CJFL title capped rebound season for Hilltops in 2023

The Hilltops celebrate a TD from Drake Douglas, right.

Do you remember the Saskatoon Hilltops going 6-4 in 2022?

That season feels long forgotten after the Hilltops posted a perfect 12-0 record in 2023 culminating in the team’s 23^rd CJFL championship and sixth perfect season. The Hilltops closed out the 2023 campaign last Saturday downing the host Westshore Rebels 17-10 in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

The Saskatoon side persevered through Biblical type rains to capture their first CJFL title since 2019 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., which is a suburb of Victoria. It was a familiar sight seeing the Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions.

A year ago at this time disappointment was the prevailing feeling around the Hilltops. Their 2022 campaign came to an end on October 30 of that year with a 39-21 loss to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder in the PFC final at Mosaic Stadium in the Saskatchewan capital city.

Boston Davidsen ran for 1,184 yards in the regular season.

Saskatoon was 5-3 in the regular season and 6-4 overall. Before 2022, the last time Hilltops experienced those records was 1993. Between 1993 and 2022, the Hilltops had never lost more than two games in the regular season and won the CJFL title 14 times.

The Hilltops graduated 20 players from their roster following their loss to the Thunder in the 2022 PFC final. With the PFC going through a massive reset with all of its six teams experiencing sizable graduations, there was no certainty about where the Hilltops would stand going into the 2023 campaign.

The biggest thing for the venerable CJFL squad was the team’s legendary head coach in Tom Sargeant was back along with his long time defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jeff Yausie. Actually, all the members of the Hilltops coaching staff had been working with the team for a number of years.

The coaches were determined to get the Hilltops back playing up to their lofty standards of their CJFL championship seasons. Being good but not good enough like in 2022 wasn’t going to cut it.

MLB Matt Wist was a second team CJFL all-Canadian all-star.

The Hilltops had one of their more youthful rosters in 2023. Out of the eight players suiting up in their final seasons of CJFL eligibility, six of those players were holdovers from the team’s previous CJFL title winning season back in 2019, when the Hilltops posted a perfect 12-0 record at that time.

The six holdovers included middle linebacker Matt Wist, outside linebacker Wade Keating, defensive back Carter Wingert, defensive lineman Craig Torgerson, power running back Boston Davidsen and receiver Evan Ward. Linebacker Jordan Levesque and offensive lineman Justice Walker were the other two graduating players who joined the Hilltops following the 2019 campaign.

Due to the fact only six players had CJFL championship rings, the journey through the 2023 season for the Hilltops had a newness feeling to it. The coaches had experience guiding more youthful rosters in the past, and they were able to draw on that experience and apply it this past season.

Trey Reider was named the PFC’s Most Outstanding Quarterback.

One of the biggest differences between 2022 and 2023 was the Hilltops defence rose to a higher level to achieve some historical accomplishments. The Hilltops allowed just 51 points through their eight regular season games posting the team’s lowest point against total in regular season play dating back to 1949.

The ’Toppers gave up just 25 points in four playoff games for a total of 76 points over 12 contests, which was the lowest points against total for the team including play in the regular season and post-season since 1949. In 1949, the Hilltops gave up 70 points in 10 overall games that season falling in the Western Canada Championship game 16-12 to the Vancouver Blue Bombers.

When you break things down to average points allowed per game, the 2023 Hilltops in overall play gave up an average of 6.3 points a game, which is the lowest total in team history.

Wade Keating returns an interception for a TD for the Hilltops.

The defence was anchored by first team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars in defensive end Riece Kack and defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens. Wist and hard hitting and ball hawking safety Dalton Urban were named second team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars.

The second biggest thing that happened in 2023 was the Hilltops got their most consistent play at the quarterback position since winning the CJFL title in 2019. After the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world, the Hilltops had campaigns in 2021 and 2022 that saw them change the starting quarterback near the midpoint of the regular season.

In the sixth game of the regular season in 2022, the Hilltops inserted Trey Reider into the starting spot at quarterback. He started the Hilltops final three regular season games and both their post-season games.

Noah Flaman jets downfield on a long TD reception.

Playing his 21-year-old season in 2023, Reider went the distance as the Hilltops starting signal caller. During the Hilltops eight regular season games, Reider has completed 108-of-167 passes for 1,571 yards and 16 touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions during the regular season.

He topped the PFC with a 114.6 quarterback efficiency rating, was named a PFC all-star and took honours as the PFC’s Most Outstanding Quarterback. With the 2023 season in the books, Reider is currently 16-1 overall as the Hilltops starting quarterback.

Reider’s favourite targets in 2023 included receiver Drake Douglas, who took first team CJFL all-Canadian honours after catching 42 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns in regular season play, and pass catcher Noah Flaman, who caught 21 passes for 422 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season earning the nickname “TD Noah” in the process.

Davidsen was a first team CJFL all-Canadian having had a monster campaign leading the PFC in carries (170), rushing yards (1,184) and rushing touchdowns (nine) during the regular season. Hilltops right tackle Cody Shumanski captured a first team CJFL all-Canadian spot on the offensive line.

Erik Barsness (#60) and Davin Johnson (#71) set the edge on a run play.

Saskatoon’s group of starters on the offensive line were all standouts with Davin Johnson at left tackle, Erik Barness at left guard, Matt Noble at centre and Victoire Bikulo at right guard. 

When Bikulo was lost for the season in the Hilltops seventh regular season game due to a leg injury, Quinton Pike filled in the rest of the way admirably at the starting right guard spot to ensure the Hilltops offensive line did not lose a step.

The Hilltops had to slug it out and persevere in some tough games. In the contest where Bikulo went down on September 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops had to grind out a 19-10 victory over the Thunder in the pouring rain that came down for the entire contest. 

When those same two squads met in the PFC final on October 22 at SMF Field, the Hilltops entered the fourth quarter trailing 13-9 before rallying back for a 21-13 victory.

Riece Kack makes a sack for the Hilltops.

In the CJFL championship game, they had battle it out against the Rebels in a game where the rain came down intensely. The Rebels also had the CJFL marquee player in quarterback Te Jessie, who was named a first team all-Canadian and claimed the CJFL’s Peter Dalla Riva Outstanding Offensive Player award.

