Sawi saves Hilltops season

Saskatoon wins ugly, takes PFC semifinal over Huskies

Charles Sawi begins to return a missed field goal for a touchdown.

Charles Sawi came to the rescue for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the defending CJFL champion Hilltops found themselves locked in an 18-18 tie with the Edmonton Huskies in a PFC semifinal match with under eight minutes to play. Huskies PFC all-star kicker Laine Santos was lined up for a 46-yard field goal attempt to try and put the visitors ahead.

Santos was just wide, but that allowed Sawi his opportunity. The third-year running back returned the ball out of the Hilltops end zone.

Sawi continued his return down the left sideline, he turned toward the centre of the field at the Hilltops 40 yard line, and cut upfield down the right sideline to the Huskies end zone for a touchdown. Sawi’s 112-yard missed field goal return for a major put the Hilltops in front 25-18 with 7:32 to play in the fourth quarter.

Laine Santos attempts a 46-yard field goal he would miss.

That played sparked the Hilltops to a 33-18 victory before a crowd of 818 spectators as they improved to 9-0 overall. The Huskies would finish the 2024 campaign with a 3-6 overall mark.

“It was a very big return for myself,” said Sawi. “I wanted another week of football, and there were guys that were struggling and were stressing on the sidelines.

“You know what? I thought I had to return it all the way back to the crib.”

The 19-year-old said he was happy to reach the end zone when he did on his return.

“I was running out of gas as soon as I got to the end,” said Sawi. “It was a very far run, if I can say so myself.”

Charles Sawi jets his way downfield for the winning touchdown.

The win allows the Hilltops to advance to host the PFC final expected to be held this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field. They will play their provincial rivals in the Regina Thunder (7-2), who thumped the visiting Calgary Colts (4-5) by a 64-7 outcome in the other PFC semifinal played at Leibel Field on Sunday.

When the dust settled in the clash between the Hilltops and Huskies on Sunday, Sawi gave a determined foe their due.

“It was a very physical match I’ll say that,” said Sawi. “The Huskies brought their guys, their star players, and we struggled at times.

“We did overcome it once again, and we are now in the (PFC) final.”

The Hilltops celebrate Charles Sawi’s fourth quarter touchdown.

After the host side went ahead on Sawi’s major, the Hilltops defence ensured the Huskies wouldn’t hit the scoreboard again. A short time after Sawi’s score, Hilltops star third-year middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk came up with an interception to snuff out one Huskies drive.

With under three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, the Huskies gambled on a third-and-10 on their own five yard line. An incomplete pass caused a turnover on downs.

At that point, Hilltops star power running back Corbin Ebben ran and dove home for five-yard touchdown run that put the Hilltops up 32-18 with 2:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. Ebben finished the contest carrying the ball 29 times for 172 yards to go with his major on the ground. He also caught thtree passes for 25 yards.

Charles Sawi reflects on his missed field goal return TD.

Following Ebben’s major, Hilltops fourth-year kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas recorded a single booting a ball through the end zone on a 23-yard missed field goal attempt to round out the 33-18 final score in favour of the Hilltops.

Michayluk finished the contest recording seven solo defensive tackles, four defensive tackle assists, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. He was pumped his squad gets to play on for another week.

“It is awesome,” said Michayluk. “I didn’t want this to be my last week.

“For sure the fifth years, I didn’t want that to be their last game for sure. We have another week. That is what it is.

“We have another week, and so we got to go and put our nose to the grindstone. Regina is going to be a tough test. We have a long week of work ahead of us.”

Corbin Ebben (#34) carried the ball 30 times for 177 yards.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was pleased his team survived and found a way to overcome the Huskies. He cautioned leading up to Sunday’s PFC semifinal the Huskies were going to provide a big challenge, and sideline boss said the final score ultimately flattered his club. Sargeant gave credit to the Huskies for their effort.

“They’re a good football team,” said Sargeant. “They know how to play football.

“They know how to coach. We’ve had so many competitive games with these guys over the last three or four years. There is a lot of pride on their end.

“It was obvious. At the end of the day, a champion heart kicked in. We were able to walk away with this win.”

Isaac Michayluk returns an interception for the Hilltops.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Huskies got on the scoreboard first going ahead 3-0 on a 46-yard field goal by Santos.

