“Sarge” shoulders blame in Hilltops loss to Thunder

Regina prevails 24-21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field

The Thunder celebrate a pick-six by Jake Mayo (#9).

Legendary Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant is falling on the sword.

On Saturday night before 1,766 spectators at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Sargeant saw his Hilltops drop a heartbreaking 24-21 decision to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder in a CJFL regular season clash. The Hilltops trailed 17-7 at halftime and after three quarters until furiously trying to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter.

The win saw the Thunder improve to 6-1 and move alone into first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference. The Hilltops saw their five game winning streak come to an end as they fell to 5-2.

“You know at the end of the day we got out coached,” said Sargeant. “It is as simple as that.

Hilltops QB Brexton Elias threw four interceptions on Saturday.

“My player sure played hard today. I thought they competed. They grinded right to the very end.

“At the end of the day, I didn’t put my players in the best spots to be successful, so I own that. Obviously, I’ve got to do a better job of coaching this football team. That is pretty obvious today.”

While the victory moved the Thunder to the top of the PFC standings, they were not able to clinch top spot in the conference. That is because the Thunder and Hilltops split their two head-to-head games in their regular season series playing to a tie 39-39 score in those two contests.

At the moment, the Hilltops hold the head-to-head standings tiebreaker holding a 121 differential in points for and against in the regular season. Regina has a 104 differential in points for and against.

Jake Mayo had two interceptions for the Thunder.

The Thunder can lock up top spot in the PFC by winning their final regular season contest against the visiting Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday, October 12 at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field. If the Wildcats pull off an upset, the Hilltops would be able to move back into first place in the PFC by winning their final regular season contest against the visiting Calgary Colts on Sunday, October 12 at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The team that finishes first in the PFC will have home field advantage through the entire CJFL playoffs, because the PFC champion will host the CJFL championship game – The Canadian Bowl.

Both the Thunder and the Hilltops are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the PFC standings and will host PFC semifinal games.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant said he got out coached.

In Saturday’s clash, the turnover battle proved to be the undoing of the Hilltops. Saskatoon turned the ball over five times, while Regina committed two turnovers.

Hilltops quarterback Brexton Elias would take his first loss as the team’s starter. He completed 16-of-29 passes for 240 yard and one touchdown, while throwing four interceptions. Elias also ran the ball four times for 26 yards.

Sargeant said coaching errors resulting in Elias having a tough day in the turnover department.

“I love how Brexton (Elias) rallied up, and he put is in the position (to win),” said Sargeant. “He is a playmaker.

Jackson Harnett had a 72-yard TD run for the Thunder.

“He is trying to grind at the end and make plays. That is what we coach him to do. He did everything we needed him to do.

“He gave is a chance, and we just didn’t finish it at the end.”

Elias was appreciative that Sargeant wanted to shoulder the blame, but the signal caller said he had to cut down on his mistakes and same goes for all the players on the team.

“The coaches coached their ass off, and they gave us a good game plan,” said Elias, who is in his fifth and final season of CJFL eligibility. “We had to come out and execute, and we made a few mistakes and a few too many.

“A good team like that is going to take advantage when a team like us makes mistakes. They (the Hilltops coaches) will keep coaching us up, and we’ll keep executing plays. We’ll try to beat them (The Thunder) next time.”

David Collins ran the ball 19 times for 106 yards and two TDs.

Near the start of Saturday’s contest, it appeared the Hilltops would be the big beneficiaries in the turnover department. Early in the first quarter, Hilltops fourth-year defensive end Noah Chelsom recovered a fumble on the Thunder 19 yard line.

On the very next play, Elias connected with fifth-year receiver Isaiah Vallderruten on a 19-yard touchdown pass coming off a corner pattern to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

A short time later, Hilltops kicker Ryden Gratton tried to hit a 40-yard field coach to increase Saskatoon’s lead. He was wide, and Carter Ashman ran the ball out of the end zone for the Thunder.

On the ensuing offensive series, receiver Jackson Harnett ran home a touchdown from 72 yards out taking the ball at the quarterback position on a sweep play to the left. Harnett’s major evened the score at 7-7 at the 8:50 mark of the fourth quarter.

The Hilltop Cheerleading Team performs at halftime.

The contest would remain tied until Thunder kicker Shawn Green nailed a 35-yard field goal with 50.7 seconds remaining in the second quarter to give the visitors a 10-7 edge.

On the Hilltops ensuing possession, Elias was intercepted by Thunder cornerback Jake Mayo to set the Regina side up at the Saskatoon 36. Thunder starting quarterback Adam Mosher capped a short scoring drive hitting receiver Andrew Sweeney with a 17-yard touchdown pass to push the visitor’s lead out to 17-7 with 25.5 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

“It was just a mistake on my part,” said Elias. “I’ve got to make better decisions in the pocket.”

After a scoreless third quarter, the Hilltops attempted to rally. Just past the midway point of the fourth quarter, Hilltops star running back David Collins ran in a major from four yards out to cut the Thunder lead to 17-14.

Peter Boersch ran the ball 24 times for 129 yards on Saturday.

Saskatoon would proceed to stop Regina defensively and get the ball back. With 2:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, Mayo would intercept Elias for the second time on the night, but Mayo ran this pick back 34 yards for a touchdown to push the Thunder lead out to 24-14.

The Hilltops answered with a quick scoring drive that was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Collins with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut Regina’s lead to 24-21.

With two timeouts at their disposal, the Hilltops proceeded to kick off deep and forced the Thunder to punt the ball away one last time. Saskatoon’s attempt at a rally finally came to an end when Thunder defensive halfback Jackson Ashman came up with a game-sealing interception.

Isaiah Vallderruten caught five passes for 97 yards and one TD.

“Obviously, you want to get the comeback,” said Elias. “The boys were rallying together and just couldn’t make it happen in the last fourth quarter.

