Hilltops focus on taking another step forward

Saskatoon departs to Edmonton to face Wildcats

The Hilltop leveled the Wildcats with big hits in their 2021 meeting.

The Saskatoon Hilltops put the skids on their skid, but they know they have to take a few more steps to get out of the wilderness.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops downed the Colts in Calgary 35-17 to end an uncharacteristic three-game losing streak, which was something the club hadn’t experienced at least in over three decades. The win evened the Hilltops regular season record at 3-3 to sit third in the PFC.

This coming Sunday, the Hilltops travel to Edmonton to face the Wildcats, who are the only club in the Prairie Football Conference eliminated from playoff contention with an 0-6 record. The two sides will meet at Emerald Hills Regional Park, which is located in Sherwood Park, Alta., a centre that is right on Edmonton’s east border.

Hilltops veteran middle linebacker Matt Wist said his team still has to be mindful of where they are at even with finally adding another victory to the win column last Sunday against Calgary.

“For sure, it was a good win,” said Wist. “We just have to focus on where we are.

“We’re 3-3 and we can’t forget that. We just have to move forward and focus on ourselves.”

The victory over the Colts has put the Hilltops in a position of being on the cusp of locking up a berth in the CJFL playoffs. The Hilltops will clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Wildcats combined with a loss by the Colts (2-4) in their game this coming Sunday at home against the Regina Thunder (6-0). The Thunder need one win to lock up first place in the PFC.

A third regular season game that will be played this coming Sunday as well involving PFC teams will also be of interest to the Hilltops. The second place Edmonton Huskies (4-2) will host the fourth place Winnipeg Rifles (3-3).

The Hilltops own head-to-head standings tiebreaker with both the Huskies and Rifles, and the second place team in the PFC will host a PFC semifinal contest.

Boston Davidsen, left, leads the PFC in rushing yards.

At the moment, Hilltops legendary head coach Tom Sargeant isn’t too worried about where his team sits in the conference standings. He is focused on ensuring his Hilltops are playing well when the post-season comes around, and he saw glimmers of what his team needs to do in their win over the Colts.

“We’re starting to make some plays,” said Sargeant. “We want to make more plays.

“We have two more regular season games before we get into the reality of playoffs. We need all our players to step up and make more plays. If we’re able to do that, we are going to have more success.”

Going into last weekend’s game with the Colts, Sargeant said he was going to start some of the Hilltops younger players. At quarterback, 20-year-old Trey Reider got his first career CJFL start over 22-year-old veteran Damon Dutton.

Reider completed 16-of-24 passes for 191 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Hilltops running game carried the day in the win over the Colts posting a combined 269 yards on the ground. Star power running back Boston Davidsen led the Hilltops running the ball 19 times for 144 yard and one touchdown.

Davidsen leads the PFC with 734 yards rushing coming off 121 carries, where he has scored three touchdowns.

Veteran running back Carter McLean, who is in his final season of CJFL eligibility, carried the ball eight times for 70 yards in the win over the Colts after missing two games due to a minor ailment. Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi had eight carries for 36 yards.

Defensively in the win over the Colts, Wist led the Hilltops with seven total tackles and had an interception.

The Hilltops look celebrate more major scores this coming Sunday.

Heading into the clash with the Hilltops, Wildcats running back Jayden Zak leads his team in rushing with 240 yards coming on 45 carriers. Receiver Travis Heggart is the Wildcats top pass catcher hauling in 19 passes for 307 yards.

The Hilltops and Wildcats met once in 2021 with Saskatoon posting a 44-7 victory at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on October 17 of that year.

Wist believes his team can do achieve big accomplishments and make big plays during the rest of the 2022 campaign, but he reinforced the focus at the moment is on the Wildcats.

“We are expected to do big things,” said Wist. “We all think we can do big things, which is a good thing to move forward.

“We just have to get the win this weekend.”

McNeil get player of the week nod in Rifles setback

Bryson McNeil was the PFC’s offensive player of the week.

Bryson McNeil did his best to try and sling his Winnipeg Rifles to an upset win, and he got a player of the week award for his efforts.

On Wednesday, McNeil was named the offensive player of the week for the PFC for his efforts in his club’s 29-23 loss to the visiting Regina Thunder last Sunday at IG Field in Winnipeg. McNeil completed 25-of-39 passes for 329 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. 

He also ran the ball five times for 28 yards. This marked the second time this season McNeil was a PFC offensive player of the week.

Had the Rifles won that contest, they would have been in the thick of the race for first in the PFC. The Thunder improved to 6-0 with the victory, and they are one win away from clinching top spot in the conference. Winnipeg fell to 3-3 to sit fourth in the conference.

The PFC’s defensive and special teams play of the week awards went to members of the Edmonton Huskies for their performance in a 48-14 victory over the Edmonton Wildcats this past Saturday at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta.

Huskies defensive back Nahome Giorgis was named the defensive player of the week for the PFC recording seven solo defensive tackles, one quarterback sack and a pass knockdown in the victory over the Wildcats.

Huskies receiver and kick returner Caleb Akerley took home honours as the special teams player of the week for the PFC. Akerley returned two kick off for 69 yards and seven punts for 80 yards.

Sawi stats change on early season touchdown

Charles Sawi had a change made on one of his TDs this season.

In reviewing game tape to double check the accuracy on statistics, a change was made to one of the two touchdowns Saskatoon Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi scored on August 21.

On August 21, the Hilltops played their second game of the CJFL regular season downing the visiting Edmonton Huskies 38-10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sawi scored that game’s first touchdown on a 40-yard swing pass from quarterback Damon Dutton.

