Hilltops versus Thunder PFC final has unique big game feel

The Thunder and Hilltops take part in a coin toss on Sept. 11.

It is a big game that has a true big game feel that is also unique, because it is a match the amateur football community in Saskatchewan wants.

On Sunday, the Saskatoon Hilltops will travel to Regina to take on the host Thunder in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference final at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.

The Hilltops are 7-2 overall, which includes posting a 6-2 mark in the regular season. Saskatoon has won the CJFL title the last six times it was contested from the 2014 to 2019 and has a CJFL record 21 game winning streak in the post-season.

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

The Thunder sport a 9-0 overall record, which includes an 8-0 mark in the regular season. The last time the Hilltops didn’t win the CJFL championship, the Thunder took it in 2013.

Along with all of that, this season marks the first time the Thunder have finished first in the PFC regular season standings, have had an undefeated record at this point in time of a campaign and will host the PFC final for the first time since the club first hit the field in 2000.

 Among the football community in Regina, there is a lot of excitement surrounding this game.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, who is the all-time leader in career post-secondary football coaching wins in Canada at 217 victories, said his squad is looking forward to getting to a pumped up atmosphere in “The Queen City.”

“We’re not scared of their environment,” said Sargeant. “We embrace the opportunity that we have been given.

Mason Ochs makes a block for the Hilltops.

“It going to be great to take this team on the road. We still have some lofty goals ahead of us. We’re putting together a good game plan.

“We need the players to get out there and make it a great one. That is why we are practicing hard and putting everything at them.”

The Thunder won both head-to-head encounters between the two sides in the regular season.

On Sept. 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, a 51-yard walk off field goal by Regina kicker Eric Maximuik delivered the Thunder to a 16-13 victory over the host Hilltops.

On Sept. 18 at Mosaic Stadium, Regina defensive back Justin McKerracher made an end zone interception off Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton to preserve a 30-27 triumph for the Thunder.

Hilltops star left tackle Mason Ochs has helped the Hilltops win four PFC finals from 2016 to 2019, and all of those victories have come at SMF Field. Ochs, who attended the training camp with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019, is looking forward to playing this PFC final on the road at the Roughriders home park and the atmosphere that awaits the clash between the Hilltops and Thunder.

“Going in the road for the first time, it is a little different, but I’m pretty pumped to play at Mosaic,” said Ochs. “That is pretty damn cool.

“You go to Regina every time, and you get the home and away crowd roaring. It is always loud. It is a good environment.

“If I was going to go anywhere, that would be it.”

Both sides are loaded up with PFC all-stars and award winners.

For 2021, Ochs is the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman and a PFC all-star. He was named a PFC all-star for the fourth consecutive season.

Carter Shewchuk throws a pass downfield for the Thunder.

Ochs was joined on the PFC all-star team for 2021 by three teammates in defensive tackle Jaxon Funk, outside linebacker Konner Johnson and safety Brant Morrow.

Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack made the PFC’s all-rookie team.

The Thunder took seven of the PFC’s major awards.

Rylan Sokul claimed honours as the PFC’s most outstanding receiver, most outstanding offensive player and most valuable player.

Carter Shewchuk was named the PFC’s most outstanding quarterback, Maximuik claimed the PFC’s most outstanding special teams player award and defensive lineman Reece McCormick captured PFC rookie of the year honours.

Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay was named the PFC’s coach of the year.

Sokul, Shewchuk, Maximuik and McCormick were all named to the PFC all-star team.

Also named to the PFC all-star team from the Thunder were a trio of offensive linemen in Riley Schick, Logan Hubick and Connor Klassen. Joining them from the Thunder on the PFC all-star team are receiver Issac Ford, linebacker Ryan Mills and McKerracher.

McCormick made the PFC all-rookie team from the Thunder along with Running back Ryland Leichert, receiver Tristan Bergquist and linebacker Stephen Smith.

Funk, who is in his fourth full season with the Hilltops, said his club always gets excited for the PFC final, and playing the Thunder in Regina adds to the big game feel.

“It is different, but we’re just as excited as if it was at home,” said Funk. “The PFC final always gets guys fired up.

“It is the best game of the year for us, especially playing against Regina just that rivalry. We’re going to be working hard this week getting ready to go for that.”

Hilltops QB Damon Dutton (#19) will look to avoid Thunder pressure.

Sargeant said his side got a good start into the post-season with their 33-31 PFC semifinal win over the Edmonton Huskies last Sunday at SMF Field. Hilltops receiver Dillan Heintz caught the winning touchdown pass from Dutton with 21.3 seconds to play in that game.

The legendary sideline boss believes his team is ready to respond to the ups and downs that are sure to come in the PFC final this Sunday in Regina.

“We’re pretty confident that they are going to respond to any situation that comes their way come Sunday,” said Sargeant. “They proved that last week with a gutsy win in the fourth quarter against the Huskies.”

Morrow gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

Brant Morrow was the PFC’s defensive player of the week.

On Tuesday, Saskatoon Hilltops safety Brant Morrow was named the defensive player of the week for the PFC.

Morrow earned that nod after making two tackles and posting two fourth quarter interceptions in the Hilltops 33-31 PFC semifinal victory this past Sunday at SMF Field. The graduate of Saskatoon’s Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints football team was named a PFC all-star at safety for the 2021 campaign and took a PFC special teams player of the week accolade earlier in the current campaign.