Just when a seemed the Huskies had all the momentum, they muffed a punt return a short time later where the ball was recovered by Hilltops fifth-year outside linebacker Noah Gedir. The hosts proceeded to drive down field and the march culminated with star quarterback Trey Reider hitting rookie receiver Hayden Day with a four-yard touchdown toss to put the Hilltops in front 7-3.

Sargeant wasn’t surprised Gedir came through with a big play to get the Hilltops going at that point in the contest.

“That is your fifth-year player making plays,” said Sargeant. “Noah (Gedir) has been a great leader for us.

“He rallies in and steps up and does what he needs to do in the big moments. That is why he has been like that for five years. It is awesome to see.

Hayden Day makes a four-yard TD catch for the Hilltops.

“I’m proud of him, but I’m proud of the whole team, how we stuck together (and) played hard together.”

The Huskies then conceded a safety, and Reider followed connecting with second-year PFC all-star receiver Datiel Fountaine on a 39-yard touchdown toss to push the Hilltops advantage out to 16-3.

Just 80 seconds into the third quarter, the Huskies started to get rolling. Reider fumbled the ball away while running up the left sideline on a scramble, and the ball was scooped up by Huskies outside linebacker Matthew Alloway.

Alloway returned the fumble 36 yards for a touchdown that cut the Hilltops lead to 16-10. Michayluk said it was big for his squad to navigate the ups and downs of the contest.

Datiel Fountaine makes a 39-yard TD catch for the Hilltops.

“We were definitely put through some adversity there for sure,” said Michayluk. “Our team stuck together.

“We’re a family, we bonded, so we stayed with it and got it done.”

At the 7:07 mark of the third quarter, Huskies punt returner Aiden Janes fumbled the football at his own two-yard line on a hit by Hilltops long snapper Colton Zimmer. The ball rolled into the end zone. The Huskies recovered it, but they were downed in the end zone resulting in a safety that increased the Hilltops lead to 18-10.

That mishap didn’t deter the Huskies. At the 4:16 mark of the fourth quarter, Huskies running back Carson Eddy powered in for a major score from three yards out putting the visitors in position to attempted a two-point conversion to tie the contest.

The Huskies enjoy a fumble return TD by Matthew Alloway (#47).

Huskies quarterback Wyatt Matson hit receiver Cameron Coyne with a five-yard pass for a successful two-point conversion to even the score 18-18.

A short time later, Huskies defensive halfback Moise Mutebutsi intercepted Reider. That interception allowed the Huskies to set up for Santos’s field goal attempt that was missed and returned to the end zone by Sawi. That was ultimately the last momentum change in the contest.

“They (the Huskies) play us hard every time we play them,” said Michayluk. “They’re a physical bunch.

“They’re well coached. They play right to the end of the whistle. They play right to the end of the game.

Carson Eddy had a three-yard rushing TD for the Huskies.

“A hell of a lot of respect to them, and we wish them the best on the next year, next season.”

Sunday’s game was a gutty and at times an ugly post-season win. The Hilltops turned the ball over five times in the contest, and the Huskies gave away the ball on seven occasions.

Reider completed 13-of-19 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception. He ran the ball seven times for 50 yards.

Fountaine caught two passes for a team high 48 receiving yards to go with his major score.

Matson completed 19-of-37 passes for 160, while throwing two interceptions. He also ran the ball seven times for a team high 58 yards.

Corbin Ebben (#34) dives into the end zone for a touchdown.

William Campbell led the Huskies with five catches for 52 yards.

Kai Kukurudza and Lucas Sosnowski each had one quarterback sack for the Hilltops. Zaden Taylor and Johnathon Stevens each had a half sack. Defensive halfback Jackson Dean had an interception for the Saskatoon side.

Outside linebacker Tristan Price led the Huskies with nine total tackles to go with a pass knockdown. Westley Johnsen and Kaige Houle recorded one quarterback sack each for the Huskies.

Now, the Hilltops turn their attention towards the PFC final and the Thunder, but they first had to respect the battle they got from the Huskies.

“We knew we drew the hard seed, because they’re physical,” said Sargeant. “They play a certain brand that matched up well against us.

The Hilltops do a cheer after their win on Sunday.

“Football is about matchups, and they match up well. We knew it was going to be physical. They got underneath us at times, and they took it to us.