While the contest was tied 7-7 early in the third quarter, the Hilltops scored the next 10 points to go up 17-7 and would close out a 17-10 victory. Wist and Davidsen both had big games.

Wist was named the defensive player of the game recording three interceptions, nine solo defensive tackles, four defensive tackle assists and one pass knockdown. With those defensive statistics, Wist accumulated 36 defensive points, which is a new record for a CJFL championship game. His three picks equaled the record for most interceptions in a CJFL championship game.

Davidsen claimed honours as the offensive player of the game. He carried the ball 25 times for 157 yards and one touchdown. His major score ultimately held up as the winning score of the contest.

The Hilltops celebrate with the Canadian Bowl. (CJFL photo)

From an uncertain beginning, the Hilltops wrote another brilliant chapter to the storied legacy of the team. They ultimately finished off in a familiar spot standing tall on the CJFL mountain top.

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Was Hilltops defence in 2023 the best in team history?

Saskatoon gave up club record low 6.3 points per game

The Hilltops knock down a last play pass on October 8.

One play in “garbage time” typified the tenacity and compete level of the Saskatoon Hilltops defence in 2023.

To put it bluntly, there was no such thing as “garbage time.”

Back on October 8, the Hilltops were leading the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 39-1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in the final CJFL regular season game for both sides. On the last play of the contest, the Rifles were in range to throw one pass into the Hilltops end zone to try and get a major score.

The Hilltops had been playing with their reserves on defence for a solid stretch as the outcome of the contest wasn’t in doubt. Saskatoon was going to finish out the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record, and the Rifles would miss the CJFL playoffs with a 2-6 mark.

All there was to play for was competitive pride on one play.

Rifles quarterback Myles Desmarais heaved a “Hail Mary” pass into the end zone looking for a major. Hilltops safety Jackson Dean and defensive backs Carter O’Reilly and Carter Borsa all leaped up to knock the ball to the ground to ensure the final outcome finished 39-1.

DC Jeff Yausie calls played for the Hilltops defence.

That knockdown resulted in the Hilltops allowing just 51 points against over their eight regular season games. It was the lowest points allowed total for the team in regular season play dating back to 1949.

At the time that knockdown was made, no one knew the historical significance of what had been accomplished with respect to the storied history of the team. The current modern day version of the Hilltops began play in 1947.

Had the Rifles gotten a last play touchdown, that historical accomplishment of giving up the fewest point in regular season play since 1949 would have been gone just like that.

Word spread amongst the team at practice the following week as the Hilltops prepared to host a PFC semifinal against the high-powered Calgary Colts. After the players on the Hilltops defence heard what they had accomplished, they took things took things to another level and things on that side of the ball took on a life of their own.

The Hilltops defensive players didn’t want to allow opposing teams to get anything in the post-season. The players on the Hilltops defence wanted to live up to what had been accomplished in the regular season.

The Hilltops proceeded to crush the Colts 53-2 in the PFC semifinal. Saskatoon slugged past their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder 21-13 in the PFC final.

Linebacker Matt Wist controlled the middle of the Hilltops defence.

The ’Toppers then blanked the OFC champion St. Clair Saints from Windsor, Ont., 43-0 in a CJFL semifinal. In the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – held this past Saturday, the Hilltops downed the host and BCFC champion Westshore Rebels 17-10 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., which is a suburb of Victoria.

Saskatoon gave up just 25 points in four post-season games. On the campaign itself, the Hilltops posted a 12-0 overall record giving up a total of 76 points against, which is the team’s lowest total in that department since 1949.

In 1949, Canadian Football Hall of Fame member Ron Atchison was playing his final campaign for the Hilltops on the offensive and defensive lines. The Hilltops gave up 70 points in 10 overall games that season falling in the Western Canada Championship game 16-12 to the Vancouver Blue Bombers.

For historical references, touchdowns in 1949 were worth five points instead of six points before a team tried to tack on a one or two-point conversion.

When the 2023 Hilltops beat the Rebels last Saturday, the venerable Saskatoon club captured a 23^rd CJFL title and the sixth perfect season in team history. The 2023 Hilltops gave up fewer points than any of the team’s previous 22 CJFL championship winners.

Riece Kack (#47) had six sacks in the CJFL semifinal.

Actually when it comes to combined action in both the regular season and post-season, the 1949 Hilltops are the only squad in the history of the team to give up fewer points against than the CJFL championship winning 2023 Hilltops did.

When you break things down to average points allowed per game, the 2023 Hilltops in overall play gave up an average of 6.3 points a game, which is the lowest total in team history.

Looking at all those statistical facts, it can be strongly argued that the defensive unit of the 2023 Hilltops was the greatest defensive unit of all-time in the team’s history.

Of course, the Hilltops teams from 1947 onwards played with various different rules as the years and decades went on. With that noted, the rules in today’s version of football are geared to allow the offences to ride high.

In theory, today’s football rules should have prevented the Hilltops from giving up their second lowest points allowed total of all-time in team history.

The crazy part of the Hilltops defence in 2023 was it wasn’t just a finesse unit. The players on the Hilltops defence in 2023 could hit hard.

Wade Keating, right, makes a sack for the Hilltops.

The defence of the 2023 Hilltops was aided by a veteran presence. Out of the eight players the Hilltops had on their roster who were playing in their final campaigns of CJFL eligibility, five of those players were on defence.

Middle linebacker Matt Wist, outside linebacker Wade Keating, defensive back Carter Wingert and defensive tackle Craig Torgerson were all holdovers for the Hilltops 12-0 CJFL championship winning team in 2019, which marked the last time the Hilltops captured the Canadian Bowl until 2023. Linebacker Jordan Levesque joined the Hilltops following the 2019 campaign, but he missed a sizable portion of the 2023 season due to a leg injury.

Wist, Keating and Wingert all started, while Torgerson was part of a regular rotation on the defensive line, which saw him take some repetitions at defensive end.

The defence was anchored by first team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars in defensive end Riece Kack and defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens. Wist and hard hitting and ball hawking safety Dalton Urban were named second team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars.

