Hilltops record CJFL playoff run comes to an end

Rams claim circuit semifinal in 17-14 defensive slugfest

The Rams celebrate their CJFL semifinal win. (Photo courtesy BCFCTV)

The Saskatoon Hilltops played tough and aggressive defence, but the defence of the Langley Rams might have unbelievably been a step better.

When the dust settled in a CJFL semifinal battle between the two sides Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C., the host Rams prevailed 17-14 in a defensive slugfest. The 14 points the Hilltops scored were actually the most points the Rams had given up in any game this season.

The Hilltops, who are the PFC champions, entered the fourth quarter holding a 14-7 lead, but the Rams, who are the BCFC champions, pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to claim the three-point victory.

The result ended the Hilltops CJFL record post-season game winning streak at 22 contests and the ’Toppers run of winning six consecutive CJFL championships, which was also a CJFL record. Saskatoon won six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

The 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

The Hilltops conclude the 2021 campaign with an 8-3 overall record, which includes a 6-2 mark in regular season play. The Rams improved to 10-1 overall, which includes a 7-1 mark in regular season play.

Langley advances to play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Rams will travel to London, Ontario, to face the Ontario Football Conference champion London Beefeaters in the Canadian Bowl on Saturday, December 4.

Brady Fossen blocked a punt for the Hilltops.

The Beefeaters, who are 8-2 overall and 6-2 in regular season play, upset the St. Clair Fratmen 15-14 in the OFC championship game held Saturday in Windsor. The Fratmen finish the 2021 campaign with a 9-1 overall record, which included an 8-0 mark in regular season play.

In Saturday’s battle between the Hilltops and Rams, the contest got off to an auspicious start for the visitors.

Hilltops receiver Lachlan Horsley fumbled away the opening kickoff, and it was recovered by Rams defensive back Beko Wande. Wande would make numerous big plays for the Rams in the contest.

Langley was only able to turn that turnover into a long 60-yard punt single from punter Darian Pritchard to go ahead 1-0.

Rams kicker Tato Ferreyro Araya had a shot at a 40-yard field goal later in the opening quarter, but he sailed his kick wide, and the Hilltops ran the ball out of the end zone to avoid giving up any points.

Early in the second quarter, Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from 27 yards out to increase the Rams advantage to 4-0.

Shortly after Ferreyro Araya hit his field goal, the Hilltops got in position to attempt a field goal from 28 yards out, but the kick attempt was never made after holder Doug Fleming covered up a bad snap.

On the ensuing Rams possession, they were stopped on a third-and-inches attempt at their own 36 yard line.

The Hilltops promptly drove down that short field for a major score, where quarterback Damon Dutton hit receiver Dillan Heintz with a seven-yard touchdown pass on an out pattern. That score put the visitors in front 7-4.

QB Damon Dutton struggled for the Hilltops on Saturday.

On the final possession of the second quarter, the Rams got in position to attempt a 25-yard field goal on the last play of the frame. Ferreyro Araya’s kicked was blocked by the Hilltops defensive line to allow Saskatoon to head into the halftime break with a 7-4 edge.

Early in the third quarter, the Rams drove down to the Hilltops one yard line. The Hilltops defence came up with a goal-line stand stopping the Rams three times from the one yard line to force a turnover on downs.

The Rams were set up on the Hilltops one yard line, when linebacker Colten Dejong made an interception and returned it to that spot.

With just over seven minutes expired in the third quarter, the Rams found themselves on the Hilltops one yard line again facing a third and goal decision. This time, the Rams elected to have Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from eight yards out to even the score at 7-7.

That field goal was set up off an interception by Rams defensive back Nathan Murray.

The Hilltops jumped back out in front with a minute to play in the third quarter. On a fake field goal, Fleming threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Presley Peterson to put the visitors in front 14-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Hilltops got the ball with great field position, when outside linebacker Brady Fossen blocked a punt from Pritchard.

The Hilltops got down to the Rams 25 yard line and elected to gamble on a third and five. Rams defensive lineman Jesse Goedman sacked Dutton on the third down play to allow the hosts to take over the ball on their own 30 yard line.

Dillan Heintz had a TD catch for the Hilltops.

