Hilltops’ Johnson, Sawi pick up major PFC awards

Konner Johnson (#42) walks on to SMF Field with his parents.

Even as a major award winner, Konner Johnson evaluates even plays that were successful to determine if he could have done things better.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops announced that Johnson, the team’s star 22-year-old weak side linebacker, captured the PFC’s conference awards for most outstanding linebacker and most outstanding defensive player along with being a PFC all-star for the second straight year. While Johnson makes big plays on defence, he reflects on a big play he made on special teams that could have accidentally taken away a highlight touchdown from a young rookie.

On September 10, the Hilltops were playing host to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. Early in the fourth quarter, the Hilltops were holding a 14-11 lead and Thunder star kicker Eric Maximuik was attempting a 45-yard field goal to try and tie the contest.

Maximuik’s kick sailed wide of the upright, and Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi ran the ball back 125 yards for a touchdown. On the tail end of the play, Johnson blocked out the last Thunder pursuer to ensure Sawi got a major.

While Johnson’s play was a good one, he wasn’t as certain when watching it back on video.

“I don’t know if I should have hit that guy or not,” said Johnson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds. “I didn’t get flagged luckily, but I could have.

Charles Sawi was named the PFC’s offensive rookie of the year.

“I didn’t want to take that touchdown away from him.”

Looking back on the play, Johnson thought Sawi was far enough in the clear that any blocks made on the play at that point could have been flagged for a penalty. 

Johnson believed there were better options in handling the final Thunder pursuer in either letting the pursuer go as it would be unlikely he would catch Sawi or run in front of the pursuer to edge him away from Sawi.

Sawi’s major put the Hilltops in front 21-11 in that contest the Saskatoon side would ultimately drop in overtime 29-21. That was the second game of a three-game losing streak that saw the ’Toppers record fall to 2-3.

Saskatoon rebounded closing the CJFL regular season with three straight wins to finish second in the PFC with a 5-3 mark. Last Sunday, the Hilltops won their fourth straight downing the Edmonton Huskies 20-15 in a PFC semifinal at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Thunder finished the regular season with an 8-0 mark to finish first in the PFC and claimed their PFC semifinal 23-14 against the visiting Winnipeg Rifles at Leibel Field in Regina last Sunday.

The Hilltops and Thunder will go at it in the PFC final this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. It marks the second straight year the two sides have met in the conference title game with the Hilltops taking last year’s encounter 29-9 also at Mosaic Stadium.

Defensive end Riece Kack (#47) was named a PFC all-star.

While the Hilltops are deep into preparing to try and win the PFC title for an eighth consecutive season, they took time for some positive reflection on players getting recognized for individual awards.

Sawi took home the PFC’s award for offensive rookie of the year and was named to the rookie all-star team at running back. During the regular season, he carried the ball 30 times for 342 yards and scored two touchdowns.

On special teams, Sawi returned seven kickoffs for 168 yards and one touchdown, and five missed field goals for 271 yards that included the 125 yard touchdown return. Johnson was pleased to see the Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team graduate get honoured for the work he put in.

“He (Sawi) is an electric player,” said Johnson. “It is awesome to see.

“It is always fun to watch. He definitely deserved that. He’ll have a lot more coming in the future I am sure.”

As for Johnson, he finished second in the PFC in defensive points at 117 after collecting 31 solo defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, two special teams tackle assists, two quarterback sacks, five pass knockdowns and four interceptions.

Luciano Jolly (#58) was named a PFC all-star at centre.

Johnson said he reflects on his individual awards as team awards. The graduate of the Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Comets nine-man football team said he was able to have individual success on the field due to the fact Hilltops middle linebacker Matt Wist and strong side linebacker Wade Keating had great seasons.

“All three of our linebackers this year we all played pretty good,” said Johnson. “We did our jobs for most of the season.

“It is definitely a team effort. It always is.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant proud to see Johnson and Sawi pick up major PFC awards.

“You always want to see players get recognized by their peers,” said Sargeant. “Konner (Johnson) has certainly put in five great years of working with the Hilltops.

“It took him two or three years to get bigger, stronger and apply his craft. Then, he has been an all-star the last two years. He has taken advantage of his work ethic and some great coaching from coach (in Hilltops defensive coordinator Jeff) Yausie.

“He (Johnson) has put it together into a great Hilltop career. With Charles (Sawi), we knew he was a high end recruit coming out of Holy Cross, and he has certainly provided a lot of energy and splash plays. It has been fun to coach him and see him develop.”

Boden Marley, left, was tabbed a PFC all-star at receiver.

Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack was also named to the PFC all-star team. Kack topped the PFC with 7.5 sacks. He also had 20 solo defensive tackles, five defensive tackle assists, three special teams solo tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

On offence, centre Luciano Jolly and left tackle Jayson Kehler, who have both been with the Hilltops since 2017, captured PFC all-star honours for the first time at their respective positions. Receiver Boden Marley, who has two seasons of CJFL eligibility remaining, was also named a PFC all-star for the first time.

Marley led the Hilltops in receiving making 33 catches for 349 yards and one touchdown. On special teams, Marley returned 32 punts for 278 yards and nine kickoffs for 161 yards.

“We had some other all-stars as well in two O-lineman who have never had it before in Jayson Kehler and Luciano Jolly,” said Sargeant. “I’m proud and pleased for that.

“Boden Marley gets one as a receiver, and then you have Riece Kack, who led the league in sacks this year. We feel good about all of that, but saying all that, we know it is a team game. It is the ultimate team game.

“We don’t get too caught up in accolades or awards. We just focus on wins.”

Johnson echoes those sentiments. While awards are nice, he is focused on taking on the Thunder in the PFC final.

Jayson Kehler (#50) was named a PFC all-star at left tackle.

“It is cool to be recognized, but we’re just worried about winning our games as a team,” said Johnson. “We have a big opponent this week, and that is what we are looking forward to right now.”

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

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Hilltops find different ways to win in post-season

Saskatoon eyes up CJFL semifinal clash with Rams

The Hilltops enjoyed a PFC final victory last Sunday.

When it comes to the CJFL’s post-season, the Saskatoon Hilltops have found some variety when it comes to winning.

In their two post-season games, the Hilltops have won in two different ways. On November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops pulled out a thrilling 33-31 victory in a PFC semifinal contest against the Edmonton Huskies, who finished at 6-4 overall.

The ’Toppers took to the air in that triumph posting 309 yards in passing. Starting quarterback Damon Dutton completed 21-of-39 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown, while throwing one interception. Dutton hit standout receiver Dillan Heintz for a five-yard touchdown pass that won the game with 21.3 seconds to play.

Backup quarterback Doug Fleming connected on his only pass at a key time on a fake field goal for 24 yards that helped set up a six-yard touchdown run by running back Carter McLean late in the third quarter that tied that contest at 24-24.

In the PFC final this past Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Hilltops piled up 386 yards rushing as a team posting a 29-9 victory over the host Thunder, who finished at 9-1 overall. McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards in that win, while running back teammate Boston Davidsen ran the ball 19 times for 143 yards and scored one touchdown.

“That is how we coach,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “We make sure that whatever the situation is that we are ready to take it on and respond to it whether it is run or throw whatever game we have to play.

Damon Dutton threw for 285 yards in the PFC semifinal.

“It is no different on defence. We have to play zone or man to man. We’re going to figure it out.

“We’re going to make sure that our players understand.”

The Hilltops ability to pull out wins in different fashions might serve them well, when they face the Langley Rams in a CJFL semifinal on Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C.

Saskatoon heads into that contest with an 8-2 overall record, while Langley has a 9-1 overall mark.

This past Saturday in Langley, the Rams won the British Columbia Football Conference title game 7-4 against the Kelowna based Okanagan Sun in a contest that was played in a steady downpour.

Weather has been chaotic in Western Canada over the past few days. The province of British Columbia had dealt with heavy rains, while Saskatchewan has battled against snow storms and blizzards.

The Hilltops even had to move their Tuesday practice indoors to the Indoor Training Centre on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex due to the stormy conditions in Saskatoon.

At the moment, Environment Canada is predicting a high of 6 C with a 30 per cent chance of rain for Saturday CJFL semifinal clash between the Hilltops and Rams.

Boston Davidsen ran for 143 yards in the PFC final.

Still, the Hilltops could potentially find themselves playing in monsoon like conditions. Sargeant said his squad will adjust to the conditions as they come.

“We coach against all situations, so that they are prepared, and then they have to get out and be the ones that execute the plans,” said Sargeant, who team has won the last six straight CJFL titles. “As I said, nothing deters us.

“Nothing scares us. We work hard to make sure that we can handle every situation. So far to date, that is why were still practicing and competing, because we’ve done our homework, and we’ve done things right.”

The Hilltops and Rams do have some history, when it comes to facing each other. Before the 2020 CJFL campaign was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, the two sides collided in the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – in 2018 and 2019.

The Hilltops claimed the 2018 clash 58-21 at SMF Field and prevailed 11-6 in the 2019 encounter at McLeod Stadium.

“It is always a challenge when you play someone new for the first time,” said Sargeant. “The film is the film.

“We’ve learned before that sometimes the film lies. You get out there and you play, and they play faster than what you think. It is just figuring it out.”

The Hilltops aim to enjoy more big moments in the CJFL semi.