In watching that video, the statisticians ruled Dutton pitched the ball on that play to Sawi and registered that major score coming on a 40-yard run. Sawi added a second touchdown coming off a reverse run that covered 31 yards.

On the season, Sawi officially has 20 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a major score coming on a 125-yard missed field goal return in a 29-21 overtime setback to the Regina Thunder on September 10 at SMF Field.

Bury joins U of Saskatchewan Huskies

Heather Bury, left, at the Hilltops clubhouse in May of 2020.

Arguably the Saskatoon Hilltops best behind the scenes talent will have the chance to make a big behind the scenes impact on a new stage.

On Friday, Heather Bury started her first day working as the new sports information and marketing specialist for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies athletic program in U Sports. Bury will be involved with the sport information and marketing needs of the Huskies 15 varsity teams.

Bury has been the equipment manager and social media manager for the Hilltops for a lengthy stretch. She has been the team’s equipment manager for a time that has included nine CJFL championship wins coming in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

On top of being the equipment manager, Bury is a go to person for the players when they had any questions about the Hilltops organization. She always points them in the right direction.

In U Sports, it is common for sports information and marketing specialists to work 60 hours a week when an athletics program’s season is in progress, but Bury will be staying on with the Hilltops. Both the Hilltops and Huskies will benefit from her expertise.

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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Horsley plays to prime time level for Saskatoon

Hilltops look for others to do the same in rematch with Thunder

Lachlan Horsley, left, had a big game last Saturday for the Hilltops.

Lachlan Horsley was in prime time form last Saturday for the Saskatoon Hilltops, and team’s sideline boss wants to see others play up to the same level displayed by the veteran pass catcher.

Horsley, who is playing his final season of CJFL eligibility with the Hilltops, caught nine passes for 122 yards as his squad dropped a 29-21 regular season decision in overtime to their provincial rivals in the Regina Thunder last Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. With the CJFL using the CFL’s shootout format to decide games in extra time, Horsley almost ended up the overtime hero for the Hilltops.

Saskatoon had the first possession of the extra season, and Horsley hauled in a 29-yard pass and was stopped six yards from the end zone. On a third and goal gamble, Horsley came open just inside the end zone, but Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton threw the ball behind the sure-handed pass catcher.

The Thunder proceeded to post a touchdown and a two point conversion to win the game on their ensuing possession.

The two sides are set to go at it again on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. The Thunder sport a perfect 4-0 record, while the Hilltops sit at 2-2 having lost their last two straight outings.

Tom Sargeant, who is the Hilltops legendary head coach, said his team is going to need other players to step up like Horsley did to allow the storied CJFL club to break out of its recent funk. Sargeant said the Hilltops plan to keep targeting Horsley, but the sideline boss expects his skilled receiver will attract increased attention from the Thunder defence.

“The other team is going to know that too,” said Sargeant. “We gave him (Horsley) 10 targets last week, so that is a good number.

“We need some other players to step up too. Other players got to start making plays to make the field even bigger for him. Regina is smart.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, right, is working to end his team’s skid.

“They’ll rally around and make sure to try and take the ball away from him and force some other player to step up. I’m not sure we have enough players ready to do that.”

Horsley returned to the Hilltops lineup last Saturday after missing the team’s previous two games with a minor calf injury. While he drew the start against the Thunder, the 22-year-old wasn’t originally expecting to have a big night until the Thunder started playing a defensive look that gave him an opportunity to make plays.

“It wasn’t really a game plan that I was going to have the opportunities I did,” said Horsley, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. “Once we got going and I got a look at the defence, we got the look we wanted.

“It was going to come my way. They played a lot of cut where the half would give me this free space, so I just took it. Damon (Dutton) made the reads.

“He threw the ball to me coincidentally quite a bit, so I just made the plays. It turned out I had a pretty decent game after all.”

Even with having a good outing, the final outcome on the scoreboard still stung for Horsley. The setback hurt even worse for the Hilltops due to the fact they were holding a 21-14 lead inside the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter and the Thunder were facing a third-and-eight situation from the Saskatoon 31 yard line.

Thunder star quarterback Carter Shewchuk found star receiver Isaiah Woodley with a 31-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 21-21 with 16.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and ultimately force overtime. That set the stage for Regina to win the game in the extra session.

Due to that setback, the Hilltops find themselves in an unaccustomed position in the PFC standings. At 2-2, the Hilltops are tied for second to fifth place in the conference standings with the Winnipeg Rifles, Edmonton Huskies and Calgary Colts, who all sport 2-2 marks as well.

Horsley said he thought his team’s offence showed stretches of being able to play at a really high level last Saturday only for things to frustratingly drop off. He believes the Hilltops offensive unit can become a stellar unit like the team is used to seeing.

“Last Saturday, I think there were a lot of exciting things that you see when you watch this offence at times,” said Horsley. “Then, there are other times where you’re kind of scratching your head, and you’re like, ‘What are these guys doing?’

The Hilltops want more players to have big performances.

“We’re back out here, and we’re going to be putting in the work. We’re going to clean some things up. As bad as it looks right now at 2-2, I think there should be some excitement around our offence once we clean a few things up.”

While the Saskatoon side is looking to clean a few things up, Sargeant said the Hilltops are looking for Horsley to come through with another clutch game in the rematch with the Thunder this coming Saturday, which will close a home-and-home series between the two sides.

“He (Horsley) was one of the best players for us on Saturday, so we are expecting to run the same type of game plan this weekend, which means he will be heavily involved,” said Sargeant. “We’re excited to see how he performs.”