During the post-season, Kack had a memorable performance in the CJFL semifinal win over the Saints on October 29 at SMF Field. Kack pile up six sacks to set a new record for a CJFL playoff game. He actually became the first player to register six sacks in any CJFL contest be it regular season, playoffs or CJFL championship game.

Carter Wingert (#21) made big plays in the Hilltops secondary.

In the Canadian Bowl win over the Rebels, Wist accumulated 36 defensive points, which is a new record for a CJFL championship game. He also equaled the record for most interceptions in a CJFL championship game at three, which had been achieved on five previous occasions.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant and his long time defensive coordinator in Jeff Yausie saw the Hilltops defence play at a level that that has rarely been seen in the CJFL. The Hilltops have traditionally played in the CJFL’s toughest conferences for most of their history be it the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Junior Football League or the Alberta Junior Football League that became the PFC.

It can even be argued that the 2023 Hilltops had one of the greatest defences in the history of the CJFL. 

Of course, there will be arguments from the 1947 Vancouver Blue Bombers, various Winnipeg Rods teams from the 1950s, the Edmonton Huskies of the early 1960s, the Gord Currie coached Regina Rams of the 1960s and 1970s, the Frank McCrystal coached Regina Rams of the 1980s and 1990s and the 2021 Langley Rams.

With that said, the Hilltops are an uncommon football team that strives to hit new heights of competitive greatness.

The Hilltops defence celebrated many big plays in 2023.

What the 2023 Hilltops did on the defensive side of the ball raised a bar that might not be reached for a very, very long time.

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Hilltops defence faces greatest challenge in Canadian Bowl

Rebels high-powered offence led by CJFL’s marquee player

The Hilltops defence had made life miserable for opponents.

The stingy Saskatoon Hilltops defence will finish the 2023 campaign facing its toughest test to date.

In 2023, Saskatoon’s defence is having a season for the ages. The Hilltops gave up just 51 points in eight regular season games, which was their lowest points allowed total dating back to 1949 and lower than any of the regular season points against totals given up by the storied squad’s 22 CJFL championship winning clubs.

In the post-season, the Hilltops have given up just 15 points in three games. While building an 11-0 overall record, the Hilltops are giving up an average of just six points a game.

On Saturday, the PFC champion Hilltops close the 2023 campaign taking on the BCFC champion Westshore Rebels in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The two sides will go at it at Starlight Stadium at 3 p.m. local time which is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time in Langford, B.C., which is a suburb of Victoria.

The Rebels went 12-0 overall thanks to the work of their high powered offence, which is led by the CJFL’s marquee player in quarterback Te Jessie. In the Rebels 10 regular season games, Jessie was outstanding completing 150-of-212 passes for 2,453 yards and 41 touchdowns, while throwing seven interceptions.

He had a quarterback rating of 135.1, and his 41 touchdown passes set a new record for CJFL regular season play. A graduate of the St. Paul’s High School Crusaders Football Team in Winnipeg, Man., Jessie topped the CJFL’s annual Top 50 players to watch list heading into the 2023 campaign. He was named a first team CJFL all-Canadian all-star on Thursday.

“You see why both teams are in the Canadian final,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “They have an offence that is certainly worthy of big play potential and putting all those points on the board.

“Our defence has been as stingy as any defence in Canada. You are getting two marquee units going at it, so it comes down to our offence versus their defence and our special teams, which is a third of the game. There are a lot of things in play here.

Dalton Urban returns an interception for the Hilltops.

“Hey, that is why you play the games. It is lot of fun to coach and prepare. As I said, we’re one of two teams left in the CJFL playing. That means a lot to us.”

Hilltops defensive tackle Craig Torgerson, who will exhaust his CJFL eligibility once the Canadian Bowl ends, said it was a source of pride for the players on the club’s defence to have allowed the fewest points against since 1949.

“It is actually very special,” said Torgerson. “It is probably one of the better defences I’ve ever played on in my life.

“I definitely won’t take it for granted. The defence has put in a lot of hard work as well as the offence. I just like to see it paying off.”

A lot of players on the Hilltops defence had big seasons. Defensive end Riece Kack topped the PFC in sacks in each of the past two seasons recording 7.5 sacks in each of those campaigns respectively. Safety Dalton Urban finished second in the PFC in interceptions with five.

Defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens collected 20 solo defensive tackles, four defensive tackle assists, three quarterback sacks, one pass knockdown, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Defensive back Carter Wingert had three interceptions and two fumble recoveries playing out his final CJFL campaign for the Hilltops. Matt Wist, who is the Hilltops star 22-year-old middle linebacker, recorded 22 solo defensive tackles, 17 defensive tackle assists, two pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles and three interceptions this season.

Wade Keating, who is an outside linebacker, recorded 17 solo defensive tackles, 10 defensive tackle assists, two special teams solo tackles, one special teams tackle assist, one pass knockdown, one fumble recovery and one interception.

Outside linebacker Noah Gedir had a breakout season for Saskatoon with 17 solo defensive tackles, 14 defensive tackle assists, nine special teams solo tackles, one quarterback sack, two pass knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Wade Keating has been a consistent outside linebacker.

Rebels’ running back Gerren Hardisty powered the Rebels rushing attack running the ball 108 times for 1,084 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. Receiver Cairo Berry had 41 catches for 526 yards and 18 touchdowns. Pass catcher Kieran Poissant had a big campaign for the Rebels hauling in 54 passes for 849 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Wist said the players on the Hilltops defence are eager to see how they match up against the Rebels offence.

“It is definitely going to be a challenge for us, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Wist, who will be playing his last career CJFL game in the Canadian Bowl. “We’re always looking to build to be a better team, and they are going to give us a good challenge.

“I’m just looking forward. It is going to be a good game. I think we’re going to show up and do what we can.”

Matching up against a quarterback that has piled up the accomplishments an accolades Jessie has also has gotten the players on the Hilltops defence excited.

“It is kind of at the back of your mind a little bit,” said Kack. “He (Jessie) is certainly a spectacular player.

“We’re definitely looking to get after him and give him a bit of our treatment.”