The PFC special teams player of the week for this past week was Huskies kick returner Ben Wilton. In the PFC semifinal setback for his side, Wilton returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.

During that contest, Wilton returned six kickoffs for 189 yards to go with his one touchdown and four punts for 36 yards.

Winnipeg Rifles quarterback Bryson McNeil was the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his performance this past Sunday in a 45-26 PFC semifinal loss to the Thunder in Regina. In that contest, McNeil completed 22-of-40 passes for 384 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

He also ran the ball 11 times for 62 yards and one touchdown.

Morrow enjoyed Funk interception

The Hilltops celebrate an interception by Jaxon Funk (#77).

Saskatoon Hilltops safety Brant Morrow enjoys it every time one of his teammates on the defensive line can get their hands on the ball.

After the Hilltops took a 33-31 lead over the Edmonton Huskies in a PFC semifinal played this past Sunday at SMF Field with 21.3 seconds to play, Saskatoon’s victory was cemented with an interception from defensive tackle Jaxon Funk.

Funk made his interception after Hilltops defence end Riece Kack forced Huskies quarterback Declan O’Flaherty to send the ball high into the air. That preserved the 33-31 final outcome.

“I loved it,” said Morrow, who had two earlier interceptions in that same contest. “I was happier than when I got mine.

“It is awesome to see the big guys make plays. Another D-lineman tipped it, and he caught it. That is all on the D-line.

“That is an amazing play, and I’m happy to see that.”

Rams claimed last PFC final played in Regina in 1998

The Rams take home the PFC championship trophy in 1998.

The Regina Thunder may be hosting the PFC final for the first time in club history, but the PFC title game has been held in Saskatchewan’s capital city many times before the Thunder first took the field in 2000.

The last time the PFC final was played in Regina was on Saturday, October 31, 1998 at it featured the then defending CJFL champion Regina Rams taking on the Saskatoon Hilltops. It would be the last time the historic rivals would face each other as the Rams were set to move to the U Sports ranks for the 1999 season.

In that 1998 PFC final played at historic Taylor Field, current Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay was a linebacker for the Rams, and Tom Sargeant was in his first season as the head coach of the Hilltops.

The Rams took a 16-0 lead at halftime thanks to three field goals from kicker Todd Pinkney from 30, 43 and 15 yards out and an electrifying 87-yard punt return touchdown by rookie Neal Hughes, who went on to play 10 seasons for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Hilltops cut the Rams lead to 16-10 in the third quarter with a 17-yard field goal by Jody Kerr and an 11-yard touchdown run from Sheldon Duval.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams blew the contest open scoring 32 unanswered points to post a 48-10 victory.

Jason Clermont makes a catch for the Rams in the 1998 PFC final.

Slotback Jason Clermont, who starred for 10 CFL seasons with the British Columbia Lions and Roughriders, ran in a major from three yards out, while Chris Briltz ploughed in for a one-yard rushing touchdown.

Pinkney followed Briltz’s major with a kickoff single, and linebacker Cory Thacheray returned an interception 55 yards for a major.

Pinkney then hit a 40-yard field goal. The scoring closed when Rams linebacker Doug Hill Jr. blocked a punt and defensive back Corrie McKee returned it to the end zone for the fourth major of the frame for the host side.

“We’re very appreciative of and respectful of having an opportunity to be a part of the Prairie Football Conference and this great rivalry,” said legendary Rams head coach Frank McCrystal after the contest. “I don’t think the score was indicative of the game.”

The Thunder host this year’s against the Hilltops at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.

Huskies praised for saving life, other notes

It's so much more than just football! The @Edm_Huskies training staff spring into action assisting a motorcycle accident victim on the way home from their semi-final. #CJFL https://t.co/EEDwgzfEud pic.twitter.com/RUbmxxkxoP

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) November 8, 2021

The Edmonton Huskies play gallantly in their 33-31 PFC semifinal loss to the Saskatoon Hilltops this past Sunday at SMF Field, but they made a bigger impact off the field.

During their bus trip home and getting near the town of Borden, which is about 50 kilometres north of Saskatoon, the Huskies came across an accident scene.

A motorcyclist had apparently hit a deer. The Huskies training staff jumped into action to help the first responders, who were on route to the scene.

The quick action by the Huskies training staff helped save the motorcyclist’s life. The training staff included Cassidy Ku, Shawna Crozier and Randy Kuefler along with Luca Cupelli.

Cupelli, who is the team’s equipment manager, was running back and forth getting the trauma kit. Defensive back Sheldon McNabb, who is a paramedic student, also assisted.

“This shows the character of the young women and men that participate in our programs,” said CJFL commissioner Jim Pankovich in a statement last Sunday. “Thank you very much to the Huskies’ training staff that helped going above and beyond expectations in their caring actions regarding this motor vehicle accident victim.

“Their actions made a difference this evening.”