Johnson tabbed with third player of the week nod

The Hilltops celebrate a Konner Johnson (#42) interception.

Another big statistical game has resulted in another weekly award for Saskatoon Hilltops star outside linebacker Konner Johnson.

On Tuesday, Johnson was named the PFC’s player of the week for the third time this season. The Melfort, Sask., product picked up his latest weekly honour thanks to his performance in the Hilltops regular season game this past Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field against the Regina Thunder.

In that contest, Johnson posted eight total tackles, two pass knockdowns and an interception. On special teams, he also threw a key final block to clear the way for 17-year-old running back Charles Sawi to score a touchdown on a 125-yard missed field goal return.

On the season, Johnson leads the PFC in defensive points with 70 coming on 19 solo defensive tackles, four defensive tackle assists, two special teams tackles, one special teams tackle assist, one quarterback sack, four pass knockdowns and three interceptions.

The Thunder ultimately prevailed in that clash 29-21 in overtime.

Rookie Sawi named special teams player of the week

Charles Sawi romps to a 125-yard missed field goal TD return.

Charles Sawi took home his first player of the week honour thanks to one electrifying play.

On Tuesday, the Saskatoon Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week. This was the first time Sawi was named a player of the week in his young CJFL career.

Sawi claimed the award after returning a missed field 125 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter in the Hilltops 29-21 overtime setback to the Regina Thunder at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. After Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik missed a 45-yard field goal attempt, Sawi caught the ball deep in his own end zone, came first up the middle, then burst down the left sideline and cut back up the middle in returning the rock all the way the other way for a major.

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team had one other touch on special teams returning a punt for 11 yards. He also ran the ball on offence once for three yards.

So far this season, Sawi has returned four missed field goals for 239 yards including his long touchdown jaunt.

Edmonton Huskies coach passes away, other notes

A tweet from the Huskies about Neil MacLean.

On Wednesday, the Edmonton Huskies announced that their special teams coach Neil MacLean passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening.

MacLean suffered a brain aneurysm on Monday night. He passed away the next evening with his family by his side.

The 64-year-old had been a fixture in the Edmonton football community, and he had been the Huskies special teams coach for a lengthy amount of years.

The Huskies gathered on Tuesday night to reflect and celebrate the impact MacLean had on their lives.

MacLean is survived by his wife, Wilma, and sons, Iain and Andrew. Iain served as the Huskies head coach from November of 2011 to November of 2020.

·         On Tuesday, Winnipeg Rifles quarterback Bryson McNeil was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his work in his team’s 31-28 victory over the Calgary Colts last Sunday at East Side Eagles Field in Winnipeg. In that contest, McNeil completed 18-of-28 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception. He also ran the ball four times for 39 yards as the Rifles won their second straight game to improve to 2-2. On the season, McNeil has completed 91-of-144 passes for 1,254 yards and five touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions. He has passed for the second most yards in the PFC this season.

·         On Wednesday at their annual general meeting, the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders announced a profit of $151,191 for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The Raiders posted a profit of $25,891 for the 2020-21 fiscal year, where they played a 24-game regular season in a bubble environment in Regina due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world. That profit came due to $1,081,179 in government grants including $600,000 from Saskatchewan’s provincial government. The Raiders lost $331,895 in 2019-20 in a campaign that was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. In their WHL championship season in 2018-19, the Raiders posted a profit of $633,314.

·         The U Sports football regular season provides an intriguing gem of a game this coming Saturday. In a battle of 2-0 teams, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies face the University of Regina Rams at 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium. The Huskies and Rams are the last two remaining undefeated teams in the Canada West Conference. The Huskies are rated second in the U Sports Top 10 rankings, while the Rams are listed in sixth. The clash will see Huskies fifth-year star veteran quarterback Mason Nyhus go up against Rams rookie quarterback Noah Pelletier. Nyhus has completed 54-of-73 passes for 70 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Pelletier has completed 32-of-57 passes for 488 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception.

·         On Thursday, tennis all-time great Roger Federer announced he will be retiring from the ATP Tour and grand slams following the Laver Cup, which runs Sept. 23 to 25 in London, England. The 41-year-old has won 20 singles grand slam titles in his career.

·         Last Friday, I had new content appear on the Howe Happenings blog that supports the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. I put together a feature about how high school football has been a tradition at Saskatoon Minor Football Field since 1960. That piece can found by clicking right here. I also created a photo round up that had a mix of pictures from the summer and fall sports seasons 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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“Sarge” says Hilltops play on field not up to standard

Head coach wants more consistency from team

Tom Sargeant didn’t like what he saw on video from the Hilltops last game.

Tom Sargeant wants to see the Saskatoon Hilltops look like the Saskatoon Hilltops when he watches game film.

When the team’s long time legendary head coach checks out the video of his club’s 19-16 CJFL regular season loss this past Sunday to the Rifles in Winnipeg, he was dismayed. Sargeant wondered if the visiting team he was watching on video was really the squad he was coaches.

“When you watch the film, at times I didn’t recognize what this football team was,” said Sargeant. “Even though it was a 19-16 game, I wasn’t happy with our offence.

“I wasn’t happy with our defence and special teams at times. We’re just inconsistent. We’re not playing with the urgency, the intensity that needs to happen consistently for you to try and be at a great level.”

The Hilltops dropped to 2-1 with the loss to the Rifles, while the Winnipeg side improved to 1-2. In the contest itself, the Hilltops turned the ball over four times, while the Rifles gave up the ball three times.

Winnipeg outgained Saskatoon in net offensive yards 383 to 345. Those little differences ultimately helped the Rifles exit the contest with a three-point win.