The Hilltops take a CJFL record 22 post-season game winning streak into that clash against a Rams team guided by first year head coach and former CFL star Cory Philpot. While Saturday’s contest will be the first time the two sides meet in 2021, Sargeant said the experience from the 2019 Canadian Bowl clash should help his club.

“The good thing is we did play them two years ago, so we have more than enough tape on their players and have a good sense and understanding of who they are,” said Sargeant. “Now, we just have to remind them who we are and come out and play our best game of the year.

“Going into game 11, it should be our best game of the year.”

McLean named PFC offensive player of the week

Carter McLean ran for 204 yards in the PFC final.

Saskatoon Hilltops star running back Carter McLean’s big game resulted in a sweet weekly accolade.

On Tuesday, McLean was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his performance in the Hilltops 29-9 victory over the Regina Thunder this past Sunday in the PFC final held at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

In that contest McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards, which included breaking off a 46-yard run.

“It is a great honor to have,” said McLean. “I couldn’t have done it without the O-line.

“The O-line, they blocked well. They played hard. They played well.

“They are the reason why I was able to get as many rushing yards as I have.”

The Hilltops running game was on fire in that contest. McLean’s star running back teammate in Boston Davidsen had a big game as well carrying the ball 19 times for 143 yards and one touchdown.

Keating gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

Wade Keating, left, returns an interception in the PFC final.

Saskatoon Hilltops defensive back Wade Keating’s big interception helped his capture a cool weekly nod.

On Tuesday, Keating was named the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his performance in the Hilltops 29-9 victory over the Regina Thunder in the PFC final last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

Keating had one defensive tackle, two defensive tackle assists, one special teams tackle, two special teams tackle assists, one pass knockdown and one interception. His interception came in the third quarter and it set up a Hilltops field goal.

Keating played both defensive back and linebacker in that win.

Maximuik is PFC special teams player of the week for third time

Eric Maximuik hit three field goals in the PFC final.

Regina Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik scored a hat trick in capturing a player of the week nod.

On Tuesday, Maximuik was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week for his performance in the Thunder’s 29-9 setback to the Saskatoon Hilltops in the PFC final held last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

That marked the third time during the 2021 campaign that Maximuik has been named the PFC special teams player of the week.

In the PFC final, Maximuik connected on 3-of-5 field goal attempts connecting from 43, 39 and 27 yards out.

He had a kickoff that traveled 41 yards and punted the ball five times for 196 yards for an average of 39.2 yards per punt.

Maximuik had a stellar personal season in 2021 that saw him claim the PFC’s most outstanding special teams player award and be named a PFC all-star at place kicker.

Hilltops win Canadian Bowl three years ago today

The Hilltops celebrate a CJFL championship win in 2018.

On this day three years ago, the Saskatoon Hilltops won the Canadian Bowl at home in impressive fashion.

On November 17, 2018 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops thumped the visiting Langley Rams 58-21 to win the Canadian Bowl for a third straight year and claim their 21^st CJFL championship in team history.

The Hilltops jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the contest and never looked back. They finished the 2018 campaign with a perfect 11-0 record and trailed on the scoreboard for a combined 81 seconds for the whole season.

Saskatoon had eight graduating fifth-year players who were part of all five of those consecutive CJFL championship wins. Those players included star quarterback Jordan Walls, receiver Jason Price, right tackle Kirk Simonsen, receiver Adam Ewanchyna, defensive end Connor Guillet and linebackers Cody Peters, Bobby Ehman and Adam Benkic.

The story about that championship victory can be found by clicking right here.

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

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Hilltops versus Thunder PFC final has unique big game feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mason Ochs makes a block for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carter Shewchuk throws a pass downfield for the Thunder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow enjoyed Funk interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rams claimed last PFC final played in Regina in 1998

The Rams take home the PFC championship trophy in 1998.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huskies praised for saving life, other notes

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

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) November 8, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Their actions made a difference this evening.”

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

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

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Hilltops focus on Rifles, not bye

Damon Dutton and the Hilltops are focused on the Rifles.

The Saskatoon Hilltops don’t want to go on a premature bye before going on an actual bye.

The Hilltops are locked into finishing second in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference with a 5-2 record as the conference sets to play the final week of its regular season schedule. The Hilltops travel to Winnipeg to face the Rifles (2-5) at Maple Grove Rugby Park in the final regular season clash for both teams.

The two sides have met once this season back on September 26, where the Hilltops claimed a 25-10 victory at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Following Sunday’s encounter with the Rifles, the Hilltops head off on a bye week before hosting a PFC semifinal contest.

While that contest won’t have any effect on where the Hilltops end up in the standings, head coach Tom Sargeant said his squad is going to play this contest out with the same mindset that they had going into each of their other regular season games.

