FB: Top performers help teams earn Hardy Cup berths

VANCOUVER - Saskatchewan receiver Sam Baker helped the Huskies secure hosting duties for the 84th Hardy Cup, while fellow Canada West Players of the Week Arjay Shelley and Isaac Dokken ensured their Manitoba Bisons would be the Huskies opponent.

Baker led all receivers with eight catches for 148 yards in Saskatchewan's 39-17 win over the UBC Thunderbirds in the first Hardy Cup semifinal on Saturday. The conference's Offensive Player of the Week scored another touchdown in the victory, giving him five on the season.

The Esterhazy, Sask. product was named a Canada West all-star last week after averaging 70 receiving yards per game on 26 catches in five games during the 2021 campaign. The fourth-year receiver saved his best performance of the season on Saturday, registering season-highs in receptions and yards.

Manitoba defensive back Arjay Shelley is the Canada West Defensive Player of the Week after helping lock down the Alberta Golden Bears offence in Manitoba's 43-17 Hardy Cup semifinal win in a snowy Winnipeg on Saturday.

Shelley, a fourth-year Bison out of Mission, B.C., came up with a defensive gem in the second quarter, ending a promising Alberta drive with a highlight reel interception. The 2021 conference all-star also added four tackles and a pass breakup in the win.

A game changer on special teams, Manitoba's Isaac Dokken earned Player of the Week honours for his role in getting the ball back to the Bisons offence on Saturday.

The first-year Bison pounced on a fumbled punt return in the second quarter to set up a Manitoba field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Steinbach, Man. native punched the ball loose on another Alberta punt return, leading to a Bisons touchdown on the next play.

All three players of the week will be back in action at the 84th Hardy Cup in Saskatoon.

The Huskies will be looking for their second title in three attempts, while the Bisons hope to be conference champions for the first time since 2014.

The 84th Hardy Cup kicks off at 1 p.m. CST live on Canada West Football Showcase on SaskTel, TELUS, and on Canada West TV Presented by Co-op.

OFFENCE: REC - Sam Baker

DEFENCE: DB - Arjay Shelley

SPECIAL TEAMS: Isaac Dokken