• The British Columbia Football Conference championship game is set for Saturday in Langley, B.C. The host Rams (8-1 overall) face the Kelowna, B.C., based Okanagan Sun (8-1 overall). The winner hosts a CJFL semifinal against the PFC champion.
• The Ontario Football Conference semifinals are set for Saturday. The St. Clair Fratmen (8-0) host the Quinte Skyhawks (2-6), while the London Beefeaters (6-2) host the Hamilton Hurricanes (4-4). The OFC champion will host the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.
• The Canada West Conference for football in U Sports announced its all-star teams on Wednesday. That list included 10 members of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and two members of the University of Regina Rams. That announcement can be found by clicking right here.
• I produced a couple of new posts for the Howe Happenings blog that went live on Tuesday. I caught up with professional baseball pitcher and North Battleford, Sask., product Andrew Albers about returning to the AAA and MLB ranks this season. That post can be found by clicking right here. I put together a photo round up that can be found 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 playoff mystique does in Huskies

Heintz TD with 21.3 seconds left delivers Saskatoon victory

Dillan Heintz scores the winning TD for the Hilltops.

The Saskatoon Hilltops playoff mystique did in the Edmonton Huskies.

On Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Huskies learned that leaving 78 seconds on the clock was too much time for the Hilltops to pull a game out of the fire.

The Huskies were trailing 27-24, when star quarterback Declan O’Flaherty connected with star receiver Adner St Hilaire for a 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter to put the Edmonton side up 31-27.

On the ensuing series, Hilltops emerging star quarterback Damon Dutton executed a near flawless two-minute drill type drive to get the Hilltops down to the Huskies five yard line.

With 21.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Dutton found standout receiver Dillan Heintz with a short five-yard touchdown toss on an out pattern to put the hosts up 33-31. The snap on the extra point was botched preventing the Hilltops from going up by three points.

The Hilltops celebrate Dillan Heintz’s winning TD.

At that juncture, the Huskies weren’t able engineer a miracle finish. O’Flaherty had a pass deflected by a Saskatoon defensive lineman up in the air and defensive tackle Jaxon Funk came down with an interception to preserve a 33-31 PFC semifinal victory for the Hilltops before 896 spectators.

Heintz, who caught seven passes for 84 yards, was pumped his major score came in a clutch moment in his team’s first game of the 2021 CJFL playoffs.

“It was just straight excitement,” said Heintz. “You want to make that play for your teammates, and when you do, it is like no other feeling.

The Huskies celebration of an Adner St Hilaire TD was short lived.

“You can’t even describe it honestly. You just get up and see your teammates coming to you. I’m just glad I could make that play for my teammates, and we’re going on to next week.”

The win allows the Hilltops, who improved to 7-2 overall, to advance to the PFC final. The Huskies finish the 2021 campaign with a 6-4 overall mark, which included a 5-3 record in the regular season.

The Hilltops will travel to Regina to face the Thunder, who claimed Sunday’s other PFC semifinal contest 45-26 over the Winnipeg Rifles at Leibel Field in Regina. The Rifles finished the 2021 campaign with a 3-7 overall mark, which included a 2-6 record in regular season play.

QB Damon Dutton (#19) coolly engineered the winning TD drive.

The Thunder, whose overall record improved to 9-0 with the win over the Rifles, won both head-to-head encounters in the regular season to top the PFC standings. The PFC final will be held this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium due to the fact the clash between the host Thunder and Hilltops is expected to draw a crowd that is too big for Leibel Field.

Dutton was pumped his Hilltops were able to pull out their PFC semifinal win over the Huskies and advance onward in the post-season. The Hilltops, who have won the last six straight CJFL titles before the 2020 CJFL season was nixed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, ran their CJFL post-season record winning streak to 21 games with the victory over the Huskies.

Lachlan Horsley caught six passes for 106 yards for the Hilltops.

“I feel good we’re able to see another day and another game and keep going with our fifth years,” said Dutton. “I couldn’t want anything more.”

Sunday’s clash between the Hilltops and Huskies was a CJFL playoff classic. There were various back and forth momentum swings, some trick plays, hustle plays and unexpected bounces.

It was the type of barnburner the Canadian style of football is known for.

In the first quarter, the Huskies jumped ahead 6-0 off two field goals from Ethan Hartman coming from 28 and 24 yards out. With 28.6 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Hilltops got in front 7-6 on a one-yard touchdown run from Carter McLean.

Adner St Hilaire caught two TD passes for the Huskies.

The lead didn’t last long.

On the ensuing kickoff, Huskies kick returner Ben Wilton ran the ball back 90 yards for a touchdown to give the visitors a 13-7 edge.

Early in the second quarter, the Hilltops jumped back in front 14-13 on another one-yard touchdown run from McLean.

With 3:33 remaining in the second quarter, O’Flaherty connected with St Hilaire on an 18-yard touchdown toss to put the Huskies up 20-14. St Hilaire had eight catches for 82 yards to go with his two majors through the air on the afternoon.

Hartman added a single on the ensuing kickoff and 33 yard field goal on the last play of the frame to give Edmonton a 24-14 advantage at halftime.

Declan O’Flaherty had 227 yards passing for the Huskies.

Hartman’s field goal on the last play of the half was set up by a muffed Hilltops punt return that was recovered by Huskies defensive back Jackson Ganton.

While Saskatoon was down 10 points at halftime, Hilltops safety Brant Morrow said belief was high a comeback was going to be made. The veteran, who is in his fourth full season with the team, said the key was to focus and work your way back play by play.

“You know what, we were just kind of going out there and doing our best just one play at a time,” said Morrow. “You can’t get down on yourself if you are losing.

“You can’t get too high if you are winning. You just kind of go out there and give your best every play. It turned out for us today.”

Mason Ochs (#73) had a key fumble recovery.