Later in the fourth quarter with 5:01 remaining in the frame, Rams quarterback Michael Calvert hit running back Derek Best with a 29-yard touchdown toss to even the score at 14-14.

With 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Balucos hit a field goal from eight yards out to give the Rams a 17-14 lead. The field goal was set up by a fumble by Dutton that was recovered by Rams defensive lineman Tyler Eckert.

On the ensuing series, the Hilltops elected to pull Dutton for backup quarterback Trey Reider. Dutton had struggled for a lot of the contest completing 9-of-14 passes for 92 yards and the one touchdown toss, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling once.

Reider got two offensive series to try and move the team and was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts, while throwing one interception. On his second series, Reider was intercepted by Wande, which sealed the win for the Rams. The interception was Wande’s second of the contest.

After that Wande interception off Reider, the Rams offence ended the contest taking two knees.

While the teams didn’t have to battle any adverse weather conditions, the CJFL semifinal clash was far from a classic. The Rams turned the ball over seven times, while the Hilltops committed an unimaginable 12 turnovers.

The Hilltops got sound production from their two star running backs in Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen. McLean ran the ball 14 times for 64 yards. Teammate Boston Davidsen carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards.

Ethan Godson led all Saskatoon receivers with five catches for 45 yards.

Riece Kack had six total tackles for the Hilltops.

Calvert completed 18-of-25 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for the Rams. He also ran the ball eight times for 26 yards.

Best led the Rams in rushing carrying the ball 14 times for 67 yards to go with his 29-yard touchdown reception.

Defensive lineman Craig Torgerson had a sack for the Hilltops. Middle linebacker Matt Wist had a team high eight solo tackles and five total tackle assists for Saskatoon.

Defensive end Riece Kack had five total tackles and a tackle assist for the Hilltops.

Eckert had a pair of sacks for the Rams. Defensive back Kyle Clarot led Langley with six total tackles.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the Canadian Bowl in 2019, which also turned into a defensive slugfest at McLeod Stadium. Saskatoon pulled out an 11-6 victory in that encounter.

Before Saturday’s CJFL semifinal contest, the last time the Hilltops lost a post-season game came in the 2013 PFC final, when they fell 21-16 against the Regina Thunder at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon on October 27 of that year.

The Hilltops run of six consecutive CJFL championships and 22 straight post-season victories were CJFL records no one could ever seriously imagine could happen. While those streaks came to an end, they were truly remarkable accomplishments.

Ultimately, it took arguably the craziest of post-season games to bring those streaks to an end.

Congratulations to the @LangleyRams - who are heading to the Canadian Bowl.

A truly worthy opponent and our pick for Canadian Bowl champions based on their defence alone.

Enjoy the win Langley!

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 21, 2021

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Hilltops seek to turn tables in rematch with Thunder

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, second from left, gives orders last Saturday.

Carter McLean is hoping pre-game cheers will set the tone for a good outing in Regina for his Saskatoon Hilltops.

The Hilltops star running back means that is the most respectful way too.

During his first two full seasons with the Hilltops in 2018 and 2019, McLean’s first impressions when his Hilltops visited Mosaic Stadium to face the host Regina Thunder were good ones. When the Hilltops travel to Regina for games, they are usually accompanied by a large contingent of supporters from Saskatoon.

Since the Thunder started playing games in Mosaic Stadium in 2017, the Hilltops faithful seem to have found this one section on the west side of the facility to occupy that seems to be good for cheering.

Mosaic Stadium is designed to hold crowd noise inside the facility, and the Hilltops supporters seem to have found the one section to where the noise circulates and gets amplified inside the stadium.

When the Hilltops are introduced to the crowd first being the visiting team, the players often get a bit surprised by how loud their fans sound when they come out on to the field.

“It is so fun to play at Mosaic,” said McLean. “The fans come, and it is awesome seeing the support from them.

“They are loud out there. We have some of the loudest fans for sure and some of the best ones here in the CJFL. We’re looking forward to that game for sure in Mosaic.”

Carter McLean sits second in the PFC in rushing.

The Hilltops (2-1) face the Thunder (3-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. in a CJFL regular season contest to conclude the back end of a home-and-home series between the two clubs. Last Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Thunder posted a 16-13 victory on a strength of a last play 51-yard field goal from kicker Eric Maximuik.