“It is real simple, we are going there to win a football game,” said Sargeant. “It is that simple.

“We are going to do anything we can, because we know we have the bye the following week. We’re not going all that way to play a lot of our young players. We want to keep building on this.”

The Hilltops started the season winning their first two games before losing two straight both to their provincial rivals Regina Thunder. The Thunder have first place in the PFC locked up at 7-0 and have a bye to host the PFC’s other semifinal post-season contest.

Following those two losses to the Thunder, the Hilltops have won three straight. In their last game this past Sunday at SMF Field, the Hilltops thumped the Edmonton Wildcats 44-7. Their 44 points was a season high for points scored in a game and the seven points allow stands as the fewest points they’ve given up in a contest in the current campaign.

Boston Davidsen has scored six touchdowns this season.

The Hilltops also piled up 528 yards of total offence in the win over the Wildcats, which was also a season high.

“We have some momentum now,” said Sargeant. “It took us awhile to get here.

“We want to keep climbing that mountain of confidence of playing hard and playing physical. As I said, we want to go out there and the goal is to play our best game of the year. That is the focus, and that is the purpose.”

Going into the encounter with the Rifles, the Hilltops traditionally vaunted running game is again in top form. Running back Carter McLean sits second in the PFC in rushing piling up 558 yards on 112 carries, while scoring three touchdowns.

Power back Boston Davidsen sits third in the PFC in rushing compiling 552 yards on 86 carries, while scoring six touchdowns.

The Hilltops passing game has rounded into form as Damon Dutton cemented himself as the team’s starting quarterback after Doug Fleming started the first three games of the regular season.

So far this season, Fleming has completed 99-of-146 passes for 1,169 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Dutton wants to keep the groove his team has right now going and build on it.

“We’re definitely not going to take the foot off the pedal,” said Dutton. “We’re going to keep going and keep that same energy we just had.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a similar result in the next game. They (the Rifles) are good competition. We’re going to have to have a good week at practice and move forward as we have.”

DT Jaxon Funk has handled unglourious work in the trenches.

On defence, the Hilltops have given up the fewest points in the PFC at 118. Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson sits second in defensive points in the PFC with 106 collecting 20 defensive tackles, 12 defensive tackle assists, 11 special teams tackles, three special teams tackle assists, one quarterback sack, one fumble recovery and four interceptions.

Rifles linebacker Brandon Kamenz sits third in the PFC in defensive points with 93 recording 33 defensive tackles, six defensive tackle assists, one forced fumble and two interceptions.

Hilltops stout defensive tackle Jaxon Funk said it is important to head into the post-season on a good note and not have a drop off against the Rifles.

“We just need to keep momentum going into playoffs,” said Funk. “We just need to make sure that we are executing our jobs and just keep it simple.

“We have to make sure our starters are doing their thing. We have to not put too much worry on playoffs yet. We have to get that game over with.”

At the moment, the Rifles might need a win on Sunday to host a PFC quarter-final contest. With their 2-5 record, the Rifles sit fourth in the PFC due to having beaten the fifth place 2-5 Wildcats in the lone regular season clash between the two sides.

The Calgary Colts sit in sixth place and in the basement of the conference with a 1-6 mark.

The Edmonton Huskies at 4-3 are locked into third place and know they will host at PFC quarter-final contest. The Huskies can’t catch the Hilltops for second place, because the Hilltops swept the seasonal series between the two sides 2-0.

The Huskies host the Wildcats at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton on Saturday. The Thunder host the Colts at Leibel Field in Regina on Sunday.

The Hilltops want to finish the regular season on a high note.

Going into the post-season, Sargeant wants to set a tone against the Rifles in case the two sides happen to cross paths later on. The legendary sideline boss notes his Hilltops didn’t have the best outing in the Sept. 26 win over the Rifles, where the Saskatoon side won despite turning the ball over an uncharacteristic seven times.

“At the end of the day, you never know if you might be playing Winnipeg again down the way,” said Sargeant. “You just don’t know.

“It is football. We have to make sure we let them know our style and how we play. Hey, our worst game of the year was against the Winnipeg Rifles.

“I don’t want that to happen this weekend.”

Thunder’s Maximuik lands player of the week nod once again

Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik continues to be clutch.

One has to wonder if the Regina Thunder’s foes are advocating to professional teams on behalf of kicker Eric Maximuik.

On Tuesday, Maximuik was named the special teams player of the week for a huge game he had this past Sunday, where the Thunder rallied from a 36-12 deficit to pull out a 45-42 victory over the Huskies in Edmonton to lock up first place in the PFC.

Maximuik hit all five of his field goals including boots from 32, 51, 45, 35 and 12 yards.

He also punted the ball eight times for 317 yards for a 39.6 yards per kick average.