“Obviously, we want to get a comeback and win that game.”

Collins ran the ball 19 times for 106 yards to go with his two rushing majors for the Hilltops. Vallderruten had five catches for 97 yards to go with his receiving touchdown.

Mosher completed 9-of-17 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for the Thunder.

Thunder star running back Peter Boersch ran the ball 24 times for 129 yards break the 1000-yard rushing barrier for the season. On the campaign, Boersch has carried the ball 156 times for 1,117 yards and three touchdowns leading the PFC in carries and rushing yards.

A Thunder receiver and a Hilltops defensive back collide.

Middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk topped the Hilltops with 7.5 total tackles. Outside linebacker Zaden Taylor has six total tackles, one quarterback sack and one pass knockdown for Saskatoon.

Defensive end Kohl Thomson had six total tackles and one quarterback sack for the Thunder. Joey Palagian, who is also a defensive end, also had one quarterback sack for Regina. Middle linebacker Kenten Effa had six-and-a-half total tackles for the Thunder.

Mayo had four solo defensive tackles and a pass knockdown to go with his two interceptions for the Thunder. Defensive halfback Marcus Butz also had an interception for the Thunder.

While Saturday’s loss was a tough one, Sargeant said his squad will be focused on making corrections as the 2025 campaign hits its final stretch.

Hilltops R Khyler Kok, right, eludes a Thunder defensive back.

“We get back in the lab,” said Sargeant. “We look at the game tape.

“We look at how we can coach better, and maybe there are a few things that they can do to play better. Then in the long run, we just keep growing this football team. This is game seven.

“We’ve got one more regular season game, and then here comes the playoffs. Hopefully, we all learn from the process, and we get excited and engaged in the process, and we figure out how we can make this team a better football team.”

The Thunder and Hilltops were co-winners of the Shrine Bowl.

NOTE – The Shrine Bowl is awarded annually to the team that wins the head-to-head season series between the Hilltops and Thunder. With the total score of the two head-to-head games between the two sides coming out as a 39-39 tie, both clubs will be listed as co-winner of the trophy in 2025.

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Hilltops take CFL rule changes as it is what it is

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant studies play in a CJFL game on Aug. 17.

The Saskatoon Hilltops will deal with the trickle down effects of the CFL’s rule changes as they come.

On Monday, Canada’s professional circuit announced some major rule changes. Starting in 2026, the famous rouge has been altered.

No points will be awarded for missed field goals, punts and kickoffs that go through the end zone via either through the air or a bounce. If a returner fields any of those types of kicks in the end zone and is tackled in the end zone or kneels down in the end zone, a single point rouge will be scored.

A 35-second play clock will replace the 20-second play clock in 2026. Next year once a play is blown dead, a 35-second play clock begins. Also in 2026, team benches at all CFL stadiums will be on opposite sides of the field.

In 2027, the field of play will change. The field of play between the goal-lines will be 100 yards instead of 110 yards. The depth of the end zones will shrink from 20 yards to 15 yards.

The width of the field will still be 65 yards. The uprights will be moved from the goal-line to the back of the end zone.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant had up and down feelings about the changes.

“I understand and respect the reason why they want to move the goalpost,” said Sargeant, who has guided the Hilltops to 14 CJFL title wins as head coach. “I think that is a safety element.

“Everything we’ve done when you look at the game of football with literature is trying to make the game a safer place. I think they’re trying to make it more Americanized. Do I agree with all the things, no I don’t, but you know right now that is professional sport.

“I coach amateur football. Hopefully, it doesn’t affect us and we can keep doing what we’re doing, because obviously for the blue and gold, it has worked out pretty well.”

Hilltops star fifth year defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens went to training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and was on their practice roster until the time arrived for him to be assigned back to the Hilltops. The Eatonia, Sask., product has a fondness for how the game is now, but he believes CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston is trying his best to move the game forward.

“It is a little tough for me,” said Stevens. “All the respect to the commissioner there.

“He is trying to improve the league and do what he can do to help out there and help grow the game and make it more exciting for the fans, obviously. I have mixed feelings, but ultimately, it is not up to me with what happens. I do know no matter what the Canadian game is going to be great no matter what happens.”

As for the change in the field size, Stevens said you just have to adjust to it. He said the three players currently on the Hilltops roster that were born in the United States in receiver/safety Isaiah Vallderruten, running back David Collins and receiver David Boyd Jr. have all adapted to playing the larger Canadian sized field, so that adaptation can work going the other way.

“I’ve only ever played on one size of field there, obviously,” said Stevens. “If it came down to it, what else can you do.

“You’d have to adapt to it, and obviously, get used to new things as the Americans here. They had to get used to our field, so we’ll see how it goes.”

CFL rule changes gave Yausie new work

Jeff Yausie works the sidelines as the Hilltops DC on Aug. 17.

The CFL’s incoming rule changes created some unexpected homework for Jeff Yausie.

Yausie had been focusing on his role as the defensive coordinator for the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops reviewing video of their 52-26 victory over the Edmonton Wildcats at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta. That all changed on Monday morning when the CFL announced some major rule changes, and Yausie had to jump into action as the CEO of Football Saskatchewan in gathering information and having meetings about the changes.

Yausie said the staff at Football Saskatchewan didn’t have any idea the CFL rule changes were coming on Monday. One of the meetings included talking with Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds.

“I had meetings with Craig (Reynolds) from the ’Riders, and they were told to keep it top secret until the announcement, which totally makes sense,” said Yausie. “It was a complete surprise for us.

“Even Football Canada had received word like the night before at the last second, so there was not a lot of consultation across the players association and the amateur football. Obviously, it was a really well-organized announcement. They did their homework.

“They had some real good graphics and stuff to explain the changes and the differences.”