Regina’s victory ended a 33-game winning streak including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season for the Hilltops.

The two sides have met three times at Mosaic Stadium, and the Hilltops have claimed victory in each of those encounters with McLean being on the roster for the 2018 and 2019 wins.

Actually, last Saturday’s setback to the Thunder was the first time the 21-year-old ever experienced a loss as a member of the Hilltops.

“Since I’ve been here, we haven’t lost a game, so it is a real eye-opener and a real humbler that we have to learn from,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “This week it is going to be a lot of focus to details and a lot of focus on the plays to get better for each and every one of us here.”

From that encounter last Saturday, the Thunder posted 409 yards of total offence, while the Hilltops had 288 yards of total offence. Regina had 34 minutes and 26 seconds in time of possession, while Saskatoon had the ball for 25 minutes and 36 seconds.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said film study showed obvious points where his team needs to be better.

“Real simple, number one the offence has to stay on the field longer and the defence has to get off the field sooner,” said Sargeant. “When you look at time possession, their offence was on the field 10 more minutes than we were.

The Hilltops defence aims to keep the Thunder offence in check.

“That certainly gets in the way of what we are trying to accomplish. I thought our special teams improved. Our defensive performance was at a pretty good standing, because any time you give up 16 points you think you got to win those games.

“You know what, that didn’t happen. Obviously, our offence has got to do a better job of getting things sorted out, and that is on me.”

During the Hilltops first three games, their offensive unit has had its ups and downs. In two of those games including last Saturday’s loss, the Hilltops have pulled starting quarterback Doug Fleming in favour of backup Damon Dutton.

No matter who has been at quarterback, the Hilltops offence has been inconsistent. Sargeant wants to see better play for the quarterback position.

Since the sideline boss doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, Sargeant said he has to do his part in ensuring the offence plays better.

“We need these guys to step up and do their jobs and make the plays when they need to make them and that didn’t always happen,” said Sargeant. “We’re going to own it first.

“We have to coach better. We have to make sure that we put our players in better spots. We have to make sure our players are confident in the spots we put them in, and then they have to execute the plan.”

Sargeant is looking forward to the opportunity to bounce back from a loss.

“We’re excited to go redeem ourselves,” said Sargeant. “At the end of the day, we’re not proud with our performance.

“We believe we have to step up. In the last three or four minutes, Regina just wanted it more than we did, and they showed a little more of that killer instinct. This team has to rise to the challenge, and I’m excited to see how they respond.”

The Hilltops look to return to the win column this Saturday.

The one spot that has been consistent with the Hilltops offence is the running game. McLean sits second in rushing in the Prairie Football Conference with piling up 343 yards on 66 carries and scoring two touchdowns.

After falling to the Thunder this past Saturday, McLean believes it is good for his Hilltops to have the chance to take on the Thunder again this coming Saturday in Regina.

“It will be nice to see them right away here again,” said McLean. “We will try to play better than they do obviously and get the win.

“We know their tendencies. We see them during film, and we know what their tendencies are and we don’t forget about that. We are ready to go.”

Hilltops’ Fossen named PFC’s defensive player of the week

Saskatoon Hilltops linebacker Brady Fossen was named defensive player of the week on Tuesday for the Prairie Football Conference.

Last Saturday, Fossen had five defensive tackles, one defensive tackle assist, one quarterback sack and one forced fumble in the Hilltops 16-13 setback to the Regina Thunder at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

In the 2019 season, Fossen played in all of the Hilltops games as they went 12-0 to win a sixth straight CJFL title. In those games, he had 35 defensive tackles, 12 tackle assists, three sacks, two special teams tackles and one special teams tackle assist.

The Watrous, Sask., product is playing in his fourth full season with the Hilltops.

Thunder’s Maximuik takes weekly special teams honour

Regina Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik took home honours as the special teams player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, Maximuik hit a 51-yard field goal on the last play of the game to lift the Thunder to a 16-13 victory over the host Saskatoon Hilltops at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Maximuik, who is in his fourth full season with the Thunder, made 3-of-4 field goals in the contest and connected on his only convert attempt. He also punted the ball seven times for an average of 38.1 yards per kick.