“It is live and learn and grow. We’ve got to get better for next week. The good thing is we’re playing at home.”

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All in the family – Gedir has lifelong ties to Hilltops

Saskatoon goes 8-0 to close regular season

Noah Gedir, middles, walks with mom Ashley and dad Michael.

For Noah Gedir, the Saskatoon Hilltops have always been part of his life.

His links to the storied CJFL club go back to the fact his father, Michael, played centre on the squad’s offensive line from 1997 to 2001. Michael helped the Hilltops win their 10^th CJFL championship in his final season, when Saskatoon hammered the Okanagan Sun 45-11 at Foote Field in Edmonton, Alta., on November 4, 2001.

Noah was born just over nine months later after that championship game win. Some of his earliest recollections revolve around coming out to the old Hilltops clubhouse to see his father play in the annual Alumni Game for the Alumni Team at Ron Atchison Field.

“I have a vague memory of one of the Alumni Games back here at the Hilltops clubhouse,” said Noah, who is a fifth-year star outside linebacker for the Hilltops in the current day. “We have a picture hanging on the fridge of him holding me when I was maybe three-years-old.

“I look back at that and some of the same coaches actually coached him, and now, they’re coaching me so just that Hilltop tradition. He lived through it, and now, I get to live through it. It is pretty special to have that moment.”

While playing defence as opposed to offence, the son followed in this father’s footsteps. Last year on November 11, 2023, Noah helped the Hilltops win their 23^rd CJFL title when they downed the host Westshore Rebels 17-10 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., to capture the Canadian Bowl. The high-motor linebacker recorded four defensive solo tackles and three defensive tackle assists in the win.

“I’ve been around the ‘H’ for a while now, pretty much my whole life,” said Noah. “We definitely have that winning mindset in the family, which is awesome to have.”

On Sunday, Noah and the Hilltops downed the host Huskies 21-14 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton in the final CJFL regular season clash for both clubs. The Huskies attempt at a two-minute drill drive in the fourth quarter to change the contest’s final result came to an end with an interception by Hilltops rookie defensive lineman Noah Chelsom with 14.4 seconds remaining on the clock at Saskatoon’s 26 yard line.

Noah Gedir (#36) charges to the field with the Hilltops.

The win allowed the defending CJFL champion Hilltops, who already have first place in the Prairie Football Conference locked up, to finish the regular season with an 8-0 record and improve their overall winning streak to 20 games. The Huskies, who were locked into finishing fourth in the PFC, fell to 3-5 with a fourth straight setback.

The two sides go at it again this coming Sunday in the CJFL playoffs going head-to-head in a PFC semifinal contest at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops have homefield advantage through the CJFL post-season up to the CJFL title game, which will be hosted on November 9 by the champion of the Ontario Football Conference.

With Noah’s family ties to the Hilltops, he said his family played a big role when it came to him getting interested in the game.

“Obviously, with my dad playing football, and then at a young age, my whole family has always been a big CFL family and diehard ’Riders fans,” said Gedir referencing the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. “My grandparents always came out to my games.

“They’ve had season tickets to the Hilltops for I think it is 23 years now or something crazy like that. Football has kind of been a Gedir family thing. I started when I was young and got to play until I’m now.”

Still, Noah developed his own love for the game, which came from the defensive side of the ball. The 22-year-old said he quickly discovered he got pumped up when he could fly around to the ball and make hits on opposing players.

“I just like, honestly, the controlled violence of it,” said Gedir, who stands 6-feet and weighs 220 pounds. “You only get so many opportunities to go out there and play football.

Noah Gedir was a PFC all-star last year.

“It was just so fun to throw on the pads. Obviously, I play linebacker. I like doing the hitting.

“I don’t like being hit, so I chose defence. It is fun to fly around and just the team aspect of the sport having the 12 guys relying on each other is something really special. You don’t really get it anywhere else in the world.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was the venerable squad’s head coach for Michael’s last four years with the team and an assistant coach during Michael’s rookie year. When Noah decided to join the Hilltops after graduating from Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team, Sargeant was confident he would have no worries when it came to intangibles.

“He (Noah) is just a quality kid,” said Sargeant. “You have to remember I coached his dad back in the day.

