The signs of improvement are all there on the stats sheet for the Winnipeg Rifles, but the results aren’t yet showing up where it matters most: in the win-loss column.
The Rifles dropped a 43-29 decision to the Regina Thunder Saturday night in front of a full house at Leibel Field in the Saskatchewan capital and, in the process, are now 1-3 a month into the Prairie Football Conference season.
The Thunder, now 3-1 after sweeping the Rifles in back-to-back games, rumbled for 306 yards along the ground in the win with two players, Victor St.
Pierre-Laviollete (154) and Ethan Hautz (129) both eclipsing the century mark along the ground.
As well, Regina quarterback Sawyer Buettner finished the night 18 of 27 for 266 yards with two TD passes, both to Levi Paul.
The Rifles cranked 
out 409 yards offence as quarterback Jamie Ybarra, Jr. completed 22 of 33 passes for 337 yards and two
scores, to Ian Lee and Xander Tachinski.
Blair Mattes also rushed for two TDs for the Rifles.
Penalties were an issue for boh teams as both clubs combined for 406 yards on 38 infractions (Winnipeg: 19-204; Regina: 19-202).
The Rifles are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 17th against the Valley Huskers in Chilliwack, B.C
