is off until Saturday night when they head to Saskatoon to take on the Hilltops.
Winnipeg’s record is now 2-4. The Rifles' next action is hosting the Edmonton Huskies next Sunday.
In other Week 7 action, the Hilltops scored a 52-25 win over the Edmonton Wildcats to improve their record to 5-1, tied for first place with the Rifles. The Wildcats' record falls to 2-4.
The visiting Edmonton Huskies scored a 41-30 win over the Colts in Calgary. The Huskies' win improves their record to 2-4, while the Colts' loss drops them to 2-4.