One of the tradition strengths of the Hilltops defence under defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie has been the unit’s ability to create turnovers. Wist said his club’s defence will try to repeat that traditional trend.

“Those turnovers would definitely help our offence in just field position wise,” said Wist. “I think, if we are doing our jobs and executing our assignments, I think we will be in the right spots to make those turnovers.”

The Hilltops defence hopes to celebrate big plays in the CJFL final.

Going into Saturday’s game, Wist said the Hilltops confidence is in the right place.

“It is definitely high, but we are definitely humble,” said Wist. “They are a good team.

“We know that. They went undefeated as well. They have set records this year, so it is going to be a good matchup.

“We’re definitely coming in there confident, because we know what we’ve done this season and have accomplished.”

Davidsen, Kack lead Hilltops all-Canadian parade

Boston Davidsen ran for 1,184 yards in the regular season.

The Saskatoon Hilltops saw a number of their best players earn CJFL all-Canadian all-star honours with the team posting an 11-0 record and earning a berth in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

The PFC champion Hilltops (11-0) will take on the host and BCFC champion Westshore Rebels (12-0) at 3 p.m. local time which is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time at Starlight Stadium in Langford, which is a suburb of Victoria.

On Thursday, the first team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars on offence were announced. Hilltops power running back Boston Davidsen was named a first team all-Canadian after carrying the ball 170 times for 1,184 yards and nine touchdowns in eight regular season games.

Receiver Drake Douglas also took first team all-Canadian honours after catching 42 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns in regular season play. Hilltops right tackle Cody Shumanski captured a first team all-Canadian spot on the offensive line.

Teijon Abel-Douglas claimed honours as first team all-Canadian at kicker. He was good on 23-of-27 field goal attempts for an 85.2 per cent success rate. Abel-Douglas led the PFC in scoring with 104 points coming off 23 field goals, 31 converts and four singles.

Quarterback Te Jessie and receiver Kieran Poissant were the members of the Rebels offence who were named first team all-Canadians.

Riece Kack (#47) led the PFC with 7.5 sacks in the regular season.

On Wednesday, the first team CJFL all-Canadian all-stars on defence were announced. Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack and defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens claimed first team all-Canadian honours.

Kack led the PFC with 7.5 quarterback sacks. He recorded 11 solo defensive tackles, seven defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, two special teams tackle assists, one pass knockdown and two fumble recoveries.

Stevens collected 20 solo defensive tackles, four defensive tackle assists, three quarterback sacks, one pass knockdown, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Hilltops middle linebacker Matt Wist took honours as a first team all-Canadian at punter. He punted the ball 47 times for a gross average of 37.7 yards per kick, a net average of 32.2 yards per kick and three singles.

Linebacker Demar Hohnstein and defensive back Gio Linuzzi were the Rebels first team all-Canadians on defence.

On Tuesday, the Rebels had four plays named second team all-Canadian all-stars on offence. Running back Gerren Hardisty, receiver Cairo Berry and offensive linemen Xavier Venkataya and Camauri Barney were second team all-Canadians.

The second team all-Canadian all-stars on defence were announced on Monday. Wist and safety Dalton Urban claimed second team all-Canadian honours from the Hilltops, while defensive lineman Cody McMahon of the Rebels was dubbed a second team all-Canadian.

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Torgerson faces last dance with storied Hilltops squad

DT to play final CJFL game in Canadian Bowl

Craig Torgerson (#56) mans the middle of the Hilltops D-line.

Craig Torgerson believes time on the football field should be cherished.

The 22-year-old defensive tackle will play his final game with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops on Saturday. The Hilltops will be attempting to win their 23^rd CJFL title in team history when they play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

The PFC champion Hilltops (11-0) will take on the host and BCFC champion Westshore Rebels (12-0) at 3 p.m. local time which is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time at Starlight Stadium in Langford, which is a suburb of Victoria. While Saturday’s game will mark the last time Torgerson plays both for the Hilltops and for a CJFL title, he stressed the game was big for everyone on the venerable Saskatoon club.

“It is actually very important,” said Torgerson. “It kind of not only makes the team better, but it also shows that what the rookies are getting themselves into and also it helps better the team, because you get extra playing time and you get extra practice and practice always makes perfect.”

During his first year with the team in 2019, Torgerson was a rookie who was thankful to be getting extra practice time on the field. The graduate of Saskatoon’s Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints Football Team did his part on the practice field helping get teammates ready for games as the Hilltops posted a perfect 12-0 record and claimed their 22^nd and to date last CJFL championship.

The Hilltops traveled to Langley, B.C., for the Canadian Bowl in 2019 and downed the host Rams 11-6 at McLeod Stadium to win a sixth straight CJFL title. Torgerson wasn’t part of the team’s travel party that year.

“I did not get to dress for the championship game,” said Torgerson, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 225 pounds. “All I remember was I was listening to it on the radio, and I could feel the anticipation and all the jitters just through that.

Craig Torgerson had three sacks in the regular season.

“It was definitely quite an experience.”          

Torgerson is one of six Hilltops players who are holdovers from the 2019 CJFL championship team and will exhaust their CJFL eligibility at the conclusion of the Canadian Bowl on Saturday. The other five include middle linebacker Matt Wist, outside linebacker Wade Keating, defensive back Carter Wingert, running back Boston Davidsen and receiver Evan Ward.

Linebacker Jordan Levesque and offensive lineman Justice Walker, who joined the Hilltops after the 2019 campaign, will also exhaust their CJFL eligibility when the Canadian Bowl wraps up.

While Torgerson was listening to the Canadian Bowl on the radio from Saskatoon in 2019, he will be in the middle of the action on Saturday. 

When it comes to the finality of the current post-season, Torgerson has elected to have fun with the experience and play as hard as he can.

“Definitely when playoffs came around, it was definitely do or die at this point,” said Torgerson, who had three quarterback sacks and seven total tackles in the Hilltops eight regular season games. “Hey, there is no better way than to go out on top.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant has enjoyed seeing how much Torgerson has grown during his time with the club. The sideline boss said Torgerson has set a good example of showing the effort on the practice field and in games that the team expects of its players.