“There is a father-son combination, so that is pretty cool. He just walks around and brings confidence and poise to this group. He has high expectations on everybody, and it starts with himself.”

Last season in the Hilltops eight regular season games, Noah recorded 17 solo defensive tackles, 14 defensive tackle assists, nine special teams solo tackles, one quarterback sack, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in being named a PFC all-star. After the Hilltops first seven games this season, Noah has posted 19 solo defensive tackles, 15 defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, one special teams tackle assist, five pass knock downs and two fumble recoveries.

The quick-reaction linebacker’s 76 defensive points ranked 10^th in the PFC heading into the final week of regular season play for the conference.

“He (Noah) has played a lot of football,” said Sargeant. “The ‘Will’ linebacker in the Hilltops defence is one of the more storied positions.

“We groomed him in that spot, and so when his opportunity came, he just took advantage of it. I think he is in the top 10 of defensive points in the PFC. He was around the ball flying around and leading his guys.

Noah Gedir (#36) has 76 defensive points in seven games in 2024.

“It is just a lot of fun to see that growth and development. The fifth years, the expectations on them are high. We’re expecting him to continue to lead us as we march in the playoffs.”

After graduating from Holy Cross, Noah said it wasn’t a “no doubt” decision when it came to joining the Hilltops due to his family’s links to the team. 

With that said, his family ties did help weigh his choice towards the Hilltops when it came time to make a selection of where he would play football after high school.

“I wouldn’t say it was a given,” said Gedir, who had five total tackles, one interception and one pass knockdown in Sunday’s win. “It was definitely on my mind that is for sure.

“I’ve always wanted to play for the Hilltops. I love the culture they have and the great coaching staff they have. Obviously my dad playing here back in the day, that was definitely in the back of my mind.

“I’m so happy to be here. It is my last year. I’m enjoying every minute I can with the guys that I have here.”

So far, Noah’s best memory playing for the Hilltops was the CJFL title win last season, where he played on a defence that hit some impressive milestones. During the regular season, the Hilltops gave up 51 points for the squad’s lowest points against total dating back to 1949.

Saskatoon proceeded to give up just 25 points over four post-season wins on the way to claiming the CJFL championship. The 76 points the Hilltops gave up overall in the regular season and post-season was again the squad’s lowest total dating back to 1949.

Noah Gedir is playing his final CJFL season with the Hilltops.

“I mean definitely raising that trophy last year was a pretty special feeling and having that amazing defence, that historic defence that we had last year,” said Noah. “We’re just trying to replicate that this year.

“Hopefully at the end of this year, we have that same exact feeling, so I can say it wasn’t 2023 that was the best time of my life with the Hilltops. It was 2024 in my last year when we won. That is the goal.

“Hopefully, we can get that job done.”

In Sunday’s regular season finale against the Huskies, the Hilltops built a 15-0 lead at halftime off two field goals by kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas, a five-yard touchdown reception from receiver Datiel Fountaine on a throw from star quarterback Trey Reider and one safety.

Abel-Douglas hit a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter to push Saskatoon’s advantage out to 18-0. 

Huskies backup quarterback Wyatt Matson hit receiver Cameron Coyne for a five-yard receiving major with 22.2 seconds remaining in the third quarter to cut the Hilltops lead to 18-7.

In the fourth quarter, Abel-Douglas hit his fourth field goal to push the Hilltops advantage out to 21-7. Matson then hit receiver William Campbell for an eight-yard touchdown toss for the Huskies with 8:20 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 21-14. The Hilltops held on from there.

With the post-season set to start, Noah said the finality that he is playing his final season for the Hilltops is hitting home as the 2024 campaign enters its final weeks. He wants to soak in every moment as it comes.

 “I wasn’t really looking at how many weeks we had left,” said Noah. “I was just kind of enjoying each day while I could be here and practise and be in the film room and be with the guys.

Noah Gedir signs autographs for some youngsters.

“I am just enjoying each moment I have with the team and being in the facility and a part of this great organization.”

NOTES – The Regina Thunder beat the visiting Calgary Colts 40-21 on Sunday at Leibel Field. The Thunder (6-2) and Colts (4-4) will go at it in a PFC semifinal this coming Sunday in Regina. Also on Sunday at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta., the host Edmonton Wildcats edged the Winnipeg Rifles 32-21. The Wildcats concluded their 2024 campaign with a 2-6 record, while the Rifles finished with a 1-7 mark.