Huskies’ Gayle dubbed PFC’s top weekly offensive player

Edmonton Huskies running back Alex Gayle captured honours as the offensive player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference on Tuesday.

This past Sunday, Gayle had a big outing as his Huskies hammered the visiting Calgary Colts 62-14 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton. Gayle carried the ball 18 times for 112 yards and scored one touchdown. 

He also caught four passes for 41 yards.

Thanks to Gayle’s performance, the Huskies improved to 2-1, while the Colts fell to 0-3.

Alberta declares state of public health emergency

On Wednesday evening, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney declared a state of public health emergency for his province due to the rising cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of Wednesday, Alberta had 18,421 active cases of COVID-19. As of Wednesday evening, Alberta had 270 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units.

Alberta Health Services is asking for help from other provinces to take patients who are in ICU.

Alberta reported 1,609 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, which is the second single highest day increase during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the world.

A large majority of the COVID-19 cases are made up of people who haven’t gotten vaccinated against the virus.

Alberta also introduced numerous public health orders. Some of those orders start on Thursday and others take effect on Monday.

One of the measures states that starting on Thursday indoor private gatherings are limited to a single household plus one other household to a maximum of 10 people and all the people in the gathering must be vaccinated. Gatherings are not permitted for those who are not vaccinated.

On the sports front starting on Thursday, spectator attendance for indoor events is limited to one-third of fire code capacity.

Albertans who are not vaccinated can’t socialize indoors without anyone outside of their household beginning on Thursday.

Starting on Monday, no indoor group classes or activities for adults will be permitted. One-on-one training or individual workouts will be permitted with three metres of physical distancing required.

There are no restrictions on outdoor sports activities.

Also on Monday, Alberta is introducing a proof of vaccination system to access non-essential businesses under what the provincial government there calls the “restriction exemption program.”

People accessing those business must show proof of vaccination or produce a negative privately-paid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of accessing that business.

Businesses such as restaurants, bars, entertainment and recreation facilities that adopt the system will be able to operate as usual without any of the new restrictions as long as they deny access to unvaccinated individuals or those who cannot provide a negative test result. Documentation of a medical exemption will be accepted as well.

Over the next few days, it is likely exemptions for these orders will be declared for sports leagues like the NHL, WHL, AJHL and U Sports that hold competitions indoors. U Sports has a number of outdoor sports that won’t be affected in Alberta.

The Edmonton Journal story regarding the new COVID-19 restrictions coming in for Alberta can be found by clicking right here.

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Hilltops home debut spoiled by big Thunder boot

Maximuik hits 51-yard walk off winning field goal

Eric Maximuik hits a 51-yard winning field goal for the Thunder.

Eric Maximuik’s powerful leg put a damper on the homecoming party for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the fourth-year kicker with the Regina Thunder hammered a 51-yard walk off field goal to lift his side past the host Hilltops 16-13 in a CJFL regular season clash played before 1,891 spectators.

The Thunder win spoiled the 2021 home debut for Hilltops. Due to the fact the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilltops hadn’t played at SMF Field since October 27, 2019, when they down the Edmonton Huskies 30-14 in the Prairie Football Conference championship game.

The Thunder mob Eric Maximuik after his winning kick.

Saturday’s victory allowed the Thunder to improve to 3-0 to sit alone in first place in the PFC, while the Hilltops fell to 2-1.

When Maximuik was lining up for his winning kick on the final play of the game, legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said the action from the rest of the contest went through his head.

“The thoughts that go through the mind are we should never ever be in that situation,” said Sargeant. “You reflect back a little bit.

The Hilltops defence stops a Thunder run early in Saturday’s clash.

“It was good for him (Maximuik) to clutch up in the moment and make a big kick. For amateur football, this is as good of a game as you are going to see. It was a defensive battle back and forth.

“Both teams played real hard and wanted it real bad. The good thing is for us we have to regroup and get to Regina next week. Obviously, they have a lot of momentum and energy on their side right now.”

The two provincial rivals will go at it again on Saturday, September 18 at 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

RB Ryland Leichert runs in a TD for the Thunder.

Maximuik said he felt good he was able to boot home the winning score in the first encounter in Saskatoon to head into the back end of the home-and-home series in Regina.