The fourth-year kicker has built a solid reputation for coming through in the clutch. He has been named the PFC’s special teams player of the week three times this season.

One has to think the Thunder’s foes wouldn’t mind, if Maximuik moved up to the professional ranks.

Thunder receiver Rylan Sokul was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week hauling in eight passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns in his team’s OT comeback win over the Huskies.

Calgary Colts linebacker Austin Daisy took honours as the PFC’s defensive player of the week collecting seven defensive tackles, one quarterback sack and one interception in his team’s 23-17 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles this past Sunday in Calgary.

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Hilltops set sights on rebound

The Hilltops storm on to SMF Field on September 11.

When it comes to his Saskatoon Hilltops sporting a 2-2 record at this point in time, head coach Tom Sargeant said an old cliché is proving to be true.

“Right now, it is who we are,” said Sargeant. “We are an average football team hence the 2-2 record.

“The mood is good. At the end of the day, a lot of conversations and a lot of tough talks and lots of reality checks. At the end of the day, I have to coach better, and they have to play better.

“We’re all in this thing together. We’ve all committed and signed up that you know what we can do a better job and we can do more than what we are doing. Ultimately, it is my job to find the right players and put them in the right spots and do the right things.”

The Hilltops sport a 2-2 record after losing two straight games to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder, who are 4-0 and lead the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference.

The venerable Saskatoon side aims to begin the first step towards a rebound on Sunday, when they host the Winnipeg Rifles (1-3) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a CJFL regular season clash.

The storied Hilltops were close in their two setbacks to the Thunder. On Sept. 11 at SMF Field, the Thunder used a last play 51-yard field goal from kicker Eric Maximuik to pull out a 16-13 victory.

This past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, an end zone interception by Justin McKerracher with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter preserved a 30-27 victory for the Thunder in an all-time classic CJFL match.

The losses halted the Hilltops overall winning streak at 33 games and their road winning streak at 31 games.

Sargeant said the confidence on his team is still high, and the Hilltops are focused on continuing to grow and learn. The legendary sideline boss said the club has dealt with adversity like this before in past seasons.

Damon Dutton had a solid outing in the Hilltops last game.

“You know what, this is old hat,” said Sargeant. “We’ve been here many times before.

“People forget about that maybe because we’ve had a lot of success lately. What is the old saying? It doesn’t matter how you start the race. It is how you finish it.

“We have four more games in front of us to dictate where we end up. The real season starts when playoffs begin. It is our job in these next four weeks to get us ready for those moments.”

Barring a Thunder collapse during the second half of the regular season, the highest the Hilltops can realistically finish in the PFC standings is second place, and they will likely have to win all four of their remaining games to do that.

Finishing first and second in the PFC has extra meaning in the 2021 campaign, as the post-season format for the conference has been expanded an extra round.

The last time a CJFL campaign was completed in 2019 before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic gripped the world in March of 2020 causing shutdowns in North America, the top four teams in the PFC made the playoffs.

It was decided that this season all six of the conference’s teams would take part in post-season play. The first and second place clubs get byes to host PFC semifinal games.

The post-season for the PFC opens with a quarter-final round with the third place club hosting the six place team and the fourth place squad hosting the fifth place finisher.

In the semifinal round, the first place team will host the lowest seeded club that advances from the quarter-final round.

During their first four games, the Hilltops have juggled things at the quarterback position. Doug Fleming started the Hilltops first three games and was pulled in favour of Damon Dutton.

Dutton started the Hilltops last outing, which was the 30-27 setback to the Thunder at Mosaic Stadium.

The Hilltops still have big plans for Doug Fleming on offence.

In that contest, Dutton was really good completing 28-of-34 passes for 332 yards and one touchdown, while throwing the one inception with seven seconds remaining in the game.

“We are judging everybody week by week, and there is no question,” said Sargeant. “Damon (Dutton) came in and was one of our better players on Saturday night in a hostile environment.

“It was quite an environment. He showed a lot of poise, lot of confidence and made some real good decisions. He is certainly going to start this weekend.

“We look forward to him continuing his play and improving and continuing to move that offence.”

Sargeant said the Hilltops haven’t given up on Fleming, who is also the team’s punter. The sideline boss said the Hilltops coaches have been honest and real with both signal callers in working to keep things moving forward.

“Doug (Fleming) is a captain,” said Sargeant. “Doug (Fleming) is a great kid.

“He is doing all the right things. You don’t worry about Doug Fleming. If we need him, you can count on him.

“As I said, he is still our veer quarterback and short yardage quarterback. He is our punter. The thing about quarterback is you are one play away from being the guy in there.”

Fleming and Dutton joined the Hilltops together back in 2018, and Sargeant said the duo has worked well together and both want to see each other have success.