“It has been great to see him develop into the player that he is today,” said Sargeant. “He is a dominant pass rusher.

Craig Torgerson will play his last CJFL game in the Canadian Bowl.

“He is a great special teams player, and he is well liked by his teammates. He shows up. He works hard.

“He practices with purpose, and he plays with purpose. He has been a real good example for how to practice and how to compete.”

Sargeant said Torgerson and the rest of the team’s graduating players played a big role in getting the club back into the CJFL title game since last winning it in 2019. 

As has been the Hilltops mantra for a lengthy stretch of time, the goal is to help those graduation players depart as CJFL champions.

“At the end of the day when you’re in your last game and you are in your last year, there is a different importance,” said Sargeant. “That is why we built this program to be a fifth-year program.

“We put a lot of pride in that. When we’re having out leadership meetings, we’re getting the input from them. We place the expectations.

“We challenge them. We’re always going to go after our best players the hardest and have the highest expectations. Look at this year, they’ve delivered.”

Torgerson still remembers learning about the work ethic players needed to have to be part of the Hilltops in his rookie year. He also recalls learning how everything they did in practice, the film room and off-season training all comes together and becomes a factor in how the team plays.

Craig Torgerson (#56) walks to SMF Field with his parents.

Overall, Torgerson said his best memories in playing for the Hilltops comes from the team bonding that happens in the off-season and throughout the football campaign. He also enjoyed and was thankful for the team suppers the parents prepared for the squad on the Thursday night before every game in the CJFL post-season.

He admits it is different that the end of his playing days with the Hilltops is drawing near.

“It is definitely crazy,” said Torgerson. “Time flew definitely.

“It just felt like a couple of years ago I was in my first year. It has been a great time.”

Wist, Urban named second team all-Canadians

Matt Wist was named a CJFL second team all-Canadian all-star.

Matt Wist and Dalton Urban were tabbed with CJFL individual honours on Monday.

Wist, who is the starting middle linebacker with the Saskatoon Hilltops, and Urban, who is the Hilltops starting safety, were both named CJFL second team all-Canadian all-stars. Both were key players in helping the Hilltops post an 11-0 overall record and advance to the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

The Hilltops will take on the host Westshore Rebels (12-0) at 3 p.m. local time which is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time at Starlight Stadium Langford, which is a suburb of Victoria.

Wist recorded 22 solo defensive tackles, 17 defensive tackle assists, two pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles and three interceptions during the Hilltops eight regular season games. The 22-year-old will play his final CJFL game on Saturday, when the Hilltops face the Rebels for the CJFL title.

Dalton Urban became a CJFL second team all-Canadian all-star.

Urban recorded eight solo defensive tackles, three defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, one pass knock down, one fumble recovery and five interceptions during regular season play for the Hilltops. On his fumble recovery, Urban returned the ball 61 yards for a touchdown in the Hilltops 49-0 win over the Rifles in Winnipeg on August 20.

Urban finishing out his third season with the Hilltops, and this was the first year he took up the spot as the team’s starting safety.

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Hilltops’ Wingert keys in on his final CJFL stretch run

Carter Wingert, centre, walks on to SMF Field with his parents.

Carter Wingert keeps seeing signs popping up that he is on his last ride with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops.

Last Sunday, Wingert was one of eight graduating players who were honoured before the Hilltops regular season closing 39-1 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The 22-year-old defensive back took part in the Hilltops long time tradition where the graduates make a walk to the field with their parents before the team’s last regular season home game.

Wingert made that walk with his parents in mother, Colleen, and father, Shane. The five-year veteran proceeded to have a good game recording a pair of tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Personal time followed when the game concluded, and Wingert spent time talking to and having pictures taken with numerous family members and friends on the playing surface at SMF Field. The supporters made it a priority to get out to this last regular season game to see Wingert play. Those that were often busy with other pursuits inside and outside the sports world made certain to get out to SMF Field on this day.

For Wingert, it was another signal that his CJFL career is nearing an end. This coming Sunday, the Hilltops (8-0) open their post-season schedule hosting the Calgary Colts (3-5) in a PFC semifinal contest at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Carter Wingert has forced five turnovers this season.

Football playoffs are simple as the winning teams move on and losing clubs see their campaign come to an end. For Wingert, the focus now is always on the short term to keep winning in order to keep playing.

“I guess it just adds a little more intensity if you want to say,” said Wingert, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds. “In playoff football, it is always intense.

“You’re always laying everything on the line. I won’t be thinking too much about it, but I know the Hilltop tradition is always to play for the fifth years. I hope all the guys can rally around and get it done.”

Way back in 2019, Wingert joined the Hilltops after having helped Saskatoon’s Centennial Collegiate Chargers Football Team win two city titles before falling in the provincial final each year in 2017 and 2018. He helped the Hilltops win a sixth straight CJFL title in 2019 posting a perfect 12-0 record.

Now in his final year of CJFL eligibility in 2023, Wingert is one of the Hilltops defensive captains. The Hilltops entered the campaign not knowing where they would stack up in a PFC that was undergoing a major reset due to every club going though sizable graduations following the completion of the 2022 campaign.

On top of helping the Hilltops post an 8-0 regular season record, Wingert was part of a team that allowed just 51 points against all season, which was the venerable CJFL club’s lowest total in that department since 1949.

Carter Wingert (#21) smiles after making a fumble recovery.

Wingert recorded 12 solo defensive tackles, two defensive tackle assists, one solo special teams tackle, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He returned one of his fumble recoveries 50 yards for a touchdown in a 49-0 victory over the Rifles in Winnipeg on August 20.

Wingert said the fact he has played a lot does help with making plays on the field, but added the Hilltops coaches have made adjustments to help the defence play better.

“The more you play the more comfortable you get,” said Wingert. “We’ve switched our technique up a bit this year compared to last year, and I think that has helped us all out a lot as defensive backs specifically.

“It is exciting, and just hopefully, we can keep it going into the playoffs.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant has enjoyed seeing Wingert grow over the years the defensive back has been with the team. The sideline boss said Wingert has been a model member of the Hilltops during his CJFL career and might be having his best season this year.