While the new rules will see the CFL change to a field that is 100 yards in length between the end zones as opposed to the current 110 yards, Yausie doesn’t think the CFL is moving to a version of the sport that more resembles what is played in the United States.

“I really don’t,” said Yausie. “To me, the only changes to make it more American football are 100-yard field and goalposts to the back of the end zone.

“I like goalposts to the back of the end zone, and I like 100-yard field. I think it’ll turn into more scoring, which is what their analytics told them. For us and the rest of the changes, I think you have to change and grow to get better and to keep up with the times.

“We’re excited about that. The concern is the change to the field sizes and how that affects amateur football. That is going to take time for that to figure out.”

Yausie said he was happy the changes that are coming in are staggered for 2026 and 2027. He added it would take more time in the amateur football world to change facilities and believes those changes could take five to 10 years before everyone adjusts. For teams that play in CFL stadiums, Yausie said they would be affected the most.

He believes it is possible that Football Canada might follow the CFL as far as rule changes go.

“I think they could,” said Yausie. “We’ll certainly analyze it as far as the rule changes that were made, not the field sized ones, but the rule changes to start.

“The good thing is the CFL is a professional league. We can analyze what they’re doing, and we can see if it works, if it doesn’t work. If it is great, then we’ll adopt and change.

“I think some of that will happen.”

Yausie admits it is also a challenge to secure money for sports facilities in Canada, so that exists as a hurdle when it comes to changing fields.

“For sure, dollars for sports is a huge concern,” said Yausie. “The cool part is in Saskatchewan we love our six-a-side football, our nine-a –side football and our 12-a-side football.

“Football is football. I don’t care what the field size is. They didn’t touch the 65-yard width, which is huge.

“They didn’t touch the downs like three-down football we are. They didn’t touch a yard off the ball. To me, it is really not Americanizing Canadian football.”

Reaction to CFL rule changes more mixed than I thought

Andrew Harris in action for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2017.

The CFL rule changes avoided the deal breaker.

As a result, the reaction I’ve seen to the incoming rule changes is more mixed than I thought. To me, the reaction has been about 55 per cent negative and 45 per cent understanding. In my subjective view, it has been way more even than I expected.

I think the deal breaker would have been had the CFL elected to become a four-down game as opposed to sticking to three downs. Having three downs to gain 10 yards is the most defining characteristic of the Canadian game of football.

Had there been a change to four downs, I could envision the two CFL stronghold franchises in the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers losing half of their season ticket holders going into the 2026 campaign.

The CFL approached the rule changes with great skill. They highlighted the changes to the rouge. I think half of the fans of the Canadian game did not want any points to be given for balls that were kicked through the end zone – especially for missed field goals.

The alterations that were made to the rouge were something that most to all CFL fans could agree to. From there, the CFL eased into the other changes like adjusting the play clock and field dimensions.

The CFL approached the rule changes like skilled politicians. You make a change in the law or a program everyone pretty much can agree to and you proceed to add changes to other laws and programs people might be wary of after that.

With that approach, the CFL got a sizable number of people who felt OK with the rule changes.

As far as bringing in a 35-second play clock is concerned, I’ve had football people tell me there are consistency issues with the 20-second play clock regarding how officials allow teams to substitute in players. Those issues aren’t major ones and were something that was being dealt with in organizational meetings in the sport.

For myself, I still don’t like the rule changes, but they are not deal breakers that will make me decide to stop going to games. I will still go to CFL games.

Had they made it even more like the game in the United States, I wouldn’t like the changes, but I would still go for the curiosity factor. I also find I like football in all its forms including the flag and touch games.

I think the changes that were made open doors for the CFL to possibly get a television contract or streaming service contract in the United States and possibly expand again to the United States. I think the changes will help sell the league to legal gambling partners and possibly make it easier to get a video game done.

I haven’t gambled on any type of sports in years. With that noted, I realize the sports industry makes big money on gambling, and I think it is likely way more money than I originally thought.

I know in Canada the notion is there about expanding the CFL to Quebec City or Halifax, N.S.

However, I can see the CFL looking to the United States, because it is easier to do business there. To build any sort of sports facilities in Canada including potential stadiums in Quebec City and Halifax, those looking to build often rely on getting grants from the Government of Canada. Currently, the Government of Canada ties those grants to promises of the new facilities that are powered by green energy to a certain extent and are environment friendly.

Actually to be realistic, the Government of Canada makes the sports industry jump through various hoops in ways that parallel most other industries in the country.

In the United States, sports are a major industry. To use a metaphor, sports in the United States is a big-boss table that includes kings and queens, while Canada’s sports industry is a baby in a high-chair.

I think the CFL could use expansion to the United States as a way to leverage better business environments for its franchises in Canada.

I know almost all professional football circuits that have operated in the United States not named the NFL have failed. Still, I can see why the business people in the CFL would look in that direction. The current rule changes still keep the essence of the Canadian game, and I can see the business crew in the CFL thinking that could still be a great selling point there.

I also note that while I hate the CFL rule changes I don’t get overly emotional about it, and I don’t let it affect my life. I don’t own a team, so I have no control over what happens to that circuit.

It is an entertainment option. One day I might decide it doesn’t work for me anymore, and at that point, I will no longer be someone that buys tickets to games or merchandise.

I won’t pout or get upset or act like a bratty baby. I will just leave and go on to something else.

At this point, the CFL still works for me as an entertainment option.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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First place clinch in PFC up for grabs in rivalry clash

Hilltops and Thunder battle for top spot

Johnathon Stevens (#57) has three sacks this season.

Johnathon Stevens smiles at the fact his final CJFL season will include a showdown to lock up first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference between his Saskatoon Hilltops and the Regina Thunder.

The provincial rivals take 5-1 records into their head-to-head clash set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops and Thunder are rated third and fourth respectively in the latest CJFL Top 10 Power Rankings released on Thursday. Saturday’s game is the second last regular season contest for both teams, who are guaranteed to finish first and second in the PFC and will respectively host PFC semifinal playoff matches.

