Golden Bears fall just short in 22–20 loss to Rams at Foote Field

The University of Alberta Golden Bears came within a single drive of upsetting one of the best teams in the country on Saturday, falling 22-20 to the Regina Rams in a back-and-forth battle at Foote Field.

Alberta’s defence set the tone early, stuffing Regina’s top-ranked offence and holding the Rams scoreless through most of the first quarter. The defensive line tipped passes, closed gaps, and smothered the run, showing the kind of physical edge that has been developing all season.

Quarterback Trey Rieder guided a near-perfect opening drive before leaving the game with an injury. Backup Eli Hetlinger took over and kept the offence steady. After the Rams jumped ahead 9-0, head coach Stevenson Bone gathered his players on the sideline, urging them to find some urgency. The Bears listened, and answered immediately.

A quick interception by Chase Tataryn flipped momentum, and moments later, Hetlinger found receiver Carter Kettyle deep downfield for a touchdown that cut the deficit to 9-6. Regina added another score just before halftime to lead 16-6, but Alberta’s response after the break was impressive.

The Bears’ defence came out flying in the third quarter, forcing back-to-back punts and pressuring the Rams’ quarterback into mistakes. Hetlinger then connected on a long pass to set up a short touchdown run by Seth Poelzer. Another strong defensive stand and a Regina penalty gave Alberta great field position, and Hetlinger found Kettyle in the end zone to give the Bears a 20-19 lead.

For a moment, Foote Field felt electric, and Alberta looked in control. But the Rams held firm and slowly drove into field-goal range in the final minute. With 30 seconds left, kicker Ty Gorniak nailed a 44-yarder to steal back the lead. Alberta’s last drive came up short.

The Bears may not have won, but they showed they can dance with a national contender. Their defence frustrated one of the country’s best offences, while Hetlinger delivered one of his most composed performances of the season.

At 1-6, Alberta’s playoff path remains narrow, though not impossible. A win over Calgary next week, plus some help elsewhere, could still keep their season alive.

For now, the Bears can take pride in a performance that showed grit, growth, and the promise of what this group can become in coming years.