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Hilltops lock up first in PFC, improve to 7-0

Saskatoon thumps Thunder 36-11 at SMF Field

Datiel Fountaine makes a 26-yard TD catch for the Hilltops.

It was seemingly a perfect night under the “Saturday night lights” for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops dumped their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder 36-11 in a CJFL regular season clash played before 2,266 spectators. The host side jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and continued to methodically pull away from there.

The win allowed the defending CJFL champion Hilltops to improve to 7-0 and lock up first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference. The Hilltops will also have homefield throughout the CJFL playoffs up to the league championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Canadian Bowl will be hosted by the champion of the Ontario Football Conference.

Hilltops LB Noah Gedir tackles Thunder RB Ryland Leichert.

“Our line of scrimmage, our offensive line played outstanding today,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team has won 19 straight overall. “Our defensive line, it just came together tonight.

“This is the best we’ve played all year. Obviously, Regina is a formidable opponent. They’re well coached, and they know us well and they play hard.

“We had to come out and play hard and play aggressive, and that is what we did today. I am super happy with what took place, and now, we’ve got to keep building.”

At that point, Sargeant took a quick pause before looking to the future.

Trey Reider (#3) throws a pass behind sound protection.

“We clinched first. Good. Who cares?” said Sargeant. “Now, we’ve got to keep moving.”

The Thunder fell to 5-2 with the result of Saturday’s contest. They have lost their last five straight head-to-head encounters including action in the regular season and post-season to the Hilltops.

On offence, all the Hilltops big players had big games. Star fifth-year quarterback Trey Reider completed 14-of-25 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He ran the ball four times for 26 yards too.

Star fifth-year receiver Drake Douglas hauled in five passes for 132 yards. Breakout second-year receiver Datiel Fountaine caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Drake Douglas, left, caught five passes for 132 yards.

Emerging star third-year power running back Corbin Ebben ran the ball 29 times for 196 yards and one touchdown.

The Hilltops starting offensive line in right tackle Cody Shumanski, right guard Jack Erlandson, centre Matthew Noble, left guard Erik Barsness and left tackle Davin Johnson all had banner days.

“Our O-line played great today,” said Reider. “They controlled the line of scrimmage.

“I have to shout out to Corbin Ebben. He ran the ball great. Drake Douglas came down with every ball.

“Obviously, two touchdown catches is great for Datiel (Fountaine) coming down with those.”

On defence, the Hilltops got big contributions from a number of players in limiting the Thunder to 307 total yards of offence. Star defensive end Kai Kukurudza record two sacks and 3.5 total tackles.

Corbin Ebben ran the ball 29 times for 196 yards.

Star defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens had one sack and 2.5 total tackles. Defensive tackle Nahom Menghestab and defensive end Noah Chelsom shared a sack. Second-year outside linebacker Zaden Taylor had eight solo defensive tackles, one special teams tackle assist and one interception.

Middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk had 7.5 total tackles. Outside linebacker Noah Gedir had 5.5 total tackles and two pass knockdowns. Safetly Dalton Urban had 3.5 total tackles and one interception.

“A big focus was stopping the run, so I think really early on we stopped that,” said Kukurudza. “Our interior guys in Nahom (Menghestab) and (Johnathon) Stevens, they really did their job.

“Noah (Chelsom) on the weak side didn’t let anything up either. Our DBs were locked down. All our sacks are really DB covered sacks, so it was good.”

Zaden Taylor (#10) reacts to making an interception.

The Hilltops opened the game’s scoring on their first offensive series, which culminated with Reider hitting Fountaine with an eight-yard touchdown pass to give the hosts a 7-0 lead. Before the first quarter expired, Hilltops veteran kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas hit a field goal from 18 yards out to push the Hilltops edge out to 10-0. That marked the first of five field goals Abel-Douglas would hit on the day.

At the 8:55 mark of the second quarter, Thunder kicker Shawn Green nailed a 35-yard field goal for the visitors to trim the Hilltops lead to 10-3.

The Hilltops closed out the first half getting field goals from Abel-Douglas from 13 and 30 yards out to hold a 16-3 lead.

The Hilltop Cheerleading Team performs at halftime.