Currently, the Hilltops hold the standings tiebreaker between the two sides having posted an 18-15 victory in the lone head-to-head meeting with the Thunder back on September 6 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. If the Hilltops straight out win in the upcoming game on Saturday, they will lock up first place in the PFC.

If the Thunder win by four or more points on Saturday, they will lock up first place in the PFC. If the Thunder win by three or fewer points, they will still need to down the visiting Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday, October 12 a 1 p.m. at Leibel Field to clinch first place.

The team that finishes first in the PFC will have home field advantage through the entire CJFL playoffs, because the PFC champion will host the CJFL championship game – The Canadian Bowl.

“It is always a good match whenever we play each other, obviously,” said Stevens, who is the Hilltops star fifth-year defensive tackle. “There is quite a bit on the line there.

“We’re just going to go out there and do the best we can. We respect them. They are a great team.

“We believe in ourselves as well, and you have to, if you’re going to try to win. I would love to win against them. Every win is a good one.”

The Hilltops head into Saturday’s encounter having won their last five straight. Last Sunday, they downed the host Edmonton Wildcats 52-26 at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta. Saskatoon led that contest 52-9 before Edmonton scored 17 straight points late in the fourth quarter to make the final outcome look more respectable.

The Thunder have won their last two straight. Last Sunday at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., the Thunder escaped with a 41-40 victory over the host Rifles. The Rifles scored a touchdown with 28 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to pull within 41-40 and were unsuccessful in going for a two-point convert to claim the win.

“Obviously, we got pretty good momentum and pretty good energy,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “As a head football coach, things that are sort of bothering me are our discipline seems to crop up here and there and doesn’t put us in great spots.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant stands for the national anthem on Aug. 24.

“Then, we have some lapses of mental discipline of just having players in the right spots at the right time. That is on us as coaches. We got to keep grinding.

“My line to the team right now is do better longer, stay with us longer and be more committed longer. We live in such a different age, but you know when you get between these lines you should just be talking football and that is it and that is all.”

The first encounter of the season between the Hilltops and Thunder saw both teams play the contest with a game management style of approach. Saskatoon ultimately claimed victory on a one-yard touchdown run by running back David Collins with 2:08 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Stevens believes Saturday’s encounter will be a game where both teams could potentially open up their playbooks a little more.

“That was a few weeks ago, and obviously we’ve got film on them, and they have film on us,” said Stevens, who has three quarterback sacks and 13 total tackles so far this season for the Hilltops. “We’re just going to watch the film, and we’ve got to be ready in any game if they’re going to try to take risks or if they’re going to do anything that is an attack there.

“I know they had good plays during that game, and I know we had good plays during that game. It could change any given Sunday, in this case Saturday.”

Sargeant believes all parts of his Hilltops club will look much better on Saturday compared to the first encounter with the Thunder.

“I guarantee you we’re going to coach better than what we did the first game against them,” said Sargeant. “I guarantee you my players are going to be playing better than how they played last time.

“It just comes down to what is Regina going to bring? What are they going to do different? How will they look?

“We haven’t seen them in three weeks. We’ve all played different teams, and as I said, we’re excited to get them at our place Saturday night and get under the lights and son of a gun, that is going to be a lot of fun.”

Sargeant said he believes the rivalry between the Hilltops and Thunder is still as heated as it has ever been. The sideline boss said it comes from the fact a lot of the players see each other at events like the Senior Bowl, which is the high school football all-star game put on by Football Saskatchewan for Grade 12 players right before they graduate from high school.

David Collins has been a key player for the Hilltops this season.

The veteran coach added the rivalry between the Hilltops and Thunder shares some common traits with the U Sports football rivalry between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Regina Rams.

“It is no different than with Huskies and Rams anytime proximity is a big part of a rivalry,” said Sargeant. “That is what we have.

“They (the Thunder) are the team that is closest to us. Every year they line up, they want to beat us, and every year we line up we want to beat them. We know if we do that it has a tendency to lead us to bigger and better games.

“That is what is at stake this weekend. We’re hungry for the opportunity. I just want my team to play better and show up and handle all the excitement and all the adversity and see if we’re ready for prime time.”

Thrilling game results in PFC players of the week nods

The Regina Thunder and Winnipeg Rifles staged one of the wildest games of the season, and it comes as no surprise two PFC player of the week awards come out of that clash.

Last Sunday at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., the Thunder and Rifles engaged in a shootout, which saw Regina emerge with a 41-40 victory. Players from this contest claimed the awards for the PFC’s offensive player of the week and the PFC’s special teams player of the week.

The offensive player of the week nod went to Rifles receiver Jarome Penner. Penner hauled in 15 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown in the heartbreaking setback. His 15 catches are the second most ever for a PFC regular season contest and are tied for the second most for a CJFL regular season game.

Saskatoon Hilltops all-time great Andrew Busby holds the record for most catches in a CJFL regular season contest and by extension PFC regular season clash. He hauled in 19 passes for the Hilltops on August 20, 2006.

Thunder kick returner and defensive back Jackson Ashman claimed honours as the PFC’s special teams player of the week. In the heart pounding win over the Rifles, Ashman returned the opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown.

He returned two kickoffs for 123 yards and ran a punt back for 12 yards. Ashman emulated his father and Thunder assistant coach Chris Ashman, who was a dangerous returner for the Regina Rams in the late 1990s and early 2000s including play in both the CJFL and U Sports as the University of Regina Rams.

Calgary Colts defensive back Quinn Feodoroff was tabbed as the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his efforts in his squad’s 41-30 setback to the visiting Edmonton Huskies last Sunday at Shouldice Athletic Park. Feodoroff recorded seven solo defensive tackles, three defensive tackle assists, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Big upcoming Sunday in PFC

Riley Element sets to throw a pass for the Rifles.

