Erichsen, Sirleaf help propel Rams to 3-0

The University of Regina Rams. (Piper Sports Photography/Regina Rams/X)

Marshall Erichsen, Nicholas Sirleaf and Noah Pelletier all set career marks for the University of Regina Rams in a 37-20 win over the U.B.C. Thunderbirds on Friday night in Vancouver. The Rams are now 3-0 to start the season for just the third time in their history at the USPORTS level (2001, 2002).

Rams running back Marshall Erichsen continued his torrid pace to the young season with 27 carries for 196 yards in the contest while picking up an additional 35 yards off of three receptions. The third year back is now in sole possession of the USPORTS rushing lead with 482 and leads the nation in all-purpose yards at 588.

Brooks, AB native Nicholas Sirleaf set career highs in receptions (11) and receiving yards (158) in the win including a Canada West career long 62-yard pass catch and a touchdown.

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Rams quarterback Noah Pelletier completed 25 of his 33 pass attempts for a career-high 360 yards and three touchdowns. The fourth year pivot now has a completion percentage of 73.6 this season. No Rams player has ever finished a season higher than 70. Former Hec Creighton winner Noah Picton finished his trophy winning 2016 season with a 69.3 percent rate, by comparison.

The Rams defence was solid again, limiting the Thunderbirds to just 84 rushing yards. Liam Platt and Liam LaBelle each picked up an interception including one late to seal the victory.

“It’s hard to win out here but we treated it like a business trip and we were able to handle some late adversity,” said head coach Mark McConkey calling it a ‘full team win’.

The Rams will face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, Sept. 19 in Saskatoon.