“Carter (Wingert) has been around the ball all year,” said Sargeant. “You know what, the coaches have done such a good job.

Carter Wingert (#21) charges to the field with his teammates.

“We’ve put them in good spots. You could just see that fifth year pedigree in him. This year, boy, I think personally he has five or six turnovers himself.

“For a wide side halfback boy, that is saying a lot. As I said, this whole group has been special, and especially because of our fifth years, and Carter (Wingert) is one of our special players that as a captain is doing a great job of leading.”

Now, the last ride for Wingert begins in earnest as the club starts is 2023 post-season journey. He will be joined on that journey by fellow grads who were members of that 2019 CJFL title winning team in linebackers Matt Wist and Wade Keating, running back Boston Davidsen, defensive lineman Craig Torgerson and receiver Evan Ward.

Linebacker Jordan Levesque and offensive lineman Justice Walker are also on that journey as graduating players having joined the Hilltops following the 2019 campaign.

“It has definitely hit home,” said Wingert. “When you’re playing, you’re just focused on the game.

Carter Wingert (#21) is pictured with the Hilltops grads and their parents,

“I’m not really thinking about it too much. I’m just trying to do my job and help my team out in whatever way I can.”

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Hilltops achieve historic feat on defensive side of ball

Saskatoon gives up fewest points in regular season since 1949

The Hilltops celebrate a defensive TD from Matt Wist (#44).

Ron Atchison was playing for the Saskatoon Hilltops the last time they allowed less than 51 points against in regular season action.

The current Hilltops concluded their 2023 regular season schedule this past Sunday, when they downed the Winnipeg Rifles 39-1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops finished regular season play posting an 8-0 record to sit first in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference scoring 335 points and allowing 51 points in those eight contests.

The 51 points allowed is the fewest point given up by the Hilltops in regular season play dating back to 1949, which was Atchison’s final campaign with the club. In 1949, the Hilltops gave up 23 points against finishing first in the then Saskatchewan Junior Football League with a 5-1 record. They advanced to the Western Canadian Championship game falling to the Vancouver Blue Bombers 16-12.

For historical references, touchdowns in 1949 were worth five points instead of six points before teams tried to tack on a one or two-point conversion. The 23 points allowed is the Hilltops team record for fewest points allowed in regular season play, and they also achieved that accomplishment in their inaugural campaign in 1947 topping the Saskatchewan Junior Rugby Football Union regular season standings with a 5-1 mark.

The Hilltops run in 1947 post-season ended when they lost both contests of a two-game total points Western Canadian semifinal series to the Winnipeg Rods 56-28.

Following the 1949 campaign, Atchison, who was with the Hilltops from 1947 to 1949, would move on and catch on with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders suiting up for them from 1952 to 1968 playing offensive centre, defensive middle guard and defensive tackle. He helped the Roughriders win their first Grey Cup in 1966 and was named to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

The Hilltops named their practice field Ron Atchison Field after their legendary Hall of Fame player in 1976. Atchison passed away on June 23, 2010.

The current Hilltops are gearing up for their first post-season contest of the 2023 campaign when they host the Calgary Colts (3-5) at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Hilltops DC Jeff Yausie, centre, shouts instructions to his players.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, who holds the all-time head coaching wins record in Canadian amateur post-secondary football at 232 victories, didn’t realize what the current team’s defence had accomplished. The sideline boss said the defensive unit has earned the historical accomplishment.

“The poise and confidence that they’ve played with this year there is no question they’re our top unit,” said Sargeant. “There is no question they are the lifeline to how we play.

“They bring the energy. Their preparation led by coach (Jeff) Yausie, coach (Brent) Turkington and coach (Dave) Fisher has been exemplarily. At the end of the day, the expectations are high for this football team, and a big reason is because of the defensive performances.

“We’re going to need it again this Sunday. They can still grow and get better, and we’re going to challenge them to improve.”

Yausie is the Hilltops defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Turkington is the defensive backs coach and Fisher is the defensive line coach. All three have been with the team for a lengthy stretch of time.

While the experience in the coaching department helps, no one could have expected the Hilltops would allow their lowest total for points against spanning back 74 years. The current Hilltops have given up fewer points against in regular season play than any of the venerable club’s 22 CJFL championship winning teams.

Only a handful of CJFL championship winners have allowed fewer points against in regular season competition than the current Hilltops have. Some of those squads include one club from the recent past and a few teams in the more distant past.

The 2021 Langley Rams allowed 32 points against in eight regular season games, when they won the Canadian Bowl. The Rams beat the Hilltops 17-14 in a CJFL semifinal in 2021 in Langley, B.C., after forcing the Saskatoon side to turn the ball over 12 times.

Hilltops DT Johnathon Stevens makes a tackle for a loss.

The 1964 Edmonton Huskies gave up 35 points in a six-game regular season schedule in claiming a CJFL crown. One year earlier in 1963, the Huskies gave up 46 points in a seven-game regular season schedule in their run that season to a CJFL title.

The 1961 St. James Rods from Winnipeg, Man., gave up 50 points in an eight-game regular season schedule in winning that season’s CJFL championship. The Hilltops and Rods were often in each other’s way in making runs to the CJFL title game throughout the period of 1953 to 1961.

The 1947 Vancouver Blue Bombers didn’t allow any points in a six-game regular season schedule. In winning the CJFL title with a perfect 12-0 overall record, the Blue Bombers gave up a total of 14 points in all of their games. Their final win actually came on January 3, 1948.

Hilltops 22-year-old outside linebacker Wade Keating, who was a member of the team’s last CJFL championship winning club in 2019, didn’t expect to hear where the current team stood historically in the CJFL with having allowed just 51 points in their eight regular season games.

“That is crazy to be put up against those guys and be compared to those teams,” said Keating. “I think it started in the off-season for us this year.

“We had 10 defensive starters at Ignite (Athletics), so that really carried over to the field. We’re having fun out there. That is the main reason to our success.”

Hilltops 22-year-old defensive back Carter Wingert, who was also a member of the 2019 CJFL championship winning club, thought it was unique to hear where the current Hilltops stood when it comes to points allowed in regular season play. He added that statistic will be forgotten, if the Hilltops aren’t able to win a CJFL championship.