This coming Sunday will be a big one when it comes to deciding the final two playoff berths in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference.

The Winnipeg Rifles, Edmonton Wildcats, Calgary Colts and Edmonton Huskies all have identical 2-4 records and are tied for third through sixth in the conference. The top four teams in the PFC qualify for the post-season, so only two of those four squads will be left standing when the regular season concludes.

On Sunday, the Rifles host the Wildcats at 2 p.m. local time at Maple Grove Rugby Park, while the Huskies host the Colts at 1 p.m. local time at Jasper Place Bowl.

The final week of the PFC regular season sees all six of the conference’s teams go at it on Sunday, October 12. The Huskies will host the Rifles at Jasper Place Bowl at 1 p.m. local time. The Saskatoon Hilltops host the Colts at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, and the Regina Thunder host the Wildcats at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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The CFL game on the field is a gem, changes not needed

An Edmonton Eskimos promo poster form 1981.

Apparently, the CFL product on the field is a game that is “radically” flawed.

To me, it left like that was the message that was sent, when the Canadian professional football circuit announced some major rule changes on Monday with one phase of changes coming in 2026 and another phase in 2027. From what I understand, it was announced on Sunday that the press conference for the rule changes would happen on Monday.

Attention got more heightened for the Monday announcement when long time former Saskatchewan Roughriders play-by-play voice and current independent sports media pundit Rod Pedersen put out a post on Platform-X that he was told to be prepared for an Americanization of the CFL game.

On Monday, the following rule changes were announced that are coming in 2026. First, the famous rouge has been altered.

No points will be awarded for missed field goals, punts and kickoffs that go through the end zone via either through the air or a bounce. If a returner fields any of those types of kicks in the end zone and is tackled in the end zone or kneels down in the end zone, a single point rouge will be scored.

A 35-second play clock will replace the 20-second play clock in 2026. Next year once a play is blown dead, a 35-second play clock begins. Also in 2026, team benches at all CFL stadiums will be on opposite sides of the field.

In 2027, the field of play will change. The field of play between the goal-lines will be 100 yards instead of 110 yards. The depth of the end zones will shrink from 20 yards to 15 yards.

The width of the field will still be 65 yards. The uprights will be moved from the goal-line to the back of the end zone.

I elected to mull on the changes over a 24 hour period. During my life, one of my blessings was I got to be friends with the late iconic CFL coach and general manager and scout of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts in Cal Murphy.

Murphy truly loved the game and his passion got you excited for the sport. He loved both the Canadian and American versions of the sport and the uniqueness each version of the game brought.

Murphy is best known for his time with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers serving as either head coach or general manager or both from 1983 to 1996. If Murphy was still alive, my gut feeling is he would mirror current Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea and current British Columbia Lions star quarterback Nathan Rourke in not liking the changes.

I think Murphy would say the rule changes are, “A crock of crap.”

Cal Murphy pictured during a Roughriders event in 1999.

Murphy was the lone voice in the league against United States expansion in the 1990s, and it turned out he was right with all the concerns he brought up with how that failed.

I guess I have hit the age where I am an old fuddy-duddy in liking the Canadian game of football the way it is.

When it comes to the game itself on the field, I felt there was nothing wrong with the game currently being played in the CFL and the Canadian version of the sport in general. 

I believe the Canadian version of the sport in its current form is as perfect of a version of the game you can get.

I know there are critics of the rouge and want it totally removed. I think that adds to the charm of the game.

I love the quirky moments that come with the rule in its current form like in the University of Regina Rams first post-season win in the U Sports ranks way back on November 3, 2000 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. The Rams were tied 32-32 with the University of Calgary Dinos in a Canada West semifinal.

On the final play of the fourth quarter, the Rams had the ball at the Dinos 16 yard line. The Rams Canadian Football Hall of Fame head coach Frank McCrystal sent his future star NFL punter Jon Ryan into the game. Ryan booted a 36-yard punt single through the end zone to give the Rams a 33-32 walk off victory, and they continued on a run to an appearance in the U Sports championship game – the Vanier Cup.

I know in the current day there are pundits saying that is a horrible way to win a game like getting a single off a missed field goal. Back then, McCrystal and his staff were credited with their astute coaching work and mastery of the rulebook for getting in position where Ryan could win the game with a punt single.

Starting next season in the CFL, you won’t be able to boot a punt single through the end zone to win a game with a rouge.

Of course, the CFL’s problem has always been marketing and storytelling. There have been some years the marketing has been better than others.

I believe the Roughriders reached unprecedented heights in the 2000s and early 2010s by marketing themselves as “Canada’s Team” and putting up billboards outside of opposing team’s stadiums that displayed a big picture of their fans that make up Rider Nation with the caption “We walk among you.”

That rallied the Roughriders faithful around their team. That also rallied the fans of the other CFL clubs around their respective franchises due to being shown up by the folks that make up Rider Nation.

Jon Ryan kicked a rouge for the Rams first U Sports playoff win.

If you want to look at the weakness of the story telling of the CFL, just ask any CFL fan who were the “Alberta Crude?”

The “Alberta Crude” was the defensive line made up of Dave “Doctor Death” Fennell, Ron Estay, David Boone and Bill Stevenson. They played a crucial role in helping the Edmonton Eskimos win five straight Grey Cups from 1978 to 1982.

To me, the Eskimos of that era should be viewed as one of the most if not the most iconical squads in the CFL and one of the most iconical teams in all of Canadian sports. That dynasty was highlighted by the play of two legendary quarterbacks with Tom Wilkinson giving way to Warren Moon.

Those that saw Moon play can still see him throwing the most picturesque passes to his trio of 1,000- yard receivers in 1981 in Brian Kelly, Tom Scott and Waddell Smith.