With 5:17 remaining in the third quarter, the Hilltops got a 26-yard field goal from kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas to trim the Huskies lead to 24-17.

The Hilltops proceeded to tie the game 24-24 on a six-yard touchdown run from McLean with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter. McLean carried the ball 23 times for 85 yards to go with his three rushing majors on the day.

That late third quarter touchdown was set up by the Hilltops converting a third down conversion off a fake field goal that saw holder and backup quarterback Doug Fleming hit receiver Presley Peterson with a 24-yard pass.

In the fourth quarter, Morrow made two interceptions to stall Edmonton offensive marches. With 3:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, Abel-Douglas hit a 23-yard field goal to put the Hilltops up 27-24.

Abel-Douglas’s field goal was set up thanks to the fact star left tackle Mason Ochs recovered a fumble by Heintz, who had just made a catch and run to get a first down on that scoring drive.

Ben Wilton had a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD for the Huskies.

That fourth quarter field goal by Abel-Douglas set up the dramatics at the end with St Hilaire putting the Huskies up 31-27 with 78 second to play with his second touchdown catch, and Heintz countering with the winning score for the Hilltops with 21.3 seconds remaining in the game.

“At some point in time, the pressure is going to go on one team more than the other,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “We were down 10 at one point.

“It wasn’t looking good. We just kept battling. The coaches made some good calls, and you know what, the players figured it out.

“We are living another week, and that is all I care about. I get another week to coach this team.”

Brant Morrow had two interceptions for the Hilltops.

Dutton completed 21-of-39 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown, while throwing one interception.

Sargeant said he was proud of all his players and coach on Sunday, and he was pleased to see Dutton persevere over some rough patches to ultimately engineer the winning touchdown drive at the end.

“Damon (Dutton) didn’t have the greatest start, but at the end of the day, we stuck with him, and he stuck with himself,” said Sargeant. “He found a way to get it done.

“He showed a lot of guts today. He grew a lot, and he played his best when his best was needed. That is what it is all about.”

Hilltops receiver Lachlan Horsley made some key catches leading all Hilltops receivers with 106 yards coming on six receptions.

The Hilltops celebrate an interception by Jaxon Funk (#77).

O’Flaherty completed 22-of-40 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions. Huskies running back Alex Gayle topped all ground gainers with 110 yards rushing on 19 carries.

Defensive back Wade Keating led the Hilltops with 10 total tackles.

Linebacker Mathew Laurin topped the Huskies with 6.5 total tackles. Huskies defensive back Paul Loggale had an interception and two pass knockdowns.

Now, the Hilltops turn their focus towards the Thunder. Heintz said the Hilltops were going to enjoy the win over the Huskies for the rest of the day Sunday and then get back it preparing for the PFC final against the Thunder.

Fans at SMF Field celebrate the Hilltops PFC semifinal victory.

“It is just a mindset,” said Heintz. “We have to come back Monday or Tuesday whenever the coach says, and then practise hard.

“We had a good week of practice this week. We just have to come together as a team and work hard and then go into their barn and beat them. That is all it is.”

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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Ochs is a Hilltops all-time great

Left tackle named top offensive lineman for PFC

Mason Ochs, left, was named the PFC’s top O-lineman.

Mason Ochs finally got a big individual honour that had eluded him for the first four years of his CJFL career.

On Friday, Ochs, who helped the Hilltops win four CJFL championships from 2016 to 2019, was named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman. One day earlier, the Saskatoon Hilltops left tackle was named a PFC all-star for the fourth consecutive season, but he finally captured the most outstanding offensive lineman award in his final season of eligibility.

With the Hilltops, newcomers usually spend two seasons as a backup or practicing and don’t usually move into a starting position until at least their third year.

Ochs, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds, became a starter at left tackle in his sophomore season in 2017. A PFC all-star and a CJFL all-Canadian all-star nod came during that campaign.

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers football team earned both PFC all-star and CJFL all-Canadian all-star accolades again in 2018 and 2019.

Ochs also earned an invite to the training camp of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019.

While he piled up honours, the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman award eluded him. It should be noted that Ochs had stiff competition for that award, when he became a Hilltops starter.

In 2017 that honour was taken by Ochs’ then fourth-year teammate in right tackle Kirk Simonsen.

In 2018 and 2019, Regina Thunder left tackle Logan Ferland claimed the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman award. Ferland now plays for the Roughriders and is the team’s starting left guard.

Had Ochs been named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman before the current campaign, he would have been deserving of that honour.

Mason Ochs (#73) walks out to the field with his parents on Oct. 17

With all that said, the fact Ochs got that award this year was extra special due to the fact the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world.

The Hilltops practiced together for six weeks in September and October of 2020, but did not take part in any game action. Ochs took part in those sessions hoping he would get a chance to play his final season of eligibility in 2021.

On September 8 of 2020, the CJFL announced players that were slated to turn 22-years-old and 21-years-old for the 2020 campaign would be granted an extra year of eligibility. Those players that would have been 22-years-old in 2020 could play in 2021, and players that would have been 21-years-old in 2020 could play through to 2022.

Ochs was pumped world events broke that he could return to play out his final season of CJFL eligibility in 2021 as a 23-year-old. When the Hilltops were in training camp in August, Ochs said it felt like Christmas to be back playing the game he loved.

