Biggest game of his life

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This article was published 18/11/2021 (1648 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brock Gowanlock is getting close to the end of an accomplished five-year U Sports football career. Coincidentally, he’s also preparing for the biggest game of his life.

On Friday, the University of Manitoba defensive end and his Bisons teammates will travel to Saskatoon to take on the No. 4-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies in Saturday’s Hardy Cup final.

The winner advances to the Uteck Bowl against the No. 1-ranked Montreal Carabins, champions of Quebec. The Bisons haven’t been to a final since beating the Calgary Dinos on the road in 2014.

“This is my first Hardy Cup (final) and it could be my last game but I definitely haven’t been thinking in terms of this being my last game,” said Gowanlock Wednesday. “I’ve just been thinking in terms of maximizing the moment. I haven’t once had any doubt, thinking that this will be my last game. I didn’t feel like it going into Alberta (in last week’s semifinal). It doesn’t feel like that going into Saskatchewan here.”

Gowanlock, an eighth-round draft pick of the Montreal Alouettes in the 2020 CFL Draft, was named Canada’s outstanding lineman Thursday after registering 24 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and two fumble recoveries so far this season. He will need to be in top form if the No. 7 Bisons (5-2) are to beat the (6-1) Huskies.

In the only regular-season meeting between the teams, Saskatchewan whipped Manitoba 41-12 at IG Field on Oct. 30.

“Honestly, we feel good,” said Gowanlock. “We played Sask. in the first half (on Oct. 30) was kinda how we plan to play them the whole game (Saturday). They had a couple of big plays on us that were obviously are kinda blown coverages or mental lapses that you can fix, right?… If we can clean up all those mistakes and then play football they way we have played before and like we did play against Alberta, then there’s no there’s no reason why we can’t beat this team.”

Manitoba’s defence will be under pressure in this matchup.

“We think it’s the best offence in the league,” said Bisons head coach Brian Dobie. “We think they have the best offensive line in the league. They’ve got the top quarterback. They’ve got a first team all-Canadian tailback and they’ve got two or three receivers that are outstanding, particularly Colton Klassen and Sam Baker. There’s nothing missing on that offence.”

Canada West coaches seem to share Dobie’s opinion. The Huskies, with seven offensive starters named to the Canada West all-star squad, have an experienced and balanced attack.

In recent voting, fourth-year quarterback Mason Nyhus led the Saskatchewan contingent of Canada West all-stars that also includes centre Connor Bergloff, tackles Noah Zerr and Nick Summach, running back Adam Machart and receivers Klassen and Baker.

“They’ve got a lot of depth at all positions,” said Bisons linebacker Brody Williams. “They’re a good football team, there’s no doubt about that. And I think what is going to come down to is that whoever makes the least amount mistakes is going to win the football game. Whether it be turnovers, assignments or whatever it may be.”

Williams, the club’s starting middle linebacker, won’t be operating a full strength this weekend. He aggravated an injury to an AC joint in last week’s conference semifinal victory over Alberta and didn’t play in the second half.

Williams said he has been cleared to play against the Huskies but admits he is in some pain.

“Yeah, it’s not a fun time, but we’ve only got three games left so you’ve gotta make the most of it,” he said.

Added Dobie: “I don’t know literally how he’s feeling and I certainly hope he’s good to go. It’s kind of that old adage at this time of the year: Everybody’s hurt in some way, shape or form. Some, of course, more than others.”

Williams had three tackles in a 43-17 win over the Golden Bears before being forced out of the game. His replacement, first-year man Isaac Dokken, led the team with eight tackles.

“Brody’s obviously an awesome player and a great player for our defence but it’s not the end of the world to lose guys when you got (players like) Isaac coming in there to fill the role,” said Gowanlock, a Canada West all-star in 2018 and 2021.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14