“It is something you practise every week in practice,” said Maximuik. “You practise trying to put yourself in those game situations with the whole team.

“Being able to execute is huge. Hopefully, that momentum will keep going forward for next week and the weeks after that.”

When it came time to hit the winning kick, Maximuik said he was able to mentally get to a peaceful place.

“I try and keep the mind empty,” said Maximuik. “I just focus on the job.

Hilltops kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas hits a 42-yard field goal.

“There is not much going through my head. You stay relaxed and stay cool on the field with everyone else. We were expecting them to call timeout too, but they didn’t want to.

“We’ll take that all day long.”

The Thunder came rolling out of the gates on Saturday putting together a lengthy drive on the first offensive series of the contest that concluded with a seven-yard touchdown romp from running back Ryland Leichert. That score put the visitors up 7-0.

The Hilltops answered back about three minutes later with a 42-yard field goal from kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas to cut the Thunder lead to 7-3.

The Hilltops defence gang tackles Thunder RB Justin Reiger.

Before the first quarter ended, the Thunder extended their advantage to 10-3 thanks to a 29-yard field goal from Maximuik.

Veteran Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson thought the Thunder were able to set the tone early due to the fact they had success on the ground.

“They started off they got running the ball on us,” said Johnson, who had four total tackles and an interception in the setback. “We have to stop that right off the bat and make them pass.

“That is what we are comfortable doing. It is always a barnburner with these guys. They are a great football team.”

Thunder LB Ryan Mills sacks Hilltops QB Damon Dutton.

After the first quarter, the Hilltops pulled starting quarterback Doug Fleming, who completed just 1-of-5 passes for 20 yards and one interception in the contest.

Damon Dutton handled most of the signal calling duties from that point completing 9-of-14 passes for 128 yards and one interception.

The quarterback change did initially give the Hilltops a burst. With 6:15 remaining in the second quarter, they put together a sound offensive drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan Tabin to even the score at 10-10.

With 2:46 remaining in the second quarter, Abel-Douglas hit a 34-yard field goal to give the Hilltops a 13-10 lead.

Shortly before halftime, Maximuik had a chance to tie the game, but he hit the upright on a 45-yard field goal attempt to allow the Hilltops to head into the halftime break with a 13-10 advantage.

Hilltops DB Jared Giddings forces a Thunder runner out of bounds.

With 67 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Maximuik hit a 39-yard field goal to even the score 13-13. That set the stage for the dramatics on the last play of the game.

During the contest, the Hilltops were held to 288 yards of total offence. In two of the Hilltops three games, they have pulled Fleming in favour of Dutton.

Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, said the offence has been inconsistent, and he didn’t like getting shutout in the second half in the loss to the Thunder.

“It is ridiculous,” said Sargeant. “It is not up to our standard.

“Everyone is talking about a quarterback controversy. Obviously, that got in our way today. Our quarterback play in my books wasn’t very good.

Receiver Rylan Sokul makes a big catch for the Thunder.

“You know what, we have to get back to the lab and get to work and figure it out.”

Thunder quarterback Carter Shewchuk had a respectable outing completing 19-of-25 passes for 253 yards and one interception.

Defensively, linebacker Brady Fossen and defensive end Craig Torgerson had sacks for the Hilltops. Defensive back Jared Giddings led Saskatoon with 9.5 total tackles.

Linebacker Ryan Mills had two sacks for the Thunder, while fellow linebacker Davin Williamson had a single sack. Defensive backs Adam King and Bobo Kisusari had interceptions for Regina.

The Thunder win also brought an end to the Hilltops 33-game winning streak that included action in the CJFL’s regular season and post-season. It is believed that streak was a CJFL record.

Before Saturday’s game in Saskatoon, the Hilltops last loss came way back on September 9, 2017, when they dropped a 29-26 decision at SMF Field also to the Thunder.

Hilltops LB Konner Johnson wants to play the Thunder again.

“I’ve never worried about that stuff in the least,” said Sargeant. “I’m not worried about numbers.

“I’m worried about process and getting better. We took a step back today, and that is fine. That is on me.

“What you see is what you coach. Myself and my coaches have to do a better job of coaching this young team and get them more seasoned so that they can handle these situations better than what we did today.”

