By Craig Slater, Leader-Post August 23, 2010
The Regina Thunder couldn't have asked for a better start to the regular season.
Quarterback Reid Quest and the Thunder offence appeared to be in mid-season form, the defence was stingy and the special teams contributed to the scoring in a 32-14 victory over the defending Prairie Football Conference Edmonton Wildcats Sunday afternoon at Clarke Park.
"There were a few hiccups here and there, but overall we're very happy with our first game," said head coach Erwin Klempner. "We played well in all three phases and took some good things away from this game."
Quest connected with receiver Kolten Solomon five minutes into the contest on a 30-yard pass-and-run play for a touchdown. It was the first of three majors on the day for Solomon, who finished the day with four catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
After a safety and a 25-yard field goal by Jonathan Probe, Quest hooked up with Solomon again for a 44-yard touchdown strike.
The Thunder took a commanding 19-0 lead into the second half.
Quest didn't cool off after the break as he hit Clay Cooke for a four-yard touchdown pass-and-catch play to open the third-quarter scoring.
Solomon's 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, his third major of the game, in the fourth quarter capped the Thunder scoring and wrapped up an impressive effort in the first game of the game.
"I think it's more of a statement for our players to see what they can achieve with all of the hard work they have put in so far," Klempner said. "They've committed to this program and have put in a lot of time over the past two or three years. They deserved this win today."
Quest completed 21 of 29 pass attempts for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Mark Coons rushed 21 times for 102 yards and receiver Jay Smith hauled in eight passes for 111 yards.
"There were some drives that I thought we could have finished off and come away with more points, too," Klempner said. "But we played well for our first game."
All told, the Thunder's offence racked up 382 yards, while the defensive unit gave up just 225 yards.
"They really worked hard and played together as a team," Klempner said of the defence. "They resembled a pack of wolves in that they travelled together and banded together as a complete unit."
The Thunder will play its home opener on Sunday, 1 p.m., at Mosaic Stadium versus the Calgary Colts (1-0), who knocked off the Edmonton Huskies over the weekend.
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