Despite their best efforts, the Huskies will be staying home this playoff season.

The Huskies fell to the Manitoba Bisons 36-32 at Griffiths Stadium on Oct. 28, failing to qualify for the post-season for the first time since 2000.

The Huskies were dealt a blow earlier on Oct. 28, when the Alberta Golden Bears dominated the Calgary Dinos — the previously undefeated number-one team in the nation — winning by a score of 53-3. The Alberta victory meant the Huskies would have had to defeat Manitoba by 37 points to qualify for the post-season.

The Huskies led the Bisons into the third quarter at 22-0, as they continued to chase Alberta in this point-differential race. Unfortunately for the Huskies, the wheels fell off after that. Manitoba scored 15 straight points, followed by 21 points in the final three minutes and six seconds of the fourth quarter.

Saturday night was veteran receiver Mitch Hillis’s last time suiting up in the green and white. He racked up 13 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. Those 219 yards made history, as Hillis set the Canada West record for career receiving yards, with 2,961 yards over five seasons with the Huskies.

Hillis came up short of making the British Columbia Lions this past summer, but this strong finish in his final season with the Huskies may power him to a roster spot next season.

Running back Shakur Harris shone throughout the game, as the talented first-year player from Winnipeg made a statement against his hometown school. Harris ran for 189 yards and made three touchdowns on 21 carries.

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Matthew Johnson

Photos: Stephanie Witham