Johnson is looking forward to facing the Thunder again in seven days in Regina.

“We have some film now on them,” said Johnson. “We know what we need to correct.

“I think it is going to be another great game, but hopefully, we are coming out on top next week.”

’Toppers RB Tabin signs with NLL’s Rush

Jordan Tabin runs the ball for the Hilltops in 2019.

Saskatoon Hilltops running back Jordan Tabin took another step forward in his journey towards a career in professional lacrosse.

On Friday, Tabin signed a two-year contract with Saskatchewan Rush, who are a powerhouse club in the National Lacrosse League.

During the NLL Entry Draft that was held virtually on August 28, Tabin was selected in the sixth round and 89^th overall by the Rush, who are a league powerhouse. The Rush captured NLL titles in 2016 and 2018 playing out of the SaskTel Centre and when the franchise was still located in Edmonton, Alta., in 2015.

The 20-year-old Tabin plays defence for the Saskatchewan SWAT junior A lacrosse team.

On the football field, Tabin is playing in his third full season with the Hilltops having also suited up for the storied CJFL club in 2018 and 2019 CJFL championship seasons.

In the 2019 CJFL campaign, Tabin carried the ball seven times for 103 yards in the Hilltops eight regular season games and ran the ball six times for 81 yards scoring one touchdown in four post-season contests.

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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Look good, play good – Pingue aims to be model of consistency for Hilltops

Jaydn Pingue celebrates a Hilltops win last season.

    On game day, Jadyn Pingue shoots to be a model of consistency for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

    When his squad goes up against their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder, some Regina players often remind Pingue that he is a model of another kind. Away from the football field, Pingue has worked as a fashion model.

    In games against Regina, the 22-year-old receives his share of trash talking from the Thunder players about his off-field exploits. Odds are high he might hear more of those jabs on Sunday, when the five time defending Canadian Junior Football League champion Hilltops face the Thunder at 3 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

    “I don’t even pay attention to what they are saying,” said Pingue. “It is irrelevant.”

    It should be noted that Pingue does look real good in his photo shoots, if one is being honest. When asked about how he feels he looks in his modeling photos, Pingue looked embarrassed at the query, chuckled and shrugged it off.

Jadyn Pingue, left, defends a pass against the Thunder last season.

    “I do what I do, and I like what I do,” said Pingue. “I’m pretty sure other guys would want to do the same, if they could, so I’m not going to be phased by their talk.

    “I’m not paying attention to any talk. I’m just focused on getting the ‘W.’”
    Now in his fifth and final season with the Hilltops, Pingue is starting on defence for the first time in his CJFL career. During his time with the venerable CJFL Saskatoon side, Pingue spent the first four years playing behind a deep linebackers group.

    The graduate of Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders football team was substituted in frequently on defence during his first four seasons, while mainly playing special teams. 

Jadyn Pingue all set at outside linebacker last season.

    Playing on a starting linebacker group that includes fellow fifth-year Riley Keating and Brady Fossen, who is in his third year, Pingue strives to be like the star veterans he played behind that have since graduated from the program.

    “It has been a really good experience,” said Pingue, who stands 6-feet and weighs 205 pounds. “I have been able to learn from guys like Cole Benkic, Cam Schnitzler, Adam Benkic, Cody Peters, Bobby Ehman, just like great guys and great teammates.

    “It has been my first year starting, but I’ve gotten a lot of playing time as well whether it has been on special teams or even on defence as well. I have big names to live up to. There have been legends before me.

    “It is just next man in. It is kind of just like a responsibility I knew that was coming. I just want to live up to those expectations and be able to perform exceptionally on the field.”

    In the Hilltops regular season opening 34-20 over the Rifles in Winnipeg last Sunday, Pingue had six total tackles and a fumble recovery.

Jadyn Pingue drops into pass coverage for the Hilltops last season.

    While Pingue has improved during his time with the Hilltops, head coach Tom Sargeant believes the veteran linebacker can play even better.

    “Some days I think he looks good,” said Sargeant, who needs one more win for 200 head coaching victories combined in the CJFL regular season and post-season. “Some days, he makes me real mad, because I have high expectations.