“At the end of the day, you just see on the film and you learn from what you made your mistakes on,” said Sargeant. “Obviously, what you see is what you coach.

“We have to coach better. They have to play better. The performance is unacceptable for a Hilltops standard, and it doesn’t get more clearer than that.”

Bryson McNeil (#9) threw for 295 yards last Sunday.

Offensively, Rifles star quarterback Bryson McNeil had a big game completing 26-of-40 passes for 295 yards, while throwing one interception. Hilltops star power running back Boston Davidsen had the big outing offensively for his side carrying the ball 27 times for 168 yards and one touchdown.

Still, the Hilltops found themselves having a number of stops and starts in that contest.

“We have a long ways to go to get this team playing at a level that I thought we’d be at by now, but we’re not,” said Sargeant. “I own that.

“I want to get this right.”

Hilltops right tackle Victoire Bikulo, who earned a starting role this season in his second campaign with the team, said the bus ride home from Winnipeg was the most quiet bus ride he’d ever been on. Bikulo said he wasn’t happy with how he played in that contest.

After the Hilltops arrived back home to Saskatoon, Bikulo began watching film at 4 a.m. on Monday to do his part in self-examining what he did wrong.

With entire Prairie Football Conference the Hilltops play out of on a bye week, they will return to action on Saturday, September 10, when they host their provincial rivals the 3-0 Regina Thunder at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Bikulo said everyone with the Hilltops will be more dialed in during practices as that contest approaches.

“Going into the next game, it is just practice hard and physical,” said Bikulo. “You have something to prove no matter whether you are a fifth year, a first year, you always have something to prove.

“There is always somebody that can take your spot. You just have to work hard, show up to practice, be ready to learn, be very attentive, stay focused and focus on your game and your craft. Everything else can come after practice.

“Once you hit the field, it is all about football, and there are no more distractions from there on out. It is just all seriousness and toughness the whole practice.”

Boston Davidsen, left, piled up 168 yards rushing last Sunday.

Due to the fact the Hilltops have won 22 CJFL titles in team history, Sargeant said opponents are always going to be extra motivated to play his squad. He said his team has to be ready to see a top effort from every opponent game in and game out.

“Anytime we show up, people are excited to play us,” said Sargeant. “We’re going to get their best.

“When you don’t bring your best, then you lose games. That is what took place. Now, we have no time to feel sorry for ourselves, because now we have to get ready for Regina Thunder.

“The tape they’re putting out I’m jealous of. That is good tape they are putting out, and we aren’t putting out that same tape.”

Johnson captures second PFC player of the week nod

Konner Johnson was named the PFC defensive player of the week.

Saskatoon Hilltops starting outside linebacker Konner Johnson took a PFC player of the week honour for the second time this season.

On Wednesday, Johnson was named the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his effort this past Sunday, when the Hilltops dropped a 19-16 heartbreaker to the Rifles in Winnipeg. In that contest, Johnson piled up eight total tackles and returned an interception 11 yards.

Johnson, who is playing out his final season of CJFL eligibility, took home PFC defensive player of the week honours after Week 1 for his performance in helping the Hilltops down the visiting Rifles 19-10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on August 14.

In the Hilltops three games this season, Johnson has 15.5 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions and two pass knockdowns to sit second in the PFC in defensive points with 46 points.

Rifles kicker Donovan Downing was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week. In his team’s win over the Hilltops, Downing made all four of his field goal attempts including the game-winning kick from 10 yards out with 36 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Downing made his one conversion attempt and kicked off once for 51 yards. He punted the eight times for 299 yards for an average of 37.4 yards per kick.

Regina Thunder star quarterback Carter Shewchuk was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week helping his squad thump the Huskies in Edmonton 43-14 this past Sunday. In that game, Shewchuk completed 26-of-33 passes for 367 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran the ball three times for 38 yards.

Roughriders alum Hughes coming to End Zone Dinner

A Neal Hughes card.

Saskatchewan Roughriders alum Neal Hughes will be the special guest speaker at this year’s Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

The End Zone Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 10 at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Doors open for the dinner at 4:15 p.m. with food to be served at 5:15 p.m. The funds raised at the dinner go towards the Hilltops scholarship fund.

Hughes, who is from Regina, played 11 CFL seasons at fullback for the Roughriders from 2004 to 2014 helping the team to Grey Cup wins in 2007 and 2013. The 2013 championship was won at the Roughriders historic home park in Taylor Field.

During his time with the Roughriders, Hughes mainly focused on blocking duties as a fullback or from a tight end position and covered kicks on special teams. He also showed his versatility in being able to make big plays running the football, catching it out of the backfield or punting it when required.

Before joining the Roughriders, Hughes played six seasons with the Regina Rams as their star running back. He suited up for the Rams as a rookie in 1998, when they played their final season in the CJFL capturing their 15^th and final CJFL championship.

Hughes suited up with the Rams during their first five seasons in the U Sports ranks as the University of Regina Rams helping them advance to the U Sports championship game – the Vanier Cup – in 2000. The Rams fell 42-39 in that contest to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Following the End Zone Dinner, the Hilltops will face their provincial rivals in the Regina Thunder at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, which is right next to the Gordie Howe Sports Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

Single tickets for the dinner are $100 or a table of eight can be bought for $725.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on a link 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.

Hilltops get big game feel for second battle with Rifles

Boston Davidsen has 224 rushing yards for the Hilltops.

Head coach Tom Sargeant views the Winnipeg Rifles as a legit tough foe, and he won’t let his Saskatoon Hilltops be fooled by the Rifles’ 0-2 record.

