Frankly Speaking: Rams Improving, but need to stay sharp 

By Greg Urbanoski 

While the University of Regina Rams have shown improvement over a year ago, especially on run defense, Rams Head Coach Frank McCrystal wants the team not to fall into the trap of thinking they don’t need to improve any more. 

“I think the offensive line is something we have worked really hard on,” said McCrystal. “We had John Hashem step in at tackle and Nick Hutchins move to centre and everyone on the line are coming together well. 

“I think our quarterback has become more patient. In the first game he was pressed a little and was not as confident because we threw a lot of stuff at him. He has since settled down, become more patient and that’s why we were able to get the yards against Alberta. And that is also a good reason why Chad Goldie was able get 15 catches in that game.” 

On defense McCrystal said the reappearance of Mat Nesbitt has solidified the Rams run defense, but he was also quick to point out that the Rams defensive line is playing much better as a whole. He stated Stan vanSichem has another year under his belt and the move to weak end by Clark Gates helped immensely. 

“The guys we expected to come in and play hard have played well and have improved,” said McCrystal. 

“On the other hand the new guys that have come in have been absolutely outstanding. Our rookies, especially on offense like Brenden Owens, Taylor Kidby and Kolten Solomon have really performed well and that bodes well now for the rest of the season but certainly down the road as well.” 

McCrystal said the defensive backfield has come together nicely and singled out Darren Geddert who has been credited with six tackles in two games.  

“This next game is going to be a good test as UBC has great athletes.” McCrystal said “If UBC gets outside of the Rams defensive containment, they will put pressure on us and we will have to respond by being disciplined. 

“They also have some really good receivers and you expect they will improve and that will result in their quarterback being able to complete some of the passes they haven’t been able to so far,” said McCrystal. 

“We’ve had our bye, we’ve got our guys settled in school, and they can now focus on the task at hand. I think we used this bye week wisely as we have stayed focused and put our guys in a position to get ready for Friday night.”

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