Erichsen sets school record in dramatic overtime win to open U of R Rams season

The Rams defeated the Dinos in an overtime win on Friday night. (Photo courtesy: cougarsandrams.com / Chris Lindsey)

Marshall Erichsen scored four touchdowns including the game winner in overtime to lift the University of Regina (U of R) Rams to a thrilling 43-36 overtime win over the University of Calgary Dinos at McMahon Stadium on Friday night.

The previous rushing touchdown record heading into the contest was held by a trio of Rams (Atlee Simon, Cory Olynick and Sam Varao.) Erichson, now in his third year, finished the night with 27 carries for 113 yards and added another 47 yards through the air on five catches.

The Rams built up a 24-10 lead at half time on the Dinos. Regina quarterback Noah Pelletier completed 25 of 36 pass attempts for 358 yards. Pelletier passed Rams legend Darryl Leason for fifth all-time in career passing yards, now sitting at 4085 yards. Brooks, AB native Nick Sirleaf finished the afternoon with nine catches for 160 yards and a major, while Russ Arinaza caught nine passes for 111 yards.

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It was the first time since 2017 that a pair of Rams hit triple-digit receiving totals (Mitch Picton and Ryan Schienbein).

Ty Gorniak became the youngest player ever to score a point for the Rams (18 years, 52 days) connecting on a pair of field goals and all five convert attempts in the contest.

The Dinos seemed to have an answer to the Rams attack for much of the night. They scored on a 30-yard rush following the Sirleaf touchdown to bring them back within six points. Gorniak replied with a field goal to extend the lead to nine with just 71 seconds on the clock.

The Dinos drove downfield to score a touchdown with just six seconds remaining and successfully completed a two-point convert. On the ensuing kick off, Dinos kicker Vince Triumbari drilled a ball that forced the Rams to give up a rouge to tie the contest at 36 as time expired.

In overtime, the Rams went back to their successful ground attack. Erichsen drove 18-yards to the Calgary six-yard line and ran it in on the very next play to put the U of R ahead and the Rams defence held strong forcing three Calgary incompletions to seal the victory.

The Rams will host the Alberta Golden Bears (0-1) next Friday at Leibel Field with a 7 p.m. kick off.