On Sunday, the Hilltops, who sport a 2-0 record, travel to the Manitoba capital to face the Rifles in a CJFL regular season clash at East Side Eagles Field for a 1 p.m. Winnipeg time kickoff. The two sides opened their respective regular season schedules playing each other in Week 1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, where the Hilltops pulled out a 19-10 victory in a defensive battle on August 14.

Following that contest, the Hilltops remained at home for Week 2 this past Sunday and dumped the Edmonton Huskies 38-10 in solid fashion at SMF Field.

The Rifles traveled to Regina in Week 2 to face the Thunder this past Sunday at Leibel Field. Winnipeg held a 22-18 lead going into the fourth quarter, but the Thunder got two field goals from kicker Zack Schmidt to rally for a 24-22 victory.

Schmidt, who was playing in place of injured veteran Eric Maximuik, booted home the winning field goal from 28 yards out with 5:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

In both Rifles setbacks, Winnipeg quarterback Bryson McNeil surpassed 300 yard passing. McNeil has completed 47-of-76 passes for 645 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions, in the Rifles two games to date.

“When you have a quarterback, then you’re always in a game,” said Sargeant, whose 220 career wins are the most for Canadian amateur football in the post-secondary ranks. “At the end of the day, this will be their first game at home, so they’re going to be excited to defend their home turf.

Bryson McNeil has passed for 645 yards in two games for the Rifles.

“They got us coming in, and they felt they were right with us the last game. We know we have to play better, prepare better. We know they are going to be up to the challenge.”

In the Week 1 encounter between the Hilltops and Rifles, Saskatoon’s defence stalled Winnipeg’s running game as the Rifles gained 38 yards rushing as a team on 12 carries. That caused the Rifles to go to the air, where they piled up 335 yards passing.

The Hilltops defensive ultimately forced the Rifles drives to stall and the Saskatoon side got timely interceptions from outside linebacker Konner Johnson and defensive back Wade Keating. Johnson had 4.5 total tackles, one sack and two pass knockdowns to go with his interception in that win, while Keating had seven total tackles to with this his interception in the Week 1 victory.

While the defense came up big for the Hilltops in Week 1, Johnson thought the Hilltops defensive unit played better in the win over the Huskies, and he said the focus is to continue that improving trend going into the second encounter with the Rifles.

“It is their home opener now,” said Johnson. “They have a very talented quarterback and a very talented group of receivers, so we’re really looking to shut them down.

“It is going to be a challenge for us, but we’re up for it.”

Rifles receiver Jacob Roger had a breakout game in the loss to the Thunder hauling in 11 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. On Wednesday, Roger was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week. On the season, Roger leads the PFC in receptions (14) and receiving yards (307).

Defensive back Kyle Chorney leads the Rifles with 15 total tackles and also has one sack.

Damon Dutton has completed 34-of-47 passes this season.

Offensively for the Hilltops, quarterback Damon Dutton has been efficient completing 34-of-47 passes for 357 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions over two games. Veteran power running back Boston Davidsen sits third in the PFC in rushing piling up 224 yards on the ground on 38 carries scoring one touchdown.

Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi has 268 all-purpose yards come on 11 touches via rushing, receiving, kickoff returns, punt returns and missed field goal returns.

Sargeant is looking for his club to play their best game in the early part of the season in the second encounter with the Rifles.

“We have to be ready for whatever they bring,” said Sargeant. “The game we had last Sunday, the team grew a lot.

“We got better. I’m looking forward to taking this team out there on Sunday and coming out and playing our best game of the year.”

Roughriders alum Hughes coming to End Zone Dinner

A Roughriders promo picture of Neal Hughes.

Saskatchewan Roughriders alum Neal Hughes will be the special guest speaker at this year’s Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

The End Zone Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 10 at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Doors open for the dinner at 4:15 p.m. with food to be served at 5:15 p.m. The funds raised at the dinner go towards the Hilltops scholarship fund.

Hughes, who is from Regina, played 11 CFL seasons at fullback for the Roughriders from 2004 to 2014 helping the team to Grey Cup wins in 2007 and 2013. The 2013 championship was won at the Roughriders historic home park in Taylor Field.

During his time with the Roughriders, Hughes mainly focused on blocking duties as a fullback or from a tight end position and covered kicks on special teams. He also showed his versatility in being able to make big plays running the football, catching it out of the backfield or punting it when required.

Before joining the Roughriders, Hughes played six seasons with the Regina Rams as their star running back. He suited up for the Rams as a rookie in 1998, when they played their final season in the CJFL capturing their 15^th and final CJFL championship.

Hughes played with the Rams during their first five seasons in the U Sports ranks as the University of Regina Rams helping them advance to the U Sports championship game – the Vanier Cup – in 2000. The Rams fell 42-39 in that contest to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Following the End Zone Dinner, the Hilltops will face their provincial rivals in the Regina Thunder at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, which is right next to the Gordie Howe Sports Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

Single tickets for the dinner are $100 or a table of eight can be bought for $725.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on a link right here.

Clark and Canada open women’s worlds with win, other notes

An Emily Clark hockey card.

Emily Clark and her Canadian team got a big win to start their quest to repeat as champions at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s World Championship.

On Thursday at the Kvik Hockey Arena in Herning, Denmark, Canada opened preliminary round play downing Finland 4-1. Finland was the bronze medal winner at last year’s women’s worlds.

In Thursday’s clash between Canada and Finland, Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin and forward Sarah Nurse each had a goal and an assist to pace their squad to victory. Meaghan Mikkelson and Blayre Turnbull netted singles for Canada. Clark, who is an alumna of the Saskatoon Stars female under-18 AAA team, picked up an assist on Turnbull’s goal, which was scored into an empty net to round out the 4-1 final with 1:42 remaining in the third.