He was just one of three players that remained with the Hilltops from the club’s 2016 roster along with right tackle Jonathan Chisholm and boundary corner Jared Giddings.

While this big award finally came, Ochs is honestly one of those players that views team accomplishments as being more important than individual ones.

He helped the Hilltops post a 6-2 regular season record to finish second in the PFC. The Hilltops have won the CJFL title the last six straight times it was contested.

The storied CJFL club will take on the Edmonton Huskies (5-3 regular season, 6-3 overall) in a PFC semifinal on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Hilltops are aiming to continue on to try and claim another CJFL title. It would write the ultimate ending for the CJFL careers of Ochs, Chisholm, Giddings and linebacker Emmarae Dale if they could graduate as league champions.

Ochs was the only Hilltops player to capture a major PFC award this year.

Konner Johnson (#42) was named a PFC all-star at linebacker.

He was joined by three teammates on the PFC all-star team on Thursday along with another teammate on the PFC’s all-rookie team.

The three other Hilltops players named to the PFC all-star team included defensive tackle Jaxon Funk, outside linebacker Konner Johnson and safety Brant Morrow.

Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack made the PFC’s all-rookie team.

The Huskies had two players pick up major PFC awards. Alex Gayle was named the most outstanding running back and Cheyvez Campbell took honours as the most outstanding defensive back.

The Huskies had eight players named PFC all-stars including offensive lineman Carson Lethbridge, Gayle, receivers Adner St Hilaire and De Shawn Le Jour, quarterback Declan O’Flaherty, defensive lineman Josh Lenz, Campbell and defensive back Maurice Dubois.

Huskies kicker Liane Santos made the all-rookie team.

The Thunder took seven of the PFC’s major awards.

Rylan Sokul claimed honours as the PFC’s most outstanding receiver, most outstanding offensive player and most valuable player.

Carter Shewchuk was named the PFC’s most outstanding quarterback, kicker Eric Maximuik claimed the PFC’s most outstanding special teams player award and defensive lineman Reece McCormick captured PFC rookie of the year honours.

Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay was named the PFC’s coach of the year with the Thunder posting a perfect 8-0 regular season record.

Sokul, Shewchuk, Maximuik and McCormick were all named to the PFC all-star team. Maximuik claimed his all-star nod at place kicker.

Also named to the PFC all-star team from the Thunder were a trio of offensive linemen in Riley Schick, Logan Hubick and Connor Klassen. Joining them from the Thunder on the PFC all-star team are receiver Issac Ford, linebacker Ryan Mills and defensive back Justin McKerracher.

Alex Gayle (#33) was named the PFC’s top running back.

McCormick made the PFC all-rookie team from the Thunder along with Running back Ryland Leichert, receiver Tristan Bergquist and linebacker Stephen Smith.

The Thunder host the Winnipeg Rifles (2-6 regular season, 3-6 overall) in a PFC semifinal contest slated for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

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’ Morrow excels in dual role once again

Safety again making impact resuming punt returning duties

Brant Morrow returns a punt for the Hilltops.

Brant Morrow was all in when it came to making an old role new again.

After his rookie year in 2017, Morrow took on the dual role of starting safety and punt returner for the Saskatoon Hilltops in 2018 and 2019. After the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Morrow was at first penciled in to just be the starting safety for the storied CJFL squad.

As a safety, Morrow, who is one of the Hilltops team captains, handles calling out adjustments in the defensive secondary.

After the Hilltops dropped a 16-13 decision to the Regina Thunder on Sept. 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Saskatoon coaching staff talked to Morrow about resuming his role as a punt returner.

In that role, Morrow would be back returning punts with long time friend Ethan Godson. Both players are in their fourth full season with the team.

The pair had a lot of success returning punts for the Hilltops in 2019 helping the venerable Saskatoon side win a sixth straight CJFL title.

Before joining the Hilltops, Morrow and Godson were the punt returning duo when they were teammates on the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints football team.

Morrow thought he needed a spark, and the team was looking for a spark in the return game. The 22-year-old was more than happy to jump at that opportunity.

Brant Morrow (#22) is one of the Hilltops captains.

“Having the opportunity to make a big play and also to have the ball in my hands, I don’t get that all the time as a DB,” said Morrow, whose Hilltops (4-2) host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-4) at 1 p.m. on Sunday at SMF Field. “It brings some excitement and kind of lights a fire under your (butt).

“You’re excited every time you get out there on special teams.”

Morrow made a big impact in the punt return department in the Hilltops 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles on Sept. 26. With the Rifles holding a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Morrow nearly missed getting his first punt return touchdown of his CJFL career.

He returned a punt 56 yards before he was taken down at Winnipeg’s one-yard line. That return still set up a one-yard touchdown run from power running back Boston Davidsen.

Morrow returned two punts for 73 yards that game and had a kickoff that traveled 40 yards. He earned special teams player of the week honours for the Prairie Football Conference for his efforts in the win over Winnipeg.

Looking back at that long return against the Rifles, Morrow was happy it set up a touchdown, but he still wishes he would have scored on that play.

“I really didn’t anticipate that punter (Luke McMillan),” said Morrow, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 165 pounds. “He is a receiver too, but I didn’t anticipate he’d catch me.

“Looking back at the film and everything, you wished you would have put your head down a little bit more. I guess that is a good learning lesson, because you don’t want to leave anything on the field. Having a play like that makes you really realize like there are only a couple of plays in the game where that little extra effort will pay dividends.