“It is cool,” said Wingert. “We have a great defence, but that doesn’t matter if we don’t go all the way in the end.

Hilltops defenders knock down a pass at the goal-line.

“We just have to keep that going into the playoffs.”

Keating added the current Hilltops haven’t thought about where the current team could sit or be viewed in the history of the CJFL. The current focus is on beating a Colts squad this coming Sunday that has scored the second most points in the PFC’s regular season at 273 points.

“It really hasn’t been into the whole picture quite yet,” said Keating. “I think now we are into playoffs, so the real season is starting.

“What we did in the regular season isn’t compared to how we do in the playoffs. It is all about how we play in the playoffs.”

Reider back in action for Hilltops

Trey Reider is back practising with the Hilltops.

It has been all systems go for Saskatoon Hilltops starting quarterback Trey Reider at practice this week.

In the later stage of the third quarter in the Hilltops 39-1 CJFL regular season closing win over the Winnipeg Rifles this past Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Reider took a super hard hit from 22-year-old Rifles linebacker Brandon Kamenz while in the act of throwing the ball. Reider went down and had to be helped off the field.

He was moving really gingerly when he came off to the sidelines, and he did not return to the game. Earlier in the contest in the second quarter, Reider was hit late after throwing the football when a Rifles defender led with his helmet and nailed Reider in the head knocking the signal caller’s head gear flying. No penalty flags were thrown on the play.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant is expecting it will be business as usual for Reider leading the Hilltops offence this coming Sunday when the 8-0 squad opens the post-season hosting the Calgary Colts (3-5) at 1 p.m. in a PFC semifinal contest at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

“At end of the day, it is a game of hard knocks out there,” said Sargeant. “Trey (Reider) took a couple of hits, and some of it is fault on us.

“Some of it is the fault of other mechanisms. Trey (Reider) is a tough kid. We have our first playoff game coming up Sunday, and we’re anticipating all the 46 players that we want to be dressing will be dressing.”

During the regular season, Reider completed 108-of-167 passes for 1,571 yards and 16 touchdowns, while throwing five interceptions. His 114.6 quarterback efficiency rating and touchdown pass total topped the PFC.

Rifles’ Gumieny tabbed player of the week

Derek Gumieny is the PFC’s defensive player of the week.

Winnipeg Rifles outside linebacker Derek Gumieny emptied the tank in what turned out to be his team’s final game of the 2023 campaign.

The 20-year-old’s effort allowed him to pick up a player of the week nod. On Wednesday, Gumieny was named the defensive player of the week for the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference for his performance in his team’s 39-1 loss to the host Saskatoon Hilltops this past Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Gumieny recorded eight solo defensive tackles, one defensive tackle assist, one quarterback sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Gumieny’s Rifles missed the post season finishing fifth in the PFC’s regular season standings with a 2-6 record.

Calgary Colts quarterback Caine Harrison was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week on Wednesday for his efforts in his team’s 66-10 romp over the visiting Edmonton Wildcats this past Sunday in Calgary. Harrison completed 18-of-29 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing one interception.

Colts kicker James Keane was named the PFC’s special team player of the week for his performance in that victory this past Sunday against the Wildcats. Keane made all five of his field goal attempts and all seven of his conversion attempts in the win. He also kicked off nine times for 330 yards.

The Colts finished fourth in the PFC with a 3-5 mark to earn the final post-season berth in the conference. They hit the road to face the Saskatoon Hilltops (8-0) in a PFC semifinal on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Wildcats finished last in the regular season standings of the six-team PFC with a 1-7 mark.

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Defence dominates as Hilltops go 8-0 in regular season

Starting QB Reider leaves game after big hit

Carter Wingert (#21) holds the ball after making a fumble recovery.

The Saskatoon Hilltops’ defensive unit in 2023 might be one of the best the storied team has ever had, and it might have to carry more of the load or possibly the day in the post-season.

In the Hilltops final CJFL regular season game of the 2023 campaign on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops defense put together another stellar performance in a 39-1 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles. The Hilltops defence created six turnovers on four interceptions, one fumble recovery and one turnover on downs.

The ’Toppers defence held the Rifles to 41 yards rushing and 167 yards passing as team and allowed the Saskatoon side to finish the regular season topping the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference with an 8-0 record to the delight of the 1,809 spectators in attendance.

The Hilltops defence forces a fumble in the second quarter.

In the later stages of the third quarter with the Hilltops holding a 22-0 lead and scrimmaging from their own one yard line, Hilltops starting quarterback Trey Reider took a super hard hit from 22-year-old Rifles linebacker Brandon Kamenz while in the act of throwing the ball. Reider went down and had to be helped off the field.

He was moving really gingerly when he came off to the sidelines, and he did not return to the game. Brexton Elias came in to play relief, and Elias was pulled for third stringer Wil Ansell when the Hilltops were up 32-1 in the later stages of the fourth quarter.

“I guess at the end of the day we’ll certainly let our medical staff do their work,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant regarding Reider’s status. “We’ll wait and see.

Carter Wingert had a fumble recovery and an interception on Sunday.

“That sort of summed up how we sort of played today, especially on offence. We’re missing assignments. We just weren’t on point.”

The Hilltops put up 238 yards rushing and 205 yards passing as a team, but the club’s offensive unit had an up and down day. Saskatoon’s offence turned the ball over five times including on three fumbles, one interception and two turnovers on downs.

On defence, the Hilltops gave up a total of 51 points during their eight regular season games. That was a lower number than the 2018 Hilltops team that went 8-0 in the regular season and gave up just 70 points in those eight contests.

The 2018 campaign was one of the Hilltops more impressive statistical seasons where they thumped all their foes in posting an 11-0 overall record in capturing the CJFL title. They trailed for a combined 81 seconds in the regular season and playoffs, and their closest margin of victory was downing the Edmonton Huskies 28-9 in the PFC final.

Hilltops QB Trey Reider left the game after this third quarter hit.

The 51 points the Hilltops allowed in eight regular season games this season was the fewest points they’ve allowed in any regular season during the time Sargeant has been head coach starting in the 1998 campaign.

