Regina Thunder running back Peter Boersch says the feeling of being a national champion is still sinking in for him. The fourth-year running back averaged more than seven yards per carry in the Canadian Bowl, rushing for 281 yards. That ranks second in Canadian Bowl history, behind only Andrew Harris who set the record in 2008. For Boersch, bringing a second national championship to the Thunder was long overdue. “It’s pretty amazing just because I’ve seen so many special players come and go in my four years on the Thunder,” said Boersch. “So many guys deserve to win, [they’re] incredible football players and incredible people. This was the group that got over the hump and brought it back to Regina, which is really special and something that we’re really proud of.” First year quarterback Jayden Zelionka was also impressive in his first Canadian Bowl. Throwing for 283 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns as Regina finished with 329 rushing yards as a team. Defensively, the Thunder held the West Shore Rebels to just 21 points along with two interceptions. Thunder special teams coordinator Brett Strong reflected on the emotional moment of watching the team lift the Canadian Bowl trophy. “It’s been a long time in the making, these guys worked so hard for so long to make this happen. Last year didn’t end quite the way we wanted to, and all these guys committed in January to going out and committing to lifting weights,” said Strong. For Boersch, he said the emotions began to set in in the final minutes of the game with Regina holding a three-score lead with victory all but assured. “Once the clock hit zero, I just kind of took a second to watch everyone rush the field and everyone was jumping around hugging and stuff like that,” he said. It was a fitting end to a championship season for a team that has emphasized the importance of family and togetherness, both on and off the field.