“They’ve been together for three years,” said Sargeant.” They’ve been teammates for a long time.

“They support each other. That is what we look for and that is what we expect and that is why the Hilltops have been so successful in the past.”

Sargeant believes a bright future is still ahead for the Hilltops in the 2021 campaign. The team’s practices this week have been upbeat and positive as the players strive to improve.

The Hilltops want to hit the end zone lots the rest of the season.

“There is so much in front of us,” said Sargeant. “It is a team that we thought would be ahead of schedule, and right now, we’re behind schedule.

“That is on me. That is not on anybody else. We’re just going to have to work and dig and grind. Ultimately, it is my job and our job to get this right.”

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Kicker Abel-Douglas starts hot for Hilltops

Teijon Abel-Douglas boots a field goal for the Hilltops.

Teijon Abel-Douglas embraces the pressure that place kickers face in the sport of football.

The 18-year-old Humboldt, Sask., product has had ice in his veins at the start of his CJFL career with the Saskatoon Hilltops when it comes to kicking field goals. Abel-Douglas had made all five of his field goal attempts during the Hilltops first four games, and he just graduated from high school this past June at Humboldt Collegiate Institute.

His first practices in training camp with the Hilltops were a little rough, but things soon skyrocketed in an upward direction.

“I think a lot of it is just trust from the coaches and trust from the team,” said Abel-Douglas. “In practices, I gained quite a bit of momentum.

“Misses were becoming less of a thing as I got used to doing my job. Once you can leave the aspect of all the pressure that is built up from the crowd, you have to trust what you’ve done.”

Abel-Douglas and the Hilltops (2-2) are looking to end a two game losing streak when they host the Winnipeg Rifles (1-3) this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Saskatoon’s two losses have both been heartbreakers to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. Thunder claimed a 16-13 victory Sept. 11 at SMF Field and took the return match 30-27 this past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

In those encounters against the Thunder, Abel-Douglas was tabbed with going head-to-head against veteran Regina kicker Eric Maximuik, who is in his fourth full CJFL season. Abel-Douglas went 2-for-2 in the field goal department for the Hilltops in each of those outings against the Thunder.

Ultimately, Maximuik had more opportunities in those contests than Abel-Douglas did. In the Sept. 11 game at SMF Field, Maximuik connected on 3-of-4 field goals including a 51-yarder winner on the game’s last play.

In the game this past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium, the 22-year-old went 3-for-3 in the field goal department.

“Of course, you want to be the best,” said Abel-Douglas, who stands 6-feet and weighs 145 pounds. “Watching him (Maximuik) kick a 51-yarder, all you can do is applaud it.

Teijon Abel-Douglas is 5-for-5 in field goals this season.

“It is something everyone dreams about especially as a kicker. Of course, I want to be the best. I don’t like to compare myself all the time.

“There is a moment where you are like, ‘Oh, I wish that was me.’ Of course, I wish that was me kicking that one for the win.”

After those encounters, Abel-Douglas visited with Maximuik and came away feeling enthusiastic.

“He (Maximuik) is a great kicker,” said Abel-Douglas. “I’ve talked to him after both games.

“He is a great guy and very humble. You can never go wrong with a guy like that. He works hard on his craft.

“All I can do is respect that and learn from him.”

Abel-Douglas’ performance in the early going has impressed legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, especially the fact the 18-year-old rookie hit pressure kicks for the Hilltops in those tight setbacks against the Thunder.

“He (Abel-Douglas) has done a real good job,” said Sargeant. “He has come in here and he’s worked real hard.

“He has taken advantage of his opportunities. He is five-for-five and doing what we want him to do. There is a young kid taking advantage of opportunities and moments.

“We’re happy he is here. He is a kid out of Humboldt that has just got a bright, bright future here.”

Growing up in Humboldt, Abel-Douglas focused heavily on playing soccer, and he also competed seriously in track and field.

In Grade 10, Abel-Douglas left soccer and track and field behind to take up football becoming a receiver and kicker for the Mohawks football team at Humboldt Collegiate Institute.

He said it was a bit of an adjustment going from kicking a soccer ball to a football.

“The big difference was just honestly the shape of the ball,” said Abel-Douglas. “The shape of the ball and your steps they are a lot more precise when you are kicking a football.

Teijon Abel-Douglas made four key field goals against the Thunder.

“You have to be a lot more hit the ball in a place where that ball is going to fly straight. On a soccer ball, it is just all round. You have to find that sweet spot on a football, and it did take me awhile to get used to.

“I struggled in Grade 10 for sure. Great coaching, and I am learning every day even here. All these little tips you go into a game and even in practice they make me a lot better of a kicker and more accurate.”

He also had highlights playing receiver too in his high school years.