“Our defence has been unbelievable all year, and they proved it again,” said Sargeant. “Anytime you go 8-0 in the PFC you have lots to be thankful for.

“Hey, we have to play football, and we’ll continue to play to football. Brexton (Elias) went in and performed well. Hey, it is what it is.

“We’ll deal with what we will deal with, but we’re going to celebrate tonight a great regular season.”

Boston Davidsen piled up 148 yards rushing for the Hilltops.

Sargeant said it was a big achievement for the current Hilltops to have given up fewer points in the regular season than what the impressive 2018 squad did.

“It is unbelievable,” said Sargeant. “It is a real proud (accomplishment) for all of us.

“We play complimentary football where the offence, defence and special teams work hand in hand with each other. Any time you do that it certainly gives you a lot of confidence when you make decisions about how to move forward during the course of the game. We can be a little more aggressive knowing that our defence will consistently be on point.

“That is just a locked in group that is playing at such a high level right now.”

Part of the 1,809 spectators who were in attendance on Sunday.

In Sunday’s game, the Hilltops slowly built up a 22-0 lead by halftime. In the first quarter Reider hit star receiver Drake Douglas with an eight-yard touchdown catch to put the Hilltops up 7-0.

In the second quarter, Hilltops kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas booted a 36-yard field goal to put the host side up 10-0. Hilltops star power running back Boston Davidsen ripped off a 53-yard touchdown run and the Rifles conceded a safety due to bad field position to push the Hilltops advantage out to 19-0.

With 10.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Abel-Douglas connected on a 42-yard field goal to give the hosts their 22-0 advantage.

The Hilltops celebrate a TD catch from Drake Douglas (#86).

On defence, 22-year-old defensive back Carter Wingert helped push the Hilltops momentum recovering a fumble and hauling in an interception in the second quarter.

“Our defence has just played well all year,” said Wingert, who has three interceptions and two fumble recoveries this season. “The coaches are just giving us great plans coaching us well throughout the week.

“We’re playing together as one unit. It is not one guy doing anything out there. It is 12 guys doing their jobs wherever the ball goes.

“I know whichever guy it (the ball) goes to that guy is going to make a play.”

Rifles QB Myle Desmarais sets to run from Hilltops pressure.

With 61 seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Rifles cracked on to the scoreboard with a 36-yard missed field goal single from kicker Alex Minor to trim the Hilltops lead to 22-1.

At the 4:14 mark of the second quarter, Hilltops star 22-year-old middle linebacker Matt Wist deflected a pass by Rifles starting quarterback Myles Desmarais to himself and returned it five yards for a touchdown to put the Hilltops up 29-1.

Backup kicker Ryden Gratton hit a 22 yard field goal to give Saskatoon a 32-1 lead. The Hilltops rounded out the game’s scoring when Ansell hit third-year receiver Jacob Ambros with a six-yard touchdown pass to cement the 39-1 final score with 2:25 remaining in the contest. The throw was Ansell’s first career CJFL touchdown pass and Ambros’ first career CJFL touchdown catch.

Teijon Abel-Douglas (#80) hits a 42-yard field goal for the Hilltops.

Reider completed 7-of-16 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown, while throwing one interception before departing due to injury. Davidsen carried the ball 20 times for 148 yards to go with his major score. Pass catcher Noah Flaman topped the Hilltops with 80 receiving yards on three catches.

Desmarais completed 19-of-47 passes for 167 yards, while throwing four interceptions for the Rifles. Running back Kaiden Banfield carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards. Receiver Jarome Penner hauled in six passes for 60 yards.

The Hilltops celebrate a defensive TD from Matt Wist (#44).

On defence, safety Dalton Urban and defensive back Jackson Dean had interceptions for the Hilltops, while defensive end Kai Kukurudza had a quarterback sack. Defensive back Isaac Rivalin had three solo defensive tackles and three pass knockdowns for the host side.

Outside linebacker Derek Gumieny had a big game for the Rifles recording 8.5 total tackles, one quarterback sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Defensive back Joseph Funk-Clements and Minor had fumble recoveries for the Rifles, while Kamenz had an interception and blocked a field goal attempt for Winnipeg.

With the Hilltops defence having a big game, Wingert was asked if the Saskatoon defensive unit will have to carry the day a little more in the post-season if Reider is out for any length of time. Wingert said he was still processing what happened with Reider and wasn’t going to count his signal caller out.

Dalton Urban returns an interception for the Hilltops.

“I’m not sure how Trey (Reider) is doing, but I hope he is doing well,” said Wingert. “I’m sure he will be alright.”

The Rifles were eliminated from post-season contention with the loss and finished the regular season with a 2-6 mark to sit fifth in the PFC.

Out in Calgary on Sunday, the host Colts improved to 3-5 to claim fourth in the PFC and clinch a post-season berth with a 66-10 victory over the Edmonton Wildcats, who finish last in the six-team PFC at 1-7. 

The Colts will face the Hilltops in one CJFL semifinal this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

In Regina on Sunday, the host Thunder downed the Edmonton Huskies 33-10. The Thunder finish second in the PFC at 6-2, while the Huskies place third at 4-4. 

Jackson Dean makes an interception for the Hilltops.

Those two sides go at it again in the other PFC semifinal this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

The Hilltops claimed their lone regular season encounter with the Colts 50-18 back on August 27 at SMF Field. Looking towards the upcoming post-season clash with Calgary, Sargeant said the Colts have some star players his squad needs to be aware of.

“They have a lot of talent there,” said Sargeant. “They’re a lot of high end athletes, and they’re going to be hungry.

“At the end of the day, you’re coming into Saskatoon. We feel this is a pretty tough place to play.”

The Hilltops enjoy family time after Sunday’s game.

NOTES - The Hilltops held a moment of silence before Sunday’s game to remember and honour George Reed, who was the iconic fullback of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. Reed passed away on October 1. Davidsen finished the regular season for the Hilltops carrying the ball 170 times for 1,184 yards and nine touchdowns, and all those numbers were career highs. Abel-Douglas concluded the regular season scoring 104 points coming off 23 field goals, four singles and 31 converts.

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