CW Football: Week 1 Headlines

Aug. 30, 2024 - The wait is over, football fans.

Canada West football is back tonight.

Opening week is always special, but the schedule makers have given us an extra treat with three tantalizing matchups to kick off the 2024 season - including a Hardy Cup rematch.

Here's everything you need to know heading into Week 1.

Regina Rams at Calgary Dinos

Fri, Aug. 30 | 5:30 p.m. MDT at McMahon Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: For two teams who were on the outside looking in at the postseason picture last year, a win tonight will be pivotal to starting the season on the right foot.

The visiting Rams return 18 starters including last year's Canada West Rookie of the Year in QB Owen Sieben, who emerged as one of the best stories in all of U SPORTS last season. Add in two players selected in last spring's CFL Draft (SB D'Sean Mimbs and DB Jackson Sombach) and the Rams believe they have the talent and depth to get back to the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Ryan Sheahan era officially begins for an up-and-coming Calgary side. The Dinos have plenty of optimism based on their finish to last season, which saw them win their final three games against the likes of playoff-bound UBC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Getting a good start tonight at home will be paramount.

Head-to-Head: Regina won the lone meeting between the teams last season, a 23-15 Week 3 triumph at Mosaic. Regina has won the last four head-to-head matchups.

Regina Preview: Rams at Calgary

Calgary Preview: Dino Tracks: Aug. 28-Sept. 3

Alberta Golden Bears at UBC Thunderbirds

Fri, Aug. 30 | 6 p.m. PDT at Thunderbird Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: Is it too early to label this one the most hotly anticipated game of the season? The Bears and T-Birds return to the scene of last year's Hardy Cup, won by UBC in stunning fashion thanks to a thrilling 28-27 final minute comeback.

The teams enter as the top ranked Canada West programs, with Alberta narrowly edging out UBC for top spot in the 2024 CW Coaches Poll. UBC has the edge in the U SPORTS national rankings, starting the season at #3 while Alberta registered at #7.

Friday's opener could be an explosive affair with both offences returning many key pieces. Bears starting quarterback Eli Heitlinger returns for his third season, as does last year's Canada West Player of the Year, running back Matthew Peterson. For UBC, veteran quarterback Garrett Rooker is back for his fourth campaign. He'll look to build on a 2023 campaign where he led the conference in passing yards (2266), touchdowns (16) and completion percentage (70.2).

Head-to-Head: In addition to last year's Hardy Cup instant classics, the teams also delivered two memorable regular season meetings - both won by UBC. The T-Birds triumphed 54-37 at home in Week 4, then downed the Bears 23-10 at Foote Field in the final week of the regular season.

Alberta Preview: Hardy Cup rematch on tap for 2024 season opener

UBC Preview: ‘Birds host Bears in Hardy Cup rematch to open CW season Friday

Saskatchewan Huskies at Manitoba Bisons

Sat, Aug. 31 | 2 p.m. CDT at Princess Auto Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: For the first time in six years, the Manitoba Bisons will enter a season ranked ahead of the Huskies in the annual CW coaches poll. Manitoba ranked third, one spot above the Huskies, although Saskatchewan does enter with the distinction of being ranked No. 9 in the first U SPORTS Top Ten of the season.

Both teams return veteran-laden rosters and high powered offences, which should lead to an entertaining opening week duel between Bisons QB Jackson Tachinski and his Huskie counterpart, Anton Amundrud.

Manitoba returns 22 of 24 starters, including all five starters on the offensive line. With revered head coach Brian Dobie announcing that he will retire at the end of the season, look for a Bisons team to be motivated to get out to a good start.

Head-to-Head: The Huskies earned an entertaining 30-27 victory in their lone meeting during Week 1 last year, roaring back from a 25-7 halftime deficit

Saskatchewan Preview: Huskies Season Preview

Manitoba Preview: Bisons welcome No. 9 Huskies to Princess Auto to open 2024 season

Don't Miss A Moment On CanadaWest.TV

Opening week is a great time to secure your All-Access or Football Regular Season Sport Pass on Canada West TV, which allows you to watch every Canada West regular season football game live and on-demand for one low price.

Fans can also stream Canada West TV on popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku.