EDMONTON - The Calgary Dinos rushed for 158 yards in the second half, including an 18-yard touchdown run with under a minute left, to beat the Alberta Golden Bears 23-19 Friday night at Foote Field.

It was a stellar display from the Calgary trenches and running backs, as rookies Jibreel Yahaya and Eri Olarubofin combined for 213 yards rushing on just 23 attempts, which was key in the victory as the passing attack struggled to get off the ground. Olarubofin scored his first career touchdown with 52-seconds remaining to put the Dinos over the top and move their record to 2-1 on the year.

The Bears saw a good second-half performance from their offence as well, specifically receiver Carter Kettyle and quarterback Eli Hetlinger who were dynamite through the air, scoring both Alberta touchdowns including one with just over three minutes remaining. However, a costly redzone turnover and an anemic first half ultimately led them just short, and to a 0-3 start to the campaign.

It was the twelfth-straight win in Edmonton for the Dinos, who are 3-1 in their last four meetings against their Alberta rivals.

The first quarter was scoreless, as both squads were limited in their ability to do damage. However, midway through the frame Hetlinger passed the 5000 passing yard mark, a major milestone for the fourth-year Harry Ainley product.

Once the teams got loose on a balmy 28-degree Edmonton night, it was a defensive onslaught. To start the second, a missed third-down conversion set Calgary up in prime field position, which they took advantage of as Vince Triumbari booted a 37-yard field goal through the uprights for the first points of the game. Then, at the seven-minute mark, rookie Zach Chulsky jumped a Jordan pass for a 16-yard interception that set the Bears up at the four-yard line. A quick field goal would follow to knot the game at 3-3. On the ensuing Dinos drive, Bears linebacker Matteo Trasolini would strip sack Jordan, for the second consecutive visitor turnover. However, some Alberta gaffes - a penalty negating a one-handed Carter Kettyle touchdown, and an interception from Dinos linebacker Everett Schmuland - would negate the strong defence from the home side. They would enter the half tied at 3-3, as both teams struggled to move the ball effectively and capitalize on good field position.

The second half would see our first touchdowns of the day, as after a Dino opening drive that produced a Triumbari 47-yard field goal, Hetlinger would lead his team on an eight-play 75-yard drive that culminated in a Kettyle touchdown, the tenth of his career. The Bears quarterback was stellar, going 5-for-6 for 70 yards through the air, and rushed for another nine on the touchdown drive that put the Bears up 10-6.

In the true "anything you can do I can do better" spirit these two cities often produce, the Dinos marched down the field on the ensuing drive for a six-play 79-yard touchdown drive to take the lead back at 13-10. Rookie running back Jibreel Yahaya was the engine that could, rushing for 49 yards on the drive on just three attempts, as Evan Smith finished off the effort with a 2-yard touchdown.

The fourth quarter produced a classic finish, an impressive feat in this long storied rivalry. It started with a Dinos field goal, their tenth unanswered point to go up 16-10 and they fully captured the momentum of the game. After a three-and-out forced, the Bears looked to be on the brink until a safety recaptured the home crowd energy for the Bears as they got the ball back with 16-12 deficit and five minutes on the clock. 

After getting two earlier touchdowns negated by penalties, Kettyle was due for another. On their own 46-yardline, Hetlinger uncorked a bomb that found the arms of a streaking Kettyle, who beat everyone en route to a 64-yard touchdown to give Alberta a 19-16 lead.

However, as it did all half, the Dinos rushing attack had one more trick up their sleeve. Olarubofin rushed for 43 yards, and Jordan was masterful on crossing routes, as they munched the Bears defence for a 84-yard, game-winning touchdown drive. Olarubofin, the standout rookie running back who debuted just last week against Manitoba, scored his first career touchdown that put Calgary in the lead 23-19. The Bears would get a chance with 45-seconds left, but a third-and-three was stuffed by Dinos linebacker Osasere Odemwingie and Calgary left Edmonton with their second win of the season.

Next week, the Bears travel to Winnipeg to take on the new-look Manitoba Bison, while the Dinos head west for a marquee matchup with the UBC Thunderbirds.