Green recorded a rouge for the Thunder on the opening kickoff to start the second half to make the Hilltops lead stand at 16-4.

On that first offensive series of the half, the Hilltops got another major score as Reider hit Fountaine with a 26-yard touchdown strike to put the host side up 23-4. Ebben would run in a major from three yards out to push the Hilltops lead out to 30-4.

While the Hilltops offence was rolling on Saturday, Reider said his team will be focusing on fixing the mistakes they did make.

“I feel it was a good game, but at the end of the day, we can always do better,” said Reider. “Every day, every week, we’re trying to get better.

“I feel like that was one of our best games of the season for sure.”

Kai Kukurudza (#73) celebrates making a sack on Saturday.

Just 10 seconds into the fourth quarter, Thunder star quarterback Carter Moberg hit receiver Benjamin Walz with a 15-yard touchdown toss to trim the Hilltops lead to 30-11.

Abel-Douglas proceeded to hit field goals from 15 and 22 yards out to round out the 36-11 final score in favour of Saskatoon.

Also in the fourth quarter, Kukurudza recorded both of his sacks on third down gambles by the Thunder.

“It just feels good when you go all game like doing your job, and then finally, you can really do what you need to do at the end when it matters most on those third downs,” said Kukurudza. “It is good.”

Moberg completed 17-of-31 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions for the Thunder. Star veteran running back Ryland Leichert topped Regina with 88 yards rushing on 15 carries. Walz had record 55 yards receiving on six catches to go with his touchdown through the air.

Dalton Urban (#17) returns an interception for the Hilltops.

Star middle linebacker Stephen Smith led the Thunder with 9.5 total tackles.

The Thunder return home to close out their regular season schedule on Sunday, October 6, when they host the Calgary Colts at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

The Hilltops will also conclude their regular season schedule on Sunday, October 6. They will travel to Edmonton to face the Huskies at 1 p.m. local time at Jasper Place Bowl.

Looking forward to the rest of the season, Sargeant is pumped his squad will have homefield advantage through the CJFL playoffs until reaching the Canadian Bowl. With that noted, he wants his team to focus on playing well in their final regular season contest first.

“We love playing at home,” said Sargeant. “We’ve worked hard to be in the spot we’re in, and now, we’ve got to take advantage.

“We’re off to the Edmonton Huskies next week. We could be playing them two weeks in a row. You know what?

The Hilltops do a breakdown cheer after Saturday’s win.

“We just can’t give an inch to anything or anyone. This is the type of group that they’re pretty locked and loaded right now. I’m very pleased with the performance of all 65 players that we dressed tonight.”

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Fountaine finding his groove with storied Hilltops

Second-year playmaker delivers two TDs in 57-14 win

Datiel Fountaine (#5) gives a Rifles defensive back the slip.

Datiel Fountaine wasn’t looking for superstition, but if something superstitious comes up that works, he believes you have to go with it.

The second-year receiver cracked into the Hilltops starting lineup this season, but he admitted he began the campaign dealing with issues with consistency. Before the Hilltops third regular season game on their CJFL schedule on August 25 against the Colts in Calgary, Fountaine found a good luck charm doing something random, which 19-year-olds will do from time to time.

“Funny story, I put this little barricade sticker on my back of my back plate,” said Fountaine. “Ever since then, I’ve been scoring every day, so it is awesome.

Datiel Fountaine returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a TD.

“Honestly, I just thought it was a cool sticker, so I was like I’m going to put this on my back plate. Ever since then, I’ve scored every single game.”

Against the Colts, Fountaine hauled in his first two touchdown catches of the season in a 52-19 victory. He followed that effort up by hauling another touchdown in the Hilltops 29-15 triumph over the Thunder in Regina on September 7.

On Sunday, the Hilltops hosted their first home game in over a month taking on the visiting Winnipeg Rifles at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Fountaine provided early fireworks running the opening kickoff back 95 yards up the middle of the field to put the Hilltops up 7-0 to an appreciative roar from the 989 spectators in attendance.

Datiel Fountaine caught three passes for 36 yards and one TD.

With 2:22 remaining in the third quarter, Fountaine hauled in a quick hitter pass from Hilltops star quarterback Trey Reider and easily crossed the goal-line from a yard out for his second major of the contest to put the host side up 42-6 at that point in the contest.

