Thunder bounces back after slow start to steamroll Winnipeg

The Regina Thunder overcame a slow start to defeat the Winnipeg Rifles 45-21 in PFC action Sunday in the Queen City.

The Rifles were in front early in the game thanks to a rushing touchdown from running back Miciah Stone and a receiving score from Adam Fast.

Thunder quarterback Carter Moberg said there wasn’t any panic on the bench as the team fell behind early.

“We work real hard to stay positive and stay focused and we did a really good job today,” Moberg said.

Head coach Scott MacAulay believes his team was too fired up for its home opener after starting the 2023 season on the road for the first two weeks.

“That’s something we have to address,” MacAulay said. “Winnipeg is a good team too and the ball was bouncing their way at the beginning of the game and it put us in bad situations. But adversity is also good as well.

“We’re happy to face that and stay positive and come through it.”

The long-time Thunder head coach also admitted he has changed how he handles things on the sideline when the team has a slow start.

“The younger Scott MacAulay would be yelling and screaming at guys. The older Scott MacAulay realized the boys will play for the boys,” MacAulay said. “Keep things positive but also keep it real – let them know exactly what they are doing wrong or right and make sure we are staying positive on the sidelines.”

The reigning PFC champions answered the call as Moberg threw four touchdowns while Justin Reiger added a score on the ground as the Thunder rolled at Leibel Field.

“We get the crowd pumped more than any team in this league so it’s pretty great being here,” Moberg said.

Isaiah Woodley provided some fireworks for the home team as he scored two long receiving touchdowns – one for 83 yards and another for 66.

“It’s great because they have my back when I’m coming off,” Woodley said. “I had a couple drops today and they were the same guys telling me, ‘Good job’ and ‘You’re going to get it back.’

“It feels good when you can make those plays for the guys on the bench that are really cheering for you.”

Woodley had a game-high 182 yards receiving in the game. Moberg threw for 402 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

While the Thunder rattled off 45 straight points – including three field goals and a single from kicker Shawn Green – the Rifles did score again in the fourth quarter thanks to an 11-yard run from quarterback Chris Clarkson.

The win extends the Thunder’s regular-season winning streak. Regina hasn’t lost a game outside of playoffs since 2019.

The PFC is on a bye next week before the Thunder and Saskatoon Hilltops meet on Sept. 9 at Mosaic Stadium.