Defender Jocelyn Larocque picked up a pair of assists for Canada as well.

Julia Liikala netted the lone reply for Finland.

Ann-Renee Desbiens made 16 saves to pick up the win in goal for Canada, which included turning away Finnish forward Kiira Yrjanen on a penalty shot late in the opening frame.

Anni Keisala turned away 39-of-42 shots to take the setback in goal for Finland, who was also opening preliminary round play.

Canada returns to action on Saturday taking on Switzerland in Herning.

Canada captured gold at last year’s women’s worlds played in Calgary, Alta. In the tournament final played on August 31, 2021 at the WinSport Arena, Canada downed the United States in the gold medal final 3-2 in overtime with Poulin netting the winner.

This year’s women’s worlds are being held in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark.  The tournament runs through to Sept. 4, when the bronze and gold medal games will be played in Herning at the Kvik Hockey Arena.

• Last Saturday, Canada won gold at the IIHF’s World Junior Championship taking the tournament’s championship game against Finland 3-2 in overtime at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alta. A total of 13,327 spectators were on hand to seeing Canada’s championship win.
• Most of the games at the world juniors that wrapped up in Edmonton were plagued low attendances as that event was often overshadowed by the ongoing sexual misconduct scandals involving Hockey Canada with focus on its world junior teams from the 2017-18 gold medal winning season and the 2002-03 silver medal campaign. Troubles on this front came to light on April 20 regarding Hockey Canada’s 2017-18 world junior team, and the sport governing body has seen numerous troubles pile up since that time including a freeze of funds coming from the Canadian federal government and from sponsors. Developments regarding these scandals appear set to be part of the news cycle in Canada for some time in the foreseeable future.
• Regina Thunder defensive back Adam King was named the PFC’s defensive play of the week on Wednesday. King intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble, knocked down a pass and had 3.5 total tackles as the Thunder slipped past the Winnipeg Rifles 24-22 last Sunday in Regina.
• Calgary Colts place kicker/punter Nicholas Sirleaf was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week on Wednesday. In the Colts 38-10 victory over the visiting Edmonton Wildcats last Sunday, Sirleaf made his lone field goal attempt from 41 yards out and connected on all five of his conversion attempts. He kicked off six times for 332 yards or an average of 55.3 yards per kick. Sirleaf punted the ball seven times for 240 yards or an average of 34.3 yards per punt.
• On Thursday, Mike Babcock, who is 59-years-old, stepped down as the head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Hockey team. Brandin Cote, who was the Huskies associate head coach last season and is 41-years-old, was promoted to interim head coach. Babcock became the Huskies head coach before the start of last season with plans that he would be in that role for two seasons at most. Babcock, who is a star former NHL head coach, was helping the Huskies to transition to a new permanent head coach after the team’s long time legendary head coach Dave Adolph’s retirement became official on May 1, 2021. In Babcock’s one season behind the Huskies bench, they posted a 13-7 regular season record and fell in a best-of-three Canada West Conference quarter-final series 2-1 to the University of Calgary Dinos.
• The University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team slipped past the University of Manitoba Bison 10-9 in a U Sports exhibition game on Thursday. Receiver Rhett Vavra caught a 72-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter for the Huskies from quarterback Anton Amundrud. The Huskies open their regular season on Friday, Sept. 2, when they travel to Calgary, Alta., to face the University of Calgary Dinos.

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 defence rules opening day game at SMF Field

Saskatoon downs Rifles 19-10 to start regular season

Konner Johnson reacts after making an interception for the Hilltops.

A sideline meeting helped the Saskatoon Hilltops defence hit another gear to play at a lights out level.

On Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops hosted the Winnipeg Rifles in the CJFL regular season opener for both sides. Saskatoon was opening a campaign on home turf for the first time since August 14, 2016, when they romped over the Rifles 40-13.

During Sunday’s clash to start the 2022 campaign, the Hilltops held a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter. At the 6:06 mark of the second quarter, Rifles quarterback Bryson McNeil hit receiver Eric Adams on a 35-yard touchdown strike to even the score at 10-10.

Rifles QB Bryson McNeil is about to be sacked by the Hilltops.

McNeil connected with Adams on a deep post pattern, where Adams was double covered on the play. Adams battled for the ball with two Hilltops defensive backs and the ball bounced in the air off of various sets of hands for a couple of seconds before Adams snatched it away and came down in the end zone.

Following that score, the Hilltops defensive unit met on the sideline with long time defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie. After that talk, the Hilltops defensive pitched a shutout and allow the host side to grind out a 19-10 victory.

“It is a fifth-year team, and the end of the day these coaches are always going to be after it,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “They are always going to have high expectations.

Riece Kack had a big fourth quarter sack for the Hilltops.

“When we don’t see what we see, we’re going to let them know very quickly what needs to change. That has always been our way. It is nice to see the player adapt and rise up to the challenges that coaches put forth.

“Hey, defence is the reason we won today – bottom line. Hey when your defence is playing like that, that is why you can make aggressive offensive play calls when your defence is playing like that.”

Usually when the Hilltops and Rifles meet, the encounter concludes with a lopsided score in favour of the ’Toppers. The Rifles under the guidance of long time head coach Geordie Wilson came out ready for a battle.

The Hilltops gang up on a special teams tackle.

Early in the first quarter, the Rifles took a 3-0, when kicker Donavon Downing nailed a field goal from 39 yards out. The Hilltops would even things up at 3-3 just over six minutes later when kicker Connor Green, who is in his first year with the Hilltops, connected on a field goal from 46 yards out.