Edmonton’s coaching staff of that era was made up of head coach Hugh Campbell with Murphy, Don Matthews and “Papa” Joe Faragalli working as assistant coaches. Faragalli did move on to become the Roughriders head coach in 1981. With Campbell, Murphy, Matthews and Faragelli working the sidelines, one had to wonder how the Eskimos ever lost a game.

(*Side note – “Papa” Joe was the innovator pretty much for all the passing sets you see in the CFL in the current day*).

Still, you don’t see sports documentaries made about the Eskimos teams from 1978 to 1982 like you do of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers of the 1960s, the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, the San Francisco 49ERS of the 1980s, the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s or the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era New England Patriots of the 2000s and 2010s.

Outside of old fuddy-duddies like me, the Eskimos teams from 1978 to 1982 aren’t remembered the way they should be if they are remembered at all. That goes for so many different eras of history of the CFL and no one is forking out the money to ensure those tales are remembered.

If you can’t get your past properly respected in the public eye, how do you venture into the future as an elite sports league?

Having that narrative of then, now, forever and together helps build the community of everyone being part of something.

Darian Durant (#4) throw a pass for the Roughriders in 2016.

The NFL had that question answered with the creation of NFL Films way back in the 1960s, and that has contributed to the creation of iconic teams and iconic stories.

As for the CFL, those in the ownership and board of governor positions have decided the product on the field is the problem, and that is where change needs to be made.

I wonder if “Uncle” Wally Buono is “all in” with the rule changes, or is he just an old fuddy-duddy that doesn’t matter anymore. I would be really comfortable with having him as the head of a competition committee or a rules committee for the CFL at age 75, if that would be something he would ever consider doing.

I do understand the reasons the CFL presented in their rule changes.

With that said, I didn’t know offence was a critical problem, kicking too many field goals was a critical problem, the time clock was a critical problem, the uprights on the goal-line created a critical visibility problem and field dimensions were a critical problem in the Canadian game. In the two CFL games I’ve attended this season, I believe the product on the field is as good as it has ever been, but also none of today’s current teams would beat the Eskimos from 1978 to 1982.

I personally don’t think the rule changes will result in more offence. I am willing to see how they look in action.

I know the league’s economic struggles, and I think the circuit’s leaders believe that alignment with the NFL and the American game is the only path forward to grow the game, because the NFL is so huge. Amateur football and high school football in the Toronto area and in Vancouver is already played with four down rules from the United States, which means about 18-million of Canada’s population of 40-millon are more in tune with the American game in just those two areas.

From that perspective, I think CFL leadership see harmonizing with the NFL as the only way forward, and they are comfortable with losing the old ardent CFL supporters. Like in politics, the large population centres in Canada dictates what the rest of the country does.

With that said, the CFL did start to rebound in the late 1990s and early 2000s the circuit made a rebound focusing on the “Canadian” aspect of the game. I think that is an important lesson to learn.

Still, I think the essence of the CFL game will still hold up after the rule changes. However, I can’t see the rule changes being the vehicle that motivates people to buy more tickets and watch more games. If the marketing and storytelling isn’t there, the changes are doomed to fail.

Gainer the Gopher meets the fans in 2019.

Until I get convinced otherwise by actions, I think football in the CFL and Canada has been accelerated to being converted to the style of game that is played in the United States. Something that is “Radically Canadian” is about to be truly lost.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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Hilltops walk with Elias

Saskatoon picks up 52-26 road win over Wildcats

Fifth-year captain Brexton Elias has settled in as the Hilltops starting QB.

For a time, it seemed like fate was going to prevent Brexton Elias from ever starting at quarterback for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

The 22-year-old spent his first four seasons as a backup signal caller for the storied CJFL club including the past two seasons as the number two guy behind star starter Trey Reider. After Reider’s graduation from the squad following the completion of the 2024 campaign, Elias was tabbed as the starter at quarterback going into his fifth and final season with the team.

The injury bug proceeded to bite, and Elias was scratched for the Hilltops first two regular season contests. He dressed as the fourth string quarterback in the third game for the venerable CJFL side.

On September 6, Elias finally made his elusive first start for the Hilltops in a clash against their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder at Mosaic Stadium. Elias completed 14-of-25 passes for 188 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in an 18-15 win, which included him guiding the squad on a late fourth quarter touchdown drive that resulted in the game-winning points.

“That was a special moment just to finally get into the game and start a game for this team,” said Elias. “I’ve been working for years on this to finally be able to get in there with the boys and fight for a win felt really good.”

Elias has now won his first three starts helping the Hilltops to improve to 5-1. On Sunday, the Hilltops traveled to Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta., and downed the host Edmonton Wildcats 52-26 in a CJFL regular season clash.

The Hilltops led 23-9 at halftime and went up 52-9 at one point in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats closed out the contest scoring 17 straight points to round out the final outcome.

With the win, the Hilltops have now won five straight to improve to 5-1. Out in Winnipeg on Sunday, the visiting Regina Thunder also improved to 5-1 outgunning the host Rifles 41-40 in a wild classic type Canadian game. Also on Sunday, the visiting Edmonton Huskies got past the host Colts in Calgary 41-30.

The Hilltops sit first in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference thanks to their head-to-head win over the Thunder. The Hilltops and Thunder are guaranteed to finish in the top two positions in the PFC, which means they will both host PFC semifinal contests. They go head-to-head on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a contest that has a high probability of deciding first in the conference.

The Wildcats, Colts, Huskies and Rifles are all 2-4 and are tied for third through to sixth in the conference standings. Only two of those clubs will ultimately make the post-season.

Joining the Hilltops after graduating from the Marion M. Graham Falcons Football Team, Elias went on a four-year journey with the Hilltops where his focus was on being a good contributor in the team’s quarterback room leading up to his time in becoming a starter.

Brexton Elias was a Hilltops backup QB for four seasons.

“It has been a long process,” said Elias, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. “Just for me, it has been a mental game for the last four years just learning everything.