Brant Morrow (#22) fills the dual role of safety and punt returner.

“I’m happy the team scored, but yeah, obviously you want to score for yourself as well.”

For the moment, Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant believes Morrow has just scratched the surface when it comes to making big plays this season. The legendary sideline boss thinks Morrow will be part of multiple big moments as the campaign moves on.

“Brant (Morrow), he is always a breath of fresh air,” said Sargeant. “He brings a lot of energy and a lot of leadership.

“He loves playing the game. He is a great competitor. He loves to make big plays, and we’re looking forward to these next two regular season games and the playoffs where he is going to be even more dynamic as a playmaker and help put us in some real good spots as a punt returner and as a safety.”

When it comes to big plays, Morrow’s signature play came on August 25, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina against the Thunder. Right before the end of the third quarter of that contest, Morrow returned an interception 113 yards for a touchdown to help power the Hilltops to a 34-16 victory.

That win was the 200^th career victory in combined CJFL regular season and post-season action for Sargeant.

“It is something that you like to get hyped up on,” said Morrow. “Being my fifth year here, sometimes you feel like you are almost expected to make plays.

“Really, our coaches put us in good spots. I trust that my coaches are put me in a spot to make big plays like that and not necessarily that I’ll have to do something out of the ordinary to make a play like that. I think I’ll just be doing my job and something great can happen out of that.”

Brant Morrow has been the Hilltops starting safety since 2018.

So far this season on defensive side of the ball, Morrow has 20 total tackles, one quarterback sack and two pass knockdowns.

While the Hilltops were able to practice for six weeks in September and October of 2020, Morrow felt like he had to shake off some rust to get back to game speed due to not playing any games last year.

Morrow believes he is starting to get back to where he was.

“I think personally I could be playing better,” said Morrow. “I’ve been getting better every game.

“That year off really, definitely took something to me. It has taken a lot to get it back, but I feel like I’ve got my feet under me. For the rest of the season, I’m going to be looking a lot different than the first half.”

The Hilltops are looking to close out the regular season by winning their last two games in order to lock up second place and earn a bye to host a PFC semifinal contest in the CJFL playoffs.

The Wildcats head into Sunday’s game with running back Nathan Zacharias posing a big threat on the ground. Zacharias sits second in the PFC in rushing carrying the ball 94 times for 549 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

The Hilltops head into the contest with the Wildcats after posting a huge 34-20 victory over the 4-2 Edmonton Huskies on Oct. 3 at SMF Field.

“Hey, (Wildcats head) coach (Darcy) Park has been around for a long time and does a good job with his group and his staff,” said Sargeant. “Hey, they are playing the Saskatoon Hilltops, so he is going to come in fired up and motivated.

Brant Morrow (#22) is all fired up for the stretch run.

“They are going to put in a lot of time and energy into getting ready for this game. We have to make sure that we show up, and we play our Sunday best. The reality is we had a great first half against the Edmonton Huskies.

“I wasn’t as happy in the second half. I’m looking to see if we can come out and play a 60-minute game. There is no better time to do it than against the Edmonton Wildcats.”

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Hilltops ship it up to Boston

Davidsen rumbles for 221 yards in win over Huskies

Boston Davidsen had a monster game Sunday for the Hilltops.

The Saskatoon Hilltops shipped the ball up to Boston Davidsen to find their offensive groove.

The 20-year-old running back, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds, ran the ball 31 times for 221 yards and scored three touchdowns to power the Hilltops to a 34-20 victory over the Edmonton Huskies in a CJFL regular season clash on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Davidsen’s performance allowed the Hilltops to build a 17-0 edge in the first quarter and hold a 20-0 advantage at halftime. The power running back’s legs ensured the Hilltops held off a Huskies surge in the second half to preserve the victory.

When asked if this contest was a statement to show he had arrived, Davidsen deflected credit to his offensive line.

Boston Davidsen (#24) powers his way to a 10-yard touchdown run.

The Hilltops starting offensive line including left tackle Mason Ochs, left guard Jordan Bisson, centre Luciano Jolly, right guard Ethan Paslowski and right tackle Jayson Kehler allowed the Hilltops to pile up 444 yards of total offence.

“It is more the O-line’s time has arrived,” said Davidsen, whose father Donnie Davidsen is the Hilltops long time offensive line coach. “This is probably their best game of the year.

“When the O-line has a good game, the running back is going to have a good game. I think just O-line play and coaching plan led to the game today.”

The win was a big one for the Hilltops as it allowed them to improve to 4-2, while the Huskies fell to 4-2. 

Boston Davidsen (#24) celebrates his second of three majors.

The victory allowed the Hilltops to sweep the regular season series with the Huskies 2-0, which means Saskatoon holds the standings tiebreaker between the two sides and moved into second place in the Prairie Football Conference.

Both clubs have two games remaining on their respective regular season schedules. The Regina Thunder sit first in the PFC with a 6-0 mark with two games remaining on their regular season schedule.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said Boston Davidsen has emerged thanks to the work he put in during an extended break when the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

Boston Davidsen, left, scores his third rushing TD on Sunday.

Davidsen helped the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints win 3A provincial championships in 2016 and 2018 before joining the Hilltops for their 2019 CJFL championship season. Following the Hilltops 2019 CJFL title season, Sargeant said Davidsen worked to get bigger, stronger and faster.