The Hilltops, who are the defending CJFL champions, would fire on all cylinders rolling to a 57-14 victory to improve to 5-0 on the campaign to remain first in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference. Saskatoon also officially locked up a berth in the CJFL post-season with their win on Sunday. The Rifles fell to 0-5 with the loss.

Fountaine was pumped to start Sunday’s contest running back the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. He said his blockers created an opportunity where he just had to make a straight sprint to the end zone.

Datiel Fountaine was named the PFC’s top rookie in 2023.

“Honestly, it was surreal,” said Fountaine, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds. “It was a great feeling.

“You just saw a big old gap and ran straight through it. It was a very good feeling inside. I want to make ‘Sarge’ proud.

“That is all I’m here for.”

Before joining the Hilltops, Fountaine caught passes for the Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders Football Team. At the time Fountaine attended Walter Murray Collegiate, legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant served as the school’s principal.

Datiel Fountaine has five touchdowns in his last three games.

As Fountaine talks, it quickly becomes obvious that it means a lot to be able to play for Sargeant. The pass catcher said his touchdown reception in the third quarter came due to the decisions made by Sargeant and the team’s offensive coordinator in Shane Reider.

“That was awesome,” said Fountaine of his one-yard touchdown catch. “I came to the sideline to see ‘Sarge.’

“He is like, ‘You’re welcome.’ I was like he is like giving me a gimme. It was amazing honestly.

“I like scoring touchdowns obviously, so it was awesome.”

As a rookie in 2023, Fountaine turned heads by making flash acrobatic and athletic catches hitting the field as an extra receiver on pass heavy formations. He finished the campaign hauling in seven passes for 107 yards and one touchdown. Fountaine was named the top rookie receiver in the PFC.

Datiel Fountaine smiles after scoring on a one-yard TD catch.

Sargeant has been pleased with the progress Fountaine has made in his short time with the Hilltops.

“He (Fountaine) is developing,” said Sargeant. “For a second-year player, his ceiling is so high, and you are just seeing each week the production.

“We’re looking for different ways to give him the ball, and he is making a play. As I said, the sky is the limit. We know Drake (Douglas) is our number one, but he (Fountaine) is a guy the defence has got to start preparing for and know where he is at.”

Fountaine believed some of his consistency struggles likely came from getting used to being a starter. He said that it is different being in a starting role versus being part of a receiver heavy offensive package that comes into the game for situational play.

Trey Reider (#3) threw two TD passes for the Hilltops.

He has enjoyed the short time he has been a member of the Hilltops and playing with and hanging with his teammates. For him, there has been someone missing when he takes the field.

So far this season, Hilltops fourth-year star receiver Noah Flaman hasn’t been able to play due to injury. Fountaine is looking forward to the day Flaman gets back on the field to give the Hilltops offence more of a boost.

“I think that would be amazing when Noah (Flaman) comes back,” said Fountaine, who caught three passes for 36 yards on Sunday. “There will be more touchdowns for us obviously.

“Noah (Flaman) will be great. I love that boy to bits.”

Drake Douglas caught eight passes for 113 yards on Sunday.

As the Hilltops move on in the current campaign, Fountaine wants to keep rolling in the groove he has going and seeing what prospects the future brings.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Fountaine. “I want another championship, maybe another all-star, so I have to go get that.”

After the Hilltops took a 7-0 lead in Sunday’s clash with the Rifles on Fountaine’s opening kickoff return touchdown, the Rifles responded with a pair of field goals coming from 39 and 22 yards out off the leg of kicker Evan Guercio. Those boots trimmed the host side’s edge to 7-6 by the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Hilltops safety Dalton Urban intercepted Rifles quarterback Josh Charison allowing Saskatoon to start an offensive drive deep in Winnipeg’s end of the field. 

Corbin Ebben carried the ball 17 times for 132 yards and one TD.

The Hilltops proceeded to put together a short touchdown drive that was capped by a one-yard rushing plunge from defensive tackle Ryan Adamko on a heavy goal-line package. Adamko’s major pushed the Hilltops lead out to 14-6.

Just over four minutes later, Trey Reider hit offensive tackle Jeremy Funk with a two yard touchdown pass from a heavy goal-line package to give the Hilltops a 21-6 lead. With 36.7 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Hilltops power running back Corbin Ebben ran home a major from 33 yards out to put the Hilltops up 28-6.

The Hilltops rolled off another 21 straight points in the third to push their advantage out to 49-6. Reider ran in a touchdown from a yard out, Fountaine followed with his one-yard touchdown catch and Urban scooped up a fumble and ran it back 39 yards for a defensive major score.

Jace Mowles secures an interception for the Hilltops.

Saskatoon opened the fourth quarter getting a missed field goal single from 23 yards out from kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas to hold a 50-6 lead.

With 6:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Rifles got a major as Charison connected with receiver Asher Neufeld with a seven-yard touchdown pass. Charison proceeded throw a five-yard pass to running back Kaiden Banfield to trim the Hilltops lead to 50-14.

Saskatoon rounded out the game’s scoring with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter when back-up quarterback Charlie Molder scored a touchdown on a one-yard quarterback sneak making the final score 57-14 in favour of the Hilltops.

“We got to build capacity,” said Sargeant. “We got a lot of players in.

Dalton Urban returns a fumble for a touchdown for the Hilltops.

“We had I think five new starters in from last week. We are hit with the injury bug a little bit. I am pretty happy with the performance.

“The offence sort of woke up after the first three series. Coach (Shane) Reider made some real good calls, and the player executed well. All in all, I am pretty happy with the process today.”

Trey Reider completed 17-of-22 passes for 169 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He ran the ball three times for six yards to go with his major on the ground. Douglas hauled in eight passes for 111 yards, which were game highs in both departments.

Ebben carried the ball 17 for 132 yards to go with his major score on the ground. He also caught one pass for 15 yards.

Ryan Adamko (#65) scores a TD on a one-yard plunge.

Charison completed 24-of-39 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown, while throwing four interceptions. Neufeld caught five passes for a Winnipeg team high 48 yards to go with his major score. Banfield led the Rifles with 62 yards rushing on 15 carries to go with five catches for 32 yards.

Hilltops defensive backs Isaac Rivalin, Jace Mowles and Preston Van Damme each had one interception. Saskatoon defensive tackle Nahom Menghestab had a quarterback sack, and defensive end Noah Chelsom led the hosts with six solo defensive tackles.

Defensive back Ronin Francis topped the Rifles with 6 total tackles. Winnipeg outside linebacker Cohen Mccluskey had a quarterback sack, while middle linebacker Kresten Neufeld had one punt block and one fumble recovery.

The Hilltops enjoyed making a lot of big plays on Sunday.

“I felt Dalton Urban was just such a presence on the field today,” said Sargeant. “He is just around the ball all day.

“The front seven was solid. We knew thirty-four (Banfield) is their top player, so we had to contain him. Defensively, we’ve been pretty much on point all year, and we’ve been really tough to score against.”

 The Hilltops return to action this coming Sunday when they host the Edmonton Wildcats (0-5) at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Clark to appear at End Zone Scholarship Dinner

Dan Clark calls signals for the Roughriders in 2019.

Dan Clark will be the special guest at the Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner set for September 28.

Clark was a star centre for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2009 to 2022. He was on the Roughriders practice roster in 2009 and 2010 and was on the main roster from 2011 to 2022 appearing in 131 games. During his years on the Roughriders practice roster, Clark was playing for the CJFL’s Regina Thunder.

Clark gained fame catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from legendary Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant in a 37-0 romp over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game played at historic Taylor Field on July 21, 2013. Following that contest, Clark and the Roughriders would later win the Grey Cup with a 45-23 victory over the Tigers-Cats on November 24, 2013 at Taylor Field.

In 2019, Clark was the unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was also named a CFL all-star.

The Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner will be held in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located at the south end of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The doors for the dinner will open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

The presenting sponsors of the event are TCU Financial and SaskTel. It is hosted in conjunction with the Hilltops community partners in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. The official beverage sponsor is the Crossmount Cider Company.

All proceeds of the event go towards the Saskatoon Hilltop Scholarship Fund.

Single tickets for the event are $100, and a table of eight goes for $725. Ticket purchases include admission to that night’s CJFL regular season contest between the Hilltops and the Regina Thunder set for 7 p.m. at SMF Field. Tickets for the End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

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

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