CW Football: Week 4 Headlines

Sept. 19, 2025 - Rivalry games don't get much bigger than this.

Week 4 in Canada West football reaches the halfway mark of the regular season, headlined by a Friday night showdown between Saskatchewan and Regina.

The clash between the Rams and Huskies is not only a BioSteel Hardy Cup rematch, but also a battle between the conference's only nationally ranked teams. Marshall Erichsen and the Rams have stormed out to a 3-0 record, while Saskatchewan has been strong in a 2-1 start.

Add in an electric homecoming crowd at Griffiths Stadium, and you've got a matchup that has the entire province buzzing.

UBC will also be hosting their homecoming game on Friday night, welcoming the Calgary Dinos to Thunderbird Stadium. The T-Birds will be desperate to halt a two-game slide, while the Dinos look to push their win streak to three.

Saturday's clash between Alberta and Manitoba carries big implications for both programs. The winless Golden Bears are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, while Manitoba aims to build momentum after picking up their first victory last week.

Here’s everything you need to know before Week 4.

No. 5 Regina Rams (3-0) at No. 7 Saskatchewan Huskies (2-1)

Fri, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. CST at Griffiths Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: Three hundred fourteen days after the Rams hoisted the 2024 BioSteel Hardy Cup at Griffiths Stadium, the two provincial rivals return to the same field for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Marshall Erichsen and the undefeated Rams enter ranked No. 5 in the latest U SPORTS poll. The star running back has been nearly unstoppable, piling up a career-high 196 rushing yards last week at UBC. He leads Canada West and sits second nationally in both rushing yards (482) and rushing touchdowns (6).

This game will showcases the conference’s two most explosive offences. Regina tops CW with 42.3 points and 501.7 yards per game, while No. 7 ranked Saskatchewan isn’t far behind at 33.3 points and 441.3 yards per outing.

Head-to-Head: The teams split the regular season series last season, each winning on home turf. The Rams went on to win the 2024 BioSteel Hardy Cup 19-14, earning their second conference title in program history.

Regina Preview: U-Prairie Challenge Preview

Saskatchewan Preview: No. 7 Huskies host No. 5 Rams in Hardy Cup Rematch

Calgary Dinos (2-1) at UBC Thunderbirds (1-2)

Fri, Sept. 19 | 6 p.m. PDT at Thunderbird Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: Expect a playoff atmosphere at Thunderbird Stadium, with a large crowd expected as part of UBC's homecoming festivities.

The Dinos are riding momentum after a pair of rookies fuelled last week's dramatic win at Alberta. Eri Olarubofin made his first start and ran wild for 155 yards on just 17 carries and the game's winning score with less than a minute remaining. Meanwhile, Jabreel Yahaya dressed for his first U SPORTS game and racked up 58 yards on the ground on just six attempts.

After an opening week win against Manitoba, the T-Birds have stumbled through consecutive losses. Offensively, Derek Engel and Drew Viotto have shown they have what it takes to carry the offence, with UBC putting up the second most passing yards in the conference. Receiver Shemar McBean is enjoying a strong start, ranking fourth in CW with 93.3 yards per game.

Defensively, the 'Birds know they need to beef up their run defence, having allowed more than 200 yards per game on average.

Head-to-Head: The T-Birds took both meetings last season, sneaking out of McMahon with a 32-30 win in Week 5, before earning a 21-5 win at home in Week 7.

Calgary Preview: Dinos, T-Birds set for Friday night showdown

UBC Preview: ‘Birds host Dinos for Homecoming with a pivotal moment on the line

Alberta Golden Bears (0-3) at Manitoba Bisons (1-2)

Sat, Sept. 20 | 2 p.m. CDT at Princess Auto Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: It's a key showdown in Winnipeg with big playoff implications.

After letting one slip away against the Dinos last week, Eli Hetlinger and the 0-3 Golden Bears will be desperate to get into the win column and force themselves back into the playoff picture. Hetlinger currently tops all Canada West quarterbacks in pasing yards per game (319).

Manitoba was staring down a winless start of their own, until Jackson Tachinski and the Bisons offence got rolling with three second half touchdowns in a 21-20 comeback win against Saskatchewan. The Bisons defence has been solid all season, with Jack Shaffer leading the conference in sacks with four.

Head-to-Head: The teams played in two of the most memorable games of the 2024 season, with the Bisons emerging victorious in both. The Herd squeaked out a 24-23 home victory in Week 3, then made an incredible 38-37 OT comeback on the road in Week 7.

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