Daniel Perry carries the football downfield for the U of S Huskies.

As we sit two weeks into the 2018 football season, the Huskies are looking strong, with two wins under their belt and a showering of recognition for a few players on the team. While the season may still be young, the Huskies are looking superb.

The first game of the season took place on the Huskies’ home turf, as they took on the University of Alberta Golden Bears. The game started as a slow roll for the Huskies — who took only 3 points in the first quarter — but they quickly gained speed and were able to secure a shutout victory against the Golden Bears with a score of 42 to zero.

This was a momentous occasion as it is the first shutout victory the Huskies have had since 2012, which was also against Alberta in the season opener. Following this feat, there was a close call in Winnipeg, where the Dogs scraped by in a 48-46 win against the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Following the first game of the season, two Huskies were selected as players of the week by Canada West: Nelson Lokombo as defensive player of the week and Daniel Perry filling the slot for special teams. Each of them played an excellent game in their respective roles that night. Lokombo, a second-year arts and science student and defensive back for the team, finished the game with four tackles and two interceptions on U of A quarterback Brad Launhardt. Lokombo speaks to the feeling that comes with being recognized for his efforts.

“It feels great. I’m glad that I was able to help the team win with my performance, and to be recognized for it is an honour,” Lokombo said.

On the topic of his two interceptions, Lokombo mentioned that his favourite play of the game was his first interception.

“I was able to bait the quarterback into throwing the corner route coming in my direction and slid in for the pick,” Lokombo said. “I made sure that I executed my assignment properly, and luckily, was able to put myself in a good position to make a play on the ball.”

Perry, a first-year arts and science student and returner for the Dogs, earned his spot as special teams player of the week with two big returns — one for 36 yards and another for 42 yards — averaging 15 yards per return over 9 returns for a total of 139 yards on the game.

After the nail-biter in Winnipeg, Payton Hall, a fourth-year arts and science student, was also added to Canada West’s prestigious roster as defensive player of the week. Among his achievements in the game were an impressive 90-yard interception, which Hall took back for a touchdown, and seven tackles throughout the game. The touchdown not only secured the edge the Huskies needed for the win, but also, in part, the player of the week spot for Hall.

The Huskies will return to Griffiths Stadium on Sept. 14 for the homecoming game against the University of Calgary Dinos.

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Jack Thompson / Sports & Health Editor

Photo: Heywood Yu