    “I just care about Jadyn (Pingue) as a person and as a player, and you know what, that other stuff outside of football, good for him. I need him to be a star on game day. That is all I am asking.”

    While trying to get Pingue to play at an even higher level, Sargeant said his veteran is making the most of his opportunity to be a starter. 

Jadyn Pingue makes a tackle in last year’s Canadian Bowl.

    The legendary sideline boss said the Hilltops fifth years have shown great loyalty to the team, and the team has to ensure to reflect that loyalty back on to the players.

    Sargeant said he and the coaching staff have to do their part to help Pingue try to get as close to playing towards perfection as possible.

    “Jadyn (Pingue) is a dynamic athlete,” said Sargeant. “He has been a great special teamer.

    “Now he gets the opportunity to shine and thrive as a linebacker, but yet we are still having him play a lot of the special teams as well. He was a presence out on the field on Sunday (against the Rifles). He was all over the place.

    “We just want to harness him a bit, coach him a little bit smarter and make sure he is in the right spots when he does that. He is going to be a dynamic playmaker in the PFC, and he already is.”

Jadyn Pingue (#45) celebrates making a defensive play last season.

    Now in his fifth year in the CJFL, Pingue knows he has to be better and his team has to play better than they did in the season opener in Winnipeg. He said the effort needs to be better this coming Sunday against the Thunder.

    “There is a lot of stuff that we have to learn,” said Pingue. “Winnipeg played us physical.

    “They had like four months to prepare for us. I’m pretty sure that game was circled on their calendar the second they saw it. We have a lot to work on, but I’m excited to go against a team like Regina.

    “They always play us tough. It is going to be a great learning experience whatever the outcome is. Honestly, I’m just excited to play this game.”

    The Hilltops enter the contest with the Thunder having won their last 20 straight games including the regular season and playoffs and last 24 straight on the road including three victories in the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl.

Jadyn Pingue (#45) wants to enjoy more championship moment like this.

    The Hilltops last loss came at the hands of the Thunder 29-26 back on Sept. 9, 2017 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Saskatoon’s last road loss was a 19-16 overtime decision on Aug. 17, 2014 against the Thunder in Regina at a facility that no longer exists in Taylor Field.
    Ultimately, Pingue would like to be able to experience what the Hilltops eight graduating fifth-year players did last season in winning a CJFL title in all five years they played in the league. At the moment, that group are the only ones to accomplish that feat, and Pingue would like to have that feeling.

    “There is no question I want to have that experience as well,” said Pingue. “I don’t want to be known as the team that couldn’t keep the streak going.

    “It is just taking it one week at a time. I’m not too focused on that. It would be great to go out with another ring.”

Getzlaf guest speaker at Hilltops End Zone Dinner

Chris Getzlaf on the Taylor Field big screen in 2013.

    Saskatchewan Roughriders great Chris Getzlaf will be the guest speaker at this year’s Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

    Getzlaf suited up as a receiver in 11 CFL campaigns from 2007 to 2017 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos. The Regina, Sask., product spent the bulk of that time with his hometown Roughriders.

    Over his 11 campaigns, Getzlaf appeared in 147 regular season games hauling in 414 passes for 6,192 yards and 41 touchdowns.

    Before joining the CFL, Getzlaf played two seasons with the University of Regina Rams in 2005 and 2006 in the U Sports ranks. Before his time with the Rams, Getzlaf played with the Regina Thunder, when the team was still called the Prairie Thunder.

    The Prairie Thunder name was last used in the 2004 CJFL campaign.

Chris Getzlaf make a training camp catch in 2015.

    When he was a member of the Roughriders, Getzlaf was a fan favourite right across Saskatchewan. Throughout his football career, Getzlaf was known as the quiet type who led by example.

    The End Zone Dinner is slated for Saturday, Sept. 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The gates open at 4:15 p.m. and the meal is served at 5:15 p.m. The dinner will include a silent auction.

    Tickets are $100 per single person or a table of nine can be purchases for $825.

    Tickets to the dinner also include game tickets to that night’s CJFL regular season contest between the Hilltops and Thunder. There will be a pre-game address at the End Zone Dinner by Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant.

    Those looking to purchase tickets can do so 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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