At the 2:17 mark of the second quarter, the Hilltops broke through with a major on a three-yard run from power back Boston Davidsen. That set the stage for the Rifles to tie the contest with Adams touchdown reception causing the Hilltops defence to hold their sideline meeting.

Hilltops star outside linebacker Konner Johnson said the defensive meeting consisted of talk about rallying together, to keep up the effort on plays, reminders about assignments and that game plan was sound but needed better execution.

Simon Winsnes (#27) knocks down a pass for the Rifles.

Johnson said the Rifles went to work with the intermediate passing game after electing to give up on the run. The Rifles carried the ball 12 times as a team for 38 yards.

Hilltops defensive focused more on the intermediate passing game from the second quarter onwards.

“They (the Rifles) always play us tough,” said Johnson. “They’re well coached.

“They have a lot of tough O-linemen. We knew they would give up on the run once we stopped it. We were pretty confident we could stop the run.

“Then, that level two pass was what we had to stop next, so we just have to work on breaking on the check down pass, and we can’t give them eight yards at a time.”

Connor Green made 4-of-5 field goals for the Hilltops.

The Hilltops closed out the second quarter taking a 16-10 lead after Green hit field goals from 20 and 45 yards out. At the 6:12 mark of the third quarter, Green hit a field goal from 37 yards out to push the Hilltops advantage to the game’s final score of 19-10.

Green went 4-for-5 on field goals, while Downing connected on just 1-of-4 field goal attempts for the Rifles. In the hidden yardage part of the game, Hilltops rookie running back Charles Sawi piled up 114 yards on missed field goal returns running back Downing’s three misses.

Johnson had a big game for the Hilltops collecting 4.5 total tackles, two pass knockdowns, one sack and one interception. Defensive end Riece Kack came through with a clutch time sack late in the fourth quarter to hamper any Rifles comeback hopes.

Boston Davidsen piled up 162 yards rushing for the Hilltops.

“Any time we are on the field we know number 42 (Johnson) is going to be one of the best players on the field, and he proved that once again today,” said Sargeant. “He was just electric.

“He was on point. He energized the whole team and the stands with how played. Riece Kack at the end (of the game) once again situation he did a phenomenal job of getting off the block and making that big sack that basically ended the football game today.

“We’re happy with a lot of what we saw, and we’re also unhappy with some things. The good thing about this coaching staff is you know they are going to rally and make sure the product we put out here next Sunday is going to be better than what we saw today.”

Defensive end Daylen Hartz had a pair of sacks for the Hilltops, while veteran defensive back Wade Keating had seven total tackles and an interception. Veteran defensive back Joe Yausie led the Hilltops with eight total tackles.

Damon Dutton fires a pass downfield for the Hilltops.

Defensive back Kyle Chorney topped the Rifles with 11 total tackles, while defensive lineman Spenser Pilon had a sack for the visitors.

Offensively, both sides still piled up some yards moving the ball between the 20 yard lines.

Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton completed 17-of-27 passes for 185 yards. Davidsen carried the ball 27 times for 162 yards to go with his rushing touchdown, and he caught one pass for 14 yards.

Dillan Heintz topped all Hilltops receivers with six catches for 69 yards.

Charles Sawi returned three missed field goals for 114 yards.

McNeil completed 26-of-40 passes for 307 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions. Receiver Adam Fast led the Rifles with nine catches for 105 yards.

“We’re happy to win, but we obviously have a lot of work to do,” said Dutton. “We’re happy with the ‘W,’ but we’re not happy with the score.

“We have to get back in the room and figure some things out. We have to finish these drives. We can’t be settling for field goals every time.

“We have to punch that ball in the end zone. That is what we are going to work on. We’ll be better next game.”

The Hilltops will face another big test when they return to action this coming Sunday hosting the Edmonton Huskies (1 p.m., SMF Field). 

The Hilltops faithful check out the action at SMF Field.

While the Hilltops were getting past the Rifles, the Huskies traveled to Calgary on Sunday and downed the Colts 37-17 in the season opener for both those clubs.

The Huskies have traditionally played the Hilltops tough, but Saskatoon has always found ways to win those contests. At this early point in the season, Sargeant said his Hilltops have to focus on what they can do to play better as a team.

“I’m worried about us right now,” said Sargeant. “This team has to play better, so I could care less who we’re playing.

The Rifles and Hilltops shake hands after the final play on Sunday.

“I got to care about us and how we perform and how we play.”

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Johnson’s takeaways help Hilltops return to winning ways

Konner Johnson runs back an interception for the Hilltops.

Konner Johnson prefers to play football on Sundays instead of watching it on TV.

The 21-year-old Melfort, Sask., product will never discount how great it is to play games for the Saskatoon Hilltops after the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

After being a backup linebacker during his first two CJFL championship seasons with the Hilltops in 2018 and 2019, Johnson took part in six weeks of practices the team was able to hold in September and October of 2020.

In the CJFL’s return in 2021, Johnson is a starter at outside linebacker. On Sunday, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery to allow the Hilltops to end an two-game losing skid as they got past the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 25-10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Konner Johnson had two interceptions for the Hilltops on Sunday.

“Practice is fun, but this is what we practice for is the game day,” said Johnson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds. “Last year and last fall, it was pretty boring just going to practice and being on the weekends doing nothing watching NFL.

“I like playing myself.”

