Saskatchewan’s biggest collegiate coaching legend understands the University of Regina Rams holding their cards close to their chest when it comes to the team's fascinating quarterback predicament.
Towriss believes the Rams may already know who will start at quarterback in Saturday’s Mitchell Bowl, and aren’t telling anyone, which should come as a shock to no one.
“I think they're doing what most teams would be doing. In all honesty, they may not know themselves exactly what they're going to get out of [Noah Pelletier]. I know he got beat up pretty good and banged around [in the Hardy Cup]," Towriss said.
"It's a national semifinal, I'm sure if he can go out, function and throw the ball, they're going to get him in there, but they'll keep that close to the vest and see. Laval hasn't seen the other guy that much but they'll be well prepared. We’ve found that they can adjust pretty good as well.”
It is suspected by many that the “other guy” would be Owen Sieben, who was the 2023 Canada West Rookie of the Year. He went through training camp as the starter but then was knocked out with a concussion on opening night in Calgary in August. Although, head coach Mark McConkey hasn’t ruled out the left-handed Trey Jones, who began the year as the team's third-stringer, as the starter either.
Some players, including Sieben, could choose to play in this national semifinal and burn a year of eligibility to do so. It’s a conundrum Towriss has dealt with many times during countless playoff runs over his 33-year reign in charge at the University of Saskatchewan. The can envision players regretting burning a year but also might regret not taking advantage of a rare opportunity.
“That's a discussion with the player, your coaching staff and your leaders in the team. In our situation, we would have left that up to the player, but in most cases, the kids have been there all year long. They've been a big part of the team," Towriss said.
"If you're going to consider them in a situation, they're going to be a big part of your team for many years. This is once in a lifetime or maybe twice in a football players' career opportunity to go in and play. If they have an opportunity to play a significant role, I would imagine most of them would.”
Laval looks dominant, third in the final U Sports national rankings, while the Rams did not rank anywhere above 17. But still, Towriss is not betting against Regina getting to the Vanier Cup. He suggests Saturday’s Mitchell Bowl environment might make the Rouge et Or ripe for the picking.
“This is the best time to get them. Get them out of their backyard and have them come west. They have won out here, but they've also been beaten a couple times when they come west for a semi final game," Towriss said.
"I expect the Rams to do well. I expect them to battle, really hope that the defence can rise up and play the way they've been playing for the last several weeks.”
Yours truly would not dare put the provincial rival alumnus on the spot by asking if he would ever cheer for the Rams but clearly he has no negative thoughts about Regina possibly slaying the almighty Rouge et Or. The powerhouse he once battled in Saskatoon in the 2006 Vanier Cup.
“It's good for football in the west. This province has got a lot to be proud of with football. We’ve got a population that's less than the size of Calgary yet the Thunder and the Hilltops are good. The high school football programs are ranked nationally. We had the Huskies and the Rams in the in the Canada West final with the opportunity for the Rams to represent Canada West at the national level," Towriss said.
“It's been a long time since that happened. It's already been good for football in Saskatchewan, Certainly a win would be really big for them, for no other reason than the fact that they're hosting the Vanier Cup next year.”
You can listen to the Mitchell Bowl Saturday afternoon from Regina’s Mosaic Stadium on 620 CKRM radio with a special pre-game show starting at 1:30 p.m. and kickoff at 2 p.m.
