There were clear skies over Clarke Park yesterday, but the Regina Thunder rained down the touchdowns in a lopsided 51-11 victory over the Edmonton Huskies.
In the end, the Huskies' hopes of winning were washed away by turnovers and missed opportunities.
With seven starters straight out of high school, head coach Dalton Smarsh said allowing 50 points in the season opener could be expected but not excused.
"For a while there on offence, it seemed like we turned it over on every series," said Smarsh.
"We know we're young, but you know something? That's just an excuse.
"To me if you've played football before, the key here for running backs is you hold on to the football. If you're a quarterback you step in and throw the football."
The Thunder grabbed a 26-7 lead in the first half thanks to jack-of-all-trades Jeff Bolen, who had 122 yards and a pair of TDs on seven receptions.
He opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 44-yard field goal, then added a coffin-corner punt that led to the Huskies conceding two safety points.
"We had a real nail-biter with them here last year. In the fourth quarter we ended up winning on a blocked punt," said Bolen, a fifth-year veteran who finished with two more catches for 146 yards.
"I think this was a younger team and they had a rough year last year.
"It's nice to put up that many, I don't think I've put up 50 points in the four years before this."
The Huskies took a 7-5 lead after defensive back Mike Goldring intercepted a pass from Thunder quarterback Reid Quest deep in Regina territory.
Edmonton's offence made good on the ensuing drive when quarterback Kevin Allen rolled out of the pocket to find Tylor Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown reception.
But those were the only points they could muster before halftime.
"We knew we were young and we were in the game initially," said Smarsh.
"We let them put up the points and, truthfully, we seemed to shut it down."
The Huskies' winless streak dates back two seasons to the last game of 2007, which they hope to snap next week in Calgary against the Colts.
"If you look at the first half, we were in the game," said Smarsh.
"Our guys are going to have to suck it up a little and get ready to play."
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
Great
Western is a proud sponsor of your Regina Thunder.
We encourage all supporters to buy Great Western Products and submit your
receipts to any Thunder Board of Director