“Carter (McLean) is our starter, but he (Davidsen) just kept coming and coming,” said Sargeant. “Carter got a little nicked up, and at the end of the day, hey, he (Davidsen) is starting to make his plays, and it is fun to watch.

“Everyone rallies around him. To have Boston and Carter in our backfield and Jordan Tabin who played a great game today as well, our three backs were absolutely exemplary today. A big credit to the O-line.

Boston Davidsen piled up 221 yards rushing on Sunday.

“When you put all that together, yeah, we should be tough to stop, and we want to keep going in that direction.”

The presence of Davidsen and McLean gives the Hilltops a huge one-two punch at the running back position, while Tabin has taken on the role of short-yardage specialist. McLean had a solid outing too in Sunday’s win carrying the ball 14 times for 64 yards.

Davidsen said McLean, who is in his third full season with the Hilltops, has been a good mentor.

“The running back ahead of me, Carter McLean, he has been a really big influence on me,” said Davidsen. “He has been really helping me out teaching me and has been a big supporter of mine.

“A lot of credit goes to him.”

Josh Wiebe had a big opening kickoff return on Sunday.

The Hilltops came out the gate flying on Sunday. Receiver Josh Wiebe returned the opening kickoff 39 yards into Huskies territory to give the Hilltops offence good field position.

The Hilltops offence proceeded to drive the ball after Wiebe’s return for an opening series touchdown drive that was capped by a four-yard scoring run by Davidsen to take a 7-0 lead. That score marked the first time the Hilltops offence scored a major on their opening possession of the game this season.

Saskatoon quickly got the ball back again thanks to an interception near midfield by outside linebacker Konner Johnson, who had seven total tackles in the contest.

“That was one of our big talking points in practices,” said Davidsen. “It was let’s have a good drive and let’s stay on the field, especially on that first drive and hit them hard.

Konner Johnson came up with a big first quarter interception.

“I think we did that, and it helped for the rest of the game.”

The Hilltops drove down and got a 17-yard field goal from kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas on their ensuing possession to go up 10-0.

Before the first quarter ended, Davidsen ran in a touchdown up the gut from 10-yards out to increase Saskatoon’s advantage to 17-0.

In the second quarter, the Hilltops scored a safety to go up 19-0, when Huskies star quarterback Declan O’Flaherty was penalized for intentional grounding for throwing the ball away while in his own end zone.

Abel-Douglas added a single from a missed 37-yard field goal to put the Hilltops up 20-0 going into halftime.

Two Hilltops defenders make a big hit on a Huskies receiver.

Hilltops safety Brant Morrow said his team had a really good vibe heading into Sunday’s game.

“It was more of a feeling,” said Morrow, who had three solo tackles and a pass knock down in the win. “We came out with more energy.

“We were giving each other more high-fives. We were excited for each other making plays. That energy just really took us into the game, and we played a better game.”

The Huskies didn’t go away. On the first series in the second half, the Huskies put together a long offensive series that culminated on an 11-yard touchdown run from star running back Alex Gayle to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 20-7.

Huskies receiver De Shawn Le Jour gets tackled after a catch.

The Hilltops responded with a touchdown drive of their own that was capped by a 21-yard run from Davidsen to push the host side’s advantage to 27-7. Morrow was impressed with what Davidsen and the Hilltops ground game was able to do.

“Boston was amazing, but I also have to give a shout out to the O-line,” said Morrow. “They were awesome as well.

“He (Davidsen) was hitting the holes hard. Yards after contact, he can get a lot of those. He was special today.”

Before the third quarter ended, the Huskies got on the board again, when O’Flaherty hit star receiver De Shawn Le Jour with a 35-yard touchdown pass. Huskies kicker Ethan Hartman hit the crossbar on the ensuing convert to see the Hilltops lead sit at 27-13.

Declan O'Flaherty (#4) had 306 yards passing for the Huskies.

Just 75 seconds into the fourth quarter, O’Flaherty hit receiver Caleb Akerley with a four-yard touchdown toss on a third-and-goal gamble. The Huskies major further trimmed Saskatoon’s advantage to 27-20.

That was as close as the Huskies would come to making a comeback.

Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 27-yard touchdown pass with 8:42 remaining in the fourth quarter to conclude the scoring in the 34-20 win by the host side.

“We’re a work in progress, but at the end of the day, this was by far our best game of the year,” said Sargeant. “You know what, the guys stuck together and played together.

Ethan Paslowski, left, sets to make a block in pass protection.

“Our O-line really stepped up. Our quarterback was good. Boston Davidsen is an emerging superstar.

“At the end the day, the defence was great in the first half.”

Doubling as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, Sargeant gave his offence, which has been inconsistent this season, an extra plug.

“The Edmonton Huskies had the best offence in the league,” said Sargeant. “That was our challenge is whose got the best offence.

“I think we proved today putting 34 points on it right now that the Saskatoon Hilltops offence is pretty good. We’re only going to get better.”

Carter McLean carried the ball 14 times for 64 yards on Sunday.

Dutton completed 16-of-24 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no inceptions for the Hilltops.

O’Flaherty connected on 26-of-40 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception for the Huskies. Gayle carried the ball 22 times for 119 yards to go with his major score, while Le Jour caught seven passes for 114 yards to go with his catch for a major score for the visitors.