“I think the track speed really helped,” said Abel-Douglas. “On short passes and when we could get the ball over the top, I was pretty good.

“I didn’t really return punts, but I got one chance in a game and took it back. I think it was pretty successful. Our quarterback would throw perfect balls and just being in the right spot at the right time and it came together.”

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Abel-Douglas only played one game in his Grade 12 year in the 2020 campaign. He wanted to play sports after high school but wasn’t sure if that would happen due to the pandemic’s impact on the world.

When receiver/kicker Rylan Kleiter elected to join the University of Regina Rams in the U Sports ranks instead of rejoining the Hilltops for one last CJFL campaign, the Hilltops were looking for a kicker. Abel-Douglas was approached by one of his high school coaches about going after the Hilltops open kicking spot.

Following that talk, Abel-Douglas made a video recording and sent it in to Sargeant. Sargeant invited Abel-Douglas to the Hilltops spring camp.

He came to main camp and joined with main roster with fellow new kicker in Saskatoon product Carter Sirman, who made his only field goal attempt in the Hilltops 18-17 regular season opening win against the Huskies in Edmonton on August 22.

Abel-Douglas has enjoyed practising with Sirman. As the Hilltops head into the second half of the regular season, Abel-Douglas’s confidence is high, and he is looking to tackle kicking in cold weather games.

“You have to stay in there and believe in yourself,” said Abel-Douglas. “With all the trust from these guys, it has been smooth sailing so far.

Teijon Abel-Douglas has high confidence for the rest of the season.

“Come winter, it is going to be a new challenge. I have to be ready for that mentally, and that is also a big thing. You can’t say you’re going miss, or else that is that outcome.

“It is all about what you believe and how strong mentally you are when these November games come along.”

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McLean carries on Hilltops’ great tailback tradition

Saskatoon drops 30-27 heartbreaker in Regina

Carter McLean has piled up the rushing yards for the Hilltops.

Saskatoon Hilltops running back Carter McLean learned to cash on opportunities in adversity.

After spending his first couple of seasons as the change-of-pace tailback, McLean was slated to step into the starter’s role for the 2020 campaign. Unfortunately, the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world.

The Hilltops were able to practice for six weeks in September and October of 2020. McLean focused on making the best out of the repetitions he was given in those practices and believed it was great to get together with the rest of the team despite not having any games.

“It was tough obviously,” said McLean. “It was good to get out here for at least a couple of practices and hang out with the team and the boys and everything like that.

“It was good to reconnect with them for sure. I’m sure it bonded us more as a team. We’re closer more than ever.”

In 2021, the CJFL took flight again with regular season play, and McLean, who is a graduate of Saskatoon’s Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls football team, took on the starting running back role with the Hilltops.

On Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, McLean had an 18-yard touchdown run for the Hilltops in the first quarter. In what would be an all-time CJFL classic, the Thunder ultimately prevailed over their provincial rivals 30-27 in the regular season encounter.

With 74 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Hilltops holding a 27-23 lead, backup Thunder quarterback Zenon Orobko, who was in for the injured Carter Shewchuk, hit receiver Isaiah Woodley on a 36-yard touchdown pass to put the Thunder up 29-27.

Carter McLean runs the ball for the Hilltops in 2019.

Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik hit the upright on the convert attempt but sailed the ensuing kickoff through the end zone for a single point to increase the Thunder advantage to 30-27.

The Hilltops offence proceeded to drive deep into Thunder territory, but Hilltops starting quarterback Damon Dutton was intercepted in the end zone by Justin McKerracher with seven seconds remaining in the contest to preserve the three-point win for Regina.

The victory allowed the Thunder to remain undefeated improving to 4-0, while the Hilltops fell to 2-2. Regina swept the two-game season series with Saskatoon 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

Going into this weekend’s action, McLean sat second in the Prairie Football Conference in rushing piling up 343 yards on 66 carries and scoring two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for another 20 yards.

After there was no season in 2020, McLean enjoyed suiting up for regular season games again in 2021.

“It has been so much fun playing again,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “It is great to be back out here again.

“It is a lot better than sitting at home for sure and just being quarantined at home. It is nice getting out here with the guys and just having some fun and playing the sport that we all love.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant is happy to have McLean back in the fold. During their first three games, the Hilltops offence had a lot of inconsistent play, but Sargeant said McLean’s efforts have been at a top level.

“Carter has been one of the players on offence that has played up to the standard and performed well,” said Sargeant. “We haven’t always blocked well and teams are cramming in and jumping in to stop the run.

“Carter has been a tough, durable and physical running back. He is only going to get better with more opportunity and more reps, so we’re certainly happy with him and pleased with how he is performing.”

Carter McLean has worked to get better at practice.

