A Salmon Arm players was key to the UBC Thunderbirds football team’s 29-23 Homecoming Game win over the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver.
The win improves UBC’s record to 3-1, the team’s best start since 1999.
“This is a big win because of where we are in the season, where it puts us as far as possibilities for playoffs and that was a very good football team,” said UBC head coach Shawn Olson of the victory over Manitoba.
UBC quarterback Billy Greene from Surrey found Salmon Arm’s Jordan Grieve behind the Manitoba coverage on a 72-yard touchdown catch-and-run play at 12:34 of the third quarter for the winning score.
Grieve would end the day with 172 receiving yards on seven catches. It was his fourth touchdown catch of the season, his third over 50 yards.
“I think it’s just hard work,” said Grieve of his team’s ability to make the big play. “We know every week, we have to run. Our goal is to get better every day and as long as we keep doing the right things, executing our jobs, the big plays just fall into place.”
Grieve’s latest big play put UBC ahead 27-20. Final score was 29-23, giving the team its third win of 2011.
Grieve is one of four Salmon Arm players on the roster, which includes Jeff Burt, Brent Borthistle and Anthony Miller.