Defensive lineman Josh Lenz had a sack for the Huskies.

The entire PFC now heads off on a bye week.

The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. when they host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-4) at SMF Field.

Matthew Turple, left, and Luciano Jolly are all smiles after Sunday’s win.

Davidsen said the focus now shifts toward building for the post-season.

“We’re getting ready for the playoffs here,” said Davidsen. “We have two more games.

“We have to try and ramp up the intensity, so that when we go into the playoffs, we are ready to go, and it is our best game when we are heading into Week 1 of the playoffs.”

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Hilltops and Huskies to battle in big money game

Ethan Godson and the Hilltops have a big game on Sunday.

It is a contest the Saskatoon Hilltops have to win, if they want to have a bye in the post-season.

On Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops (3-2) host the Edmonton Huskies (4-1) in a CJFL regular season clash where the winner will sit second in the Prairie Football Conference standings.

The Hilltops claimed the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton. 

A win by Saskatoon on Sunday would allow the Hilltops to sweep the season series 2-0 and give them the standings tiebreaker with the Huskies.

If the Huskies win on Sunday, the Hilltops chances of finishing in the top two positions of the PFC could potentially be finished. The Huskies would be left to jockey with the Regina Thunder (5-0) for first in the PFC over the final two weeks of the campaign.

This season, all six teams in the PFC make the playoffs. The first and second place teams earn byes to host conference semifinal games.

 “That (Sunday’s contest with the Huskies) is an absolute money game,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “There is lots at stake there.

Boston Davidsen (#24) has run tough inside for the Hilltops.

“We certainly have to improve our performance and our play if we are going to put ourselves in some meaningful situations in the future. Right now, we are making still too many mistakes that get in our way and don’t allow us to play a game of energy and momentum.”

Sargeant is well aware of the test that awaits his team. Huskies running back Alex Gayle leads the PFC in rushing yards with 547 and rushing touchdowns with seven.

Gayle piled up those statistics on 87 carries, which means he is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

Huskies star quarterback Declan O’Flaherty has completed 76-of-135 passes for PFC high 1,350 yards and a PFC leading 13 touchdowns, while only throwing two interceptions.

Huskies receiver Adner St. Hilaire sits second in the PFC with 409 yards receiving coming on 22 catches, and he has scored a pair of touchdowns. De Shawn Le Jour is also having a big season playing receiver for the Huskies catching 13 passes for 341 yards and six touchdowns. His receive yardage total ranks fourth best in the PFC.

Sargeant liked how his defence has played this season, especially in the Hilltops 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles this past Sunday at SMF Field. The legendary sideline boss knows that unit faces a big test against the Huskies.

LB Noah Gedir (#36) and the Hilltops defence aims to come up big.

“Our defence certainly put on some good game tape this weekend especially after the first quarter,” said Sargeant. “I’m really pleased with how they played.

“They have a tough matchup ahead of them, because they (the Huskies) got the leading rusher. They have two of the top four receivers. Their quarterback has thrown 13 touchdowns and 1,300 yards passing, so by far the best in the league.

“They have a lot of weapons offensively. Their defence is aggressive. There is lots in front of us.”

Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson said a key to taking on the Huskies is trying to make them one-dimensional on offence.

“We have to stop the run first of all like we did with the Rifles,” said Johnson, who leads the Hilltops with three interceptions this season. “The run is dangerous.

“Once we can do that, the game gets easier for us on defence, and that is the goal.”

Offensively, the Hilltops are looking for better consistency on that side of the ball. They’ve been able to rely on their ground game as running back Carter McLean sits third in the PFC in rushing with 421 yards coming on 92 carries, and he has scores three touchdowns.

The Hilltops need to hit the end zone a few times on Sunday.

Running back Boston Davidsen, who is in his second full season with the Hilltops, has carried the ball 38 times for 243 yards and scored one touchdown this season. He sits seventh in the PFC for rushing.

The Hilltops air attack is showing glimpses over the past two weeks that it can be dangerous. Speed receiver Ethan Godson has caught 16 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns. He has the fifth most receiving yards in the PFC.

Huskies defensive back Cheyvez Campbell tops the PFC with five interceptions, and he will try to keep making life tough for the Hilltops offence.

“We just have to be consistent,” said Godson. “I think that is the biggest thing.

“We have some good drives, but then we can’t finish them. I think just being consistent is the biggest thing.”

Hilltops’ Morrow gets PFC’s weekly special teams honour

Brant Morrow jets downfield on a 56-yard punt return.

Saskatoon Hilltops safety Brant Morrow turned heads with his abilities on special teams, and it allowed him to capture a weekly award.

On Tuesday, Morrow was named the special teams player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference. This past Sunday in a 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Morrow returned two punts for 73 yards and kicked off once for 40 yards.

In the first quarter in the win over the Rifles, Morrow returned a punt 56 yards down to the Winnipeg one yard line. That set up a one-yard touchdown plunge from Hilltops running back Boston Davidsen.

Edmonton Huskies running back Alex Gayle was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his efforts in a 57-14 romp over the Colts in Calgary this past Sunday.

Gayle carried the ball 19 times for 149 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 29 yards.

Regina Thunder linebacker Matthew Schill took honours as the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his efforts in a 22-10 victory over the Wildcats in Edmonton. Schill had 11 solo tackles, one quarterback sack and one interception in the win.

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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