McLean’s first forays into the sport included playing at recess and the lunch hour in elementary school. He showed enough interest in the sport that his parents put him in flag football before signing him up for tackle football in Grade 5.

The standout runner credits his father, Darcy McLean, for being the biggest influence in helping him out in the sport.

“My dad (Darcy McLean) has been a huge inspiration for me, and he has also been a big support guy for sure,” said Carter McLean. “He is always pushing me to play my best and always be physical and always be active for sure.

“From a very young age, he has been like that, and I really appreciate that from him.”

Growing up playing the game, McLean enjoyed the friendships he made through the sport and how it felt like teammates became family members.

During his high school years, McLean got the feeling that playing football at the post-secondary level was a possibility. He was looking for a fit that would help him continue to grow his love for the game.

“Right after some Nor-Sask (North Sask Academy) Camps and Nor-Sask (North Sask Academy) teams and things like that, I decided like this is the sport I want to be in,” said McLean. “This is the sport I want to focus on mainly.

“I play a little bit of basketball on the side. Football has always been my main focus. I’m thrilled to play this sport.

“‘Sarge’ (Sargeant) came and talked to me during high school in Grade 12. Just watching Hilltops too, it is such a great culture to be around. I just thought I wanted to become a Hilltop after high school.”

With the Hilltops, McLean found the family feeling he was looking for. During his first two seasons, McLean was pumped to learn from veteran teammates Josh Ewanchyna and Ben Abrook.

Carter McLean had gotten better at hitting holes inside.

During the 2018 regular season, Ewanchyna piled up 1,007 yards rushing in the regular season in his final campaign with the Hilltops. Abrook had a stellar final season with the Hilltops in 2019 compiling 1,215 yards rushing in the regular season.

Both Ewanchyna and Abrook play in the U Sports ranks with Ewanchyna suiting up for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Abrook dressing for the University of Calgary Dinos.

McLean said he was more of a shifty running back in high school and learned how to hit the holes on inside runs better and with more purpose and power observing Ewanchyna and Abrook.

“Watching Josh and Ben play, it was amazing,” said McLean. “Those two guys have great talent for the sport.

“I’m really excited for Ben playing in Calgary and Josh playing at U of S. I’m really excited for those guys. They are great guys and great people to be around, so I’m really excited for them.

“I got a lot of learning points from them for sure.”

Going back to their first season in 1947, the Hilltops have had a lineage of great running backs. Sargeant said McLean continues that lineage and has been well coached by running backs coach and another former Hilltops star running back in Andre Lalonde.

 “Carter (McLean) is a great kid,” said Sargeant. “He does everything right.

“He wants to be great. He had a great off-season. He showed up bigger, stronger and faster.

“He is reaping some of the rewards. He is one of the guys that we have to get the ball more to, and we’re going to do that.”

Carter McLean is one of the CJFL’s top running backs.

Going forward, McLean said the Hilltops are focused on improving each day in order to become a team that wins the CJFL title once again.

Before the 2020 campaign was lost due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilltops had won six straight CJFL championships, and McLean believes the focus that existed in his first two seasons in 2018 and 2019 is there.

With that said, the 21-year-old said everyone with the Hilltops is relishing in how special it is to play another football season again.

“We’re cherishing every moment we have out here on this field,” said McLean. “We have to pretty much, so that we can continue playing and hanging out with everyone and having fun playing this sport.”

Saturday’s game was a back-and-forth contest that saw the Hilltops lead 7-3 after the first quarter, and the Thunder held a 16-14 advantage at halftime and 23-20 edge after the third quarter expired.

At the 2:54 mark of the fourth quarter, Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 38-yard touchdown pass to put the Hilltops in front 27-23. That set the stage for the dramatics inside of the final two minutes of the contest.

The Hilltops also got a two-yard touchdown run from backup running back Jordan Tabin in the contest. Hilltops kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas field goals from 16 and 26 yards to round out the scoring for the visitors.

The Thunder had a two-yard touchdown run from running back Brayden Long, and Shewchuk hit receiver Rylan Sokul on a 32-yard scoring toss for a major score.

Maximuik hit field goals from 41, 35 and 34 yards out to round out the scoring for Regina.

With Saturday’s setback, the Hilltops saw their 31-game road winning streak including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season come to an end. It is believed the Hilltops road winning streak is a CJFL record.

Carter McLean and the Hilltops have high hopes for 2021.

Before Saturday’s outing, the last time the Hilltops lost on the road was way back on August 17, 2014 when they dropped a 19-16 overtime decision to the Thunder in Regina at Taylor Field.

The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, September 26 when they host the Winnipeg Rifles at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Thunder travel to Sherwood Park, Alta., on Sunday, September 26 to take on the Edmonton Wildcats at 1 p.m. at Emerald Hills Regional Park.

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