“I had a great guy to learn under in Trey Reider. He was a great QB. It was awesome to be able to watch him play and learn everything that he did well.

“It has been a mental game for the last four years.”

With all the work Elias has put in since joining the team, legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said he was super excited when the veteran signal caller got to start.

“I am proud of his patience and how hard he has worked to get to this spot,” said Sargeant. “We’re going to keep developing this offence catering to his skill set.

“He did a great job of moving the chains and getting the ball to the right people.”

Sargeant added that all the years of study and work Elias committed to in the quarterback room are paying off now.

“He is a student of the game,” said Sargeant. “He puts the time in.

“He pays attention to detail, and it has paid off. He struggled with that injury at the beginning of the year. It was very frustrating for all of us, but he kept his cool and kept learning and kept growing.

“Now that he is getting live snaps, he has been more than up to the challenge. He has been very, very effective in moving the chains for us.”

Elias’s first start included him moving the ball like a game manager. Against the Thunder, Elias showed poise, and he ensured he took care of the football.

“It felt like that was the plan,” said Elias. “Our O-line is awesome, the running backs are awesome, our receivers are awesome, so my goal was just to get in there, don’t make mistakes and let my playmakers make plays.”

In his second start against the Calgary Colts on September 14 at Shouldice Athletic Park in Calgary, the Hilltops opened the playbook a little more for Elias. He completed 15-of-22 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions before giving way to backup Griffin Sander in a 51-3 romp.

“Against the Colts, we were able to throw the ball a lot,” said Elias. “My O-line protected me well.

Brexton Elias brings poise to the quarterback position.

“I haven’t been sacked yet this year. My O-line is doing an awesome job, and it felt good to get the arm going a bit.”

While he has been working well from the passing pocket, Elias believes he can be a bit more dynamic from the quarterback position when the time calls for it.

“I’m able to get out of the pocket and run around a little bit,” said Elias. “I haven’t had to do that much, because my O-line’s been awesome.

“I can play from the pocket, but I can also get out and run around, if I need to.”

Elias also took initiative when it came to joining the Hilltops. He sent Sargeant a text message asking about becoming one of the team’s quarterbacks.

Sargeant invited Elias to come tryout, and that started the signal caller on his long journey to becoming the team’s starter. Over the years, Elias earned an appreciation for how special the culture is with the team.

“I love the family bond that all these guys have together,” said Elias. “We spend a lot of time together.

“All these guys, they’re awesome, and the coaching staff, we come together well over the season.”

When the Hilltops went into the off-season following the 2024 campaign, Elias was well aware he would get the chance to guide the team’s fortunes on the field offensively.

“In the off-season, “Sarge” told me that I was the guy coming into the season, so I was obviously mentally and physically preparing to take that role this season,” said Elias. “The coaches, we worked over the winter a little bit.

“I was getting reps as the main guy, so I’m feeling good.”

When Elias was forced to miss time at the start of the season due to injury, Sargeant said the coaches were not going to deviate from their plan to allow the veteran, who is a team captain, to be the starter.

“We’re such an open book,” said Sargeant. “Communication was always on.

“He was always in the film room. He was with us every step of the way. He just couldn’t play.

Brexton Elias plans to cherish his time with the Hilltops.

“Last year, he got in enough meaningful opportunities and was able to play enough that he is ready for these moments now.”

As the campaign moves on, Elias has it stored in the back of his head that he is playing out his final season of CJFL eligibility. Out of the Hilltops 16 players who are playing out their final campaign, Elias spent his entire career with 10 players out of that group as members wearing the blue and gold. He focuses on staying in the moment as each day goes on and doesn’t dwell on the inevitable end that is coming.

“I don’t even want to think about that,” said Elias. “I’ve grown my last five years with all these guys.

“They’re awesome, awesome buddies of mine, and I don’t even want to think about moving on from this. I want to enjoy every moment of this last year.”

Johnson to speak at End Zone Dinner

Evan Johnson in action for the Roughriders on July 15, 2023.

One of the CFL’s all-time steady veterans on the offensive line is coming to the Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

Evan Johnson, who played seven CFL seasons from 2017 to 2024, will be the guest speaker for the annual event that raises money for the Hilltops scholarships and bursaries. The End Zone Dinner is slated for Saturday, September 27, at the main hall in the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located on the south end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

The doors open at 4:15 p.m. and the dinner follows at 5 p.m. A ticket to the End Zone Dinner includes a ticket to that night’s regular season contest against the Hilltops provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. That game is slated for 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Johnson graduated high school from Regina’s Campbell Collegiate and moved on to play football in the U Sports ranks from 2012 to 2016 with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He would be selected in the first round and ninth overall by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2017 CFL Draft.

From 2017 to 2019, Johnson played 52 regular season games with the Redblacks making starts at left guard, right tackle and left tackle. He suited up for the Redblacks in their 27-16 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in the 2018 Grey Cup played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alta.

From 2021 to 2023, Johnson played 48 regular season contests with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He moved on from the Roughriders to appear in 10 games with the Hamilton Tigers-Cats in 2024.

Johnson, who is 31-years-old, is married to Dallis (Aiken) Johnson, who is a former defensive back with the powerhouse Saskatoon Valkyries of the WWCFL. They reside in Saskatoon where Evan Johnson works for an engineering firm.

Tickets for the Hilltops End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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Hilltops are getting healthy, preparing for Wildcats

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, left, talks with Charles Sawi, centre.

When it comes to injuries, legendary Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant hopes the storm has passed over his Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Sunday, the Hilltops head on the road to face the Edmonton Wildcats at 1 p.m. at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta. Heading into their sixth regular season contest, the Hilltops might be the most healthy they’ve been at any part of the campaign.