The win for the Hilltops, who improved to 3-2, was far from a masterpiece against the Rifles, who fell to 1-4. Saskatoon committed a lot of fundamental errors turning the ball over seven times on three interceptions, two fumbles and twice on downs to go along with botches on a number of long snaps on special teams.

The Hilltops celebrate a fumble recovery from Konner Johnson, centre.

The Hilltops defence led by Johnson created six takeaways coming on three interceptions, one fumble recovery and stopping the Rifles twice on third down gambles.

Winnipeg jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the first quarter, but the visitor’s momentum was stalled as Johnson had his fumble recovery and one of his interceptions in the contest’s first 15 minutes.

“I love being on the field as much as I can making plays,” said Johnson. “That is what I like to do.”

Johnson said he likely had his best game of the season for this point in the year. He was well aware Sunday’s game wasn’t a work of art, and everyone on the team needs to play better.

RB Ivan Jaque runs in a touchdown for the Rifles.

“I think we have a lot more as a team to go,” said Johnson, who is a graduate of the nine-man Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Comets football team. “I think we can all play better, so that is what we are looking forward to.”

Heading into Sunday’s action, Johnson sat second in the PFC with 61 defensive points coming on 24 total tackles, one quarterback sack, three pass knockdowns and one interception.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant thought Johnson was on the verge of a major game-breaking performance, which came in Sunday’s win.

“Konner has to be one of the most dominant players in the CJFL, and he proved that today that he is at that caliber,” said Sargeant. “We have to keep building on that.

Brant Morrow runs back a long punt return for the Hilltops.

“He is starting to set the tone as being a difference maker and a playmaker. If we get more guys playing like him, it is going to really tighten this field up and make it tough for offences to have a lot of success. It was great to see.

“We’ve been waiting for it to happen. As I said, it happened today.”

The Rifles started the contest taking the opening kickoff and executing a quick kick play. The Winnipeg kick returner kicked the ball up field, and an onside man recovered the boot to allow the visitors to start their first offensive series just inside the Hilltops side of the 55 yard line.

Winnipeg proceeded to march that opening series downfield culminating in a three-yard touchdown run from running back Ivan Jaque to go ahead 7-0.

Mason Ochs, left, makes a big block for the Hilltops.

Just over three minutes later, the Hilltops offence got set up on the Winnipeg one yard line after a 56-yard punt return from safety Brant Morrow.

Running back Boston Davidsen plunged in from a yard out to even the score at 7-7.

Before the first quarter ended, the Rifles got a 14-yard field goal from kicker Matt Kennedy to go ahead 10-7. Kennedy’s field goal was set up, when Hilltops punter Doug Fleming’s knee touched the turf fielding a bad long snap.

With 5:09 remaining in the second quarter, the Hilltops went ahead on the scoreboard, when quarterback Damon Dutton hit second-year receiver Lachlan Horsley with a five-yard touchdown pass. The Hilltops weren’t able to get the kick away on the ensuing convert due to a bad snap causing their advantage to sit at 13-10.

Luciano Jolly, right, opens a hole for Boston Davidsen, left.

On their first drive of the second half, Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 22-yard touchdown pass to put the Hilltops up 19-10. The convert attempt from kicker Carter Sirman was blocked.

Before the third quarter ended, Dutton connected with Godson on a 25-yard touchdown toss to go ahead 25-10. The Hilltops attempted to go for a two-point conversion, but Dutton’s pass was incomplete.

“We’re kind of riding some waves right now,” said Godson, who caught eight passes for 123 yards to go with his two major scores. “We’re having some good drives, but little mistakes are holding us back.

Bryce Marino returns an interception for the Rifles.

“We just have to get a little more consistent and start driving the ball all the way down the field and finishing our drives.”

Johnson made his second interception of the contest in the fourth quarter to help the Hilltops preserve their 15-point win. While the victory wasn’t pretty, Johnson is happy it came and hopes give his team a boost.

“I hope it gives us the confidence we need,” said Johnson. “We have a long season to go yet.”

Davidsen had a big outing on the ground for the Hilltops piling up 137 yards on 21 carries to go with his rushing major. Dutton completed 22-of-33 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions.

Ethan Godson, left, scores his second of two major for the Hilltops.

Rifles starting quarterback Thomas Hubbard completed 15-of-28 passes for 135 yards, while throwing two interceptions. Backup Bryson McNeil got in for a handful of series scattered through the contest, but he was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts throwing one interception.

Defensive lineman Daylen Hartz and middle linebacker Matt Wist each had sacks for the Hilltops, while defensive back Evan Mantyka had an interception.

Linebacker Brayden Clarke had a sack for the Rifles. Winnipeg defensive back Kyle Chorney had nine total tackles and an interception, while defensive back Bryce Marino and linebacker Brandon Kamenz had single interceptions.

Hilltops DT Dylan McNutt, left, chases down Rifles QB Bryson McNeil.

The Hilltops 3-2 record places them third in the Prairie Football Conference standings behind the first place Regina Thunder (5-0) and the second place Edmonton Huskies (4-1). The Rifles sit fifth in the six-team conference.

The Hilltops host the Huskies this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field in a battle for second place in the PFC. Saskatoon took the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton.

Sargeant was pleased with how his defence played in the win over the Rifles, but he know his offence and special teams have to be a lot better in the clash with the Huskies.

The Hilltops faithful enjoyed their team’s win on Sunday.

“I think our pass rush was better today,” said Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator. “Our coverages were better today.

“Everything that we wanted to improve on defensively we did. The problem is the things we wanted to improve on offence and special teams we did not. We’re going to keep building on that defensive performance, but we have to improve the other two areas if we are going to be the team we want to be next week against the Edmonton Huskies.”

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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