Before the 2025 CJFL campaign began, the Hilltops lost starting star 22-year-old safety Dalton Urban for the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, when Urban was playing a CFL pre-season game for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on May 30 at Mosaic Stadium. Urban has been on the Hilltops sidelines helping out the team’s defence with coaching tips.

The Hilltops are still without backup quarterback Charlie Molder, who was hurt in the team’s first regular season contest, when the Hilltops fell 31-11 to the Rifles in Winnipeg on August 10.

During the season, starting quarterback Brexton Elias, star running back Corbin Ebben, star middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk and fifth-year receiver David Boyd Jr. all missed time due to injury and returned to action with the team.

Sargeant would love the development of the returnees to be a sign that the worst of the injury woes are behind his club.

“I sure hope so,” said Sargeant. “I’ve also learned you have to embrace adversity.

“It is always the next man up. We had a lot of players step up and perform their roles. David Boyd Jr. didn’t play the first two games because of injury.

“It allowed other people to show up. All you’re doing is you are building depth, you’re building that veteran presence and that confidence within everyone’s game.”

Since returning from injury, Elias has given the Hilltops their most poised play from the quarterback position. The 22-year-old missed his team’s first two regular season games and dressed as the fourth string quarterback in the third contest.

Brexton Elias (#6) has brought poise to the QB position.

He made his first start of the campaign and played the role of game manager in an 18-15 win over Thunder at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on September 6. In that contest, Elias completed 14-of-25 passes for 188 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Hilltops opened things up more in the passing game in Elias’s second start this past Sunday, when Saskatoon crushed the Colts 51-3 at Shouldice Athletic Park in Calgary. Elias completed 15-of-22 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

During his first four seasons with the Hilltops, Elias was a backup quarterback, and he was slotted in as the team’s starter after star Trey Reider exhausted his CJFL eligibility following the completion of the 2024 campaign. Elias is focusing on constant improvement as the campaign moves on.

“Every day I am trying to get better with these guys,” said Elias. “Week by week, I am trying to focus on the team that we’re playing on Sunday and just preparing for them every week.”

Sargeant said Elias is taking steps forward every time he gets into game action.

“We’re excited to get on the bus and play the Edmonton Wildcats this weekend and see him grow his game and let his personality keep taking over on this offence and becoming more impactful,” said Sargeant. “Each game that he plays, it makes us better.”

Sunday’s game is another big one for the Hilltops, who have a 4-1 record after winning their last four straight and were rated third in the CJFL’s Top 10 Power Rankings released on Thursday. They hold first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference over the 4-1 Thunder due to posting a head-to-head victory in the lone meeting to date between the two sides.

The contest is a big one for the Wildcats, who are in a heated race for third and fourth place in the PFC and the conference’s final two post-season berths. At 2-3, the Wildcats, Winnipeg Rifles and Calgary Colts are all tied for third to fifth in the conference. The Edmonton Huskies sit in the basement of the conference standings but are still in the mix at 1-4.

Sargeant wants to see his team continue to take steps forward in their upcoming clash with the Wildcats.

“We played our best game of the year against the Calgary Colts on Sunday,” said Sargeant. “We’re looking to improve that and enjoy the next contest against the Edmonton Wildcats.

“As long as my fifth years keep playing hard and being the best players on the field, the blue and gold are going to be in good shape.”

Mix of four nab PFC players of the week nods

Four different players picked up nods as PFC players of the week on Wednesday.

Regina Thunder running back Peter Boersch and Edmonton Huskies quarterback Wesley Neitz were both claimed honours as the offensive player of the week.

Boersch had another big game last Sunday when the Thunder downed the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 25-12 at Leibel Field. He carried the ball 24 times for 181 yards and caught one pass for 30 yards. On the season, Boersch leads the PFC in carries (124) and rushing yards (967).

Neitz had a huge outing last Sunday as his Huskies fell 33-20 to the visiting Edmonton Wildcats at Jasper Place Bowl. In that contest, Neitz completed 27-of-43 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing two interceptions.

Thunder defensive back Cooper Filazek was named the defensive player of the week for his efforts in his team’s win over the Rifles. Filazek made six defensive solo tackles, three defensive tackle assists, one pass knockdown and two interceptions.

Wildcats receiver Mekhi Tyrell was tabbed as the special teams player of the week. In his club’s win over the Huskies, Tyrell returned two punts for 84 yards, which included running one punt back for an 80-yard touchdown. He returned one kickoff for 28 yards and caught one pass for six yards.

Johnson to speak at End Zone Dinner

Evan Johnson in action for the Roughriders on July 15, 2023.

One of the CFL’s all-time steady veterans on the offensive line is coming to the Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

Evan Johnson, who played seven CFL seasons from 2017 to 2024, will be the guest speaker for the annual event that raises money for the Hilltops scholarships and bursaries. The End Zone Dinner is slated for Saturday, September 27, at the main hall in the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located on the south end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

The doors open at 4:15 p.m. and the dinner follows at 5 p.m. A ticket to the End Zone Dinner includes a ticket to that night’s regular season contest against the Hilltops provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. That game is slated for 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Johnson graduated high school from Regina’s Campbell Collegiate and moved on to play football in the U Sports ranks from 2012 to 2016 with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He would be selected in the first round and ninth overall by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2017 CFL Draft.

From 2017 to 2019, Johnson played 52 regular season games with the Redblacks making starts at left guard, right tackle and left tackle. He suited up for the Redblacks in their 27-16 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in the 2018 Grey Cup played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alta.

From 2021 to 2023, Johnson played 48 regular season contests with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He moved on from the Roughriders to appear in 10 games with the Hamilton Tigers-Cats in 2024.

Johnson, who is 31-years-old, is married to Dallis (Aiken) Johnson, who is a former defensive back with the powerhouse Saskatoon Valkyries of the WWCFL. They reside in Saskatoon where Evan Johnson works for an engineering firm.

Tickets for the Hilltops End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

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If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.