Adamko brothers soak in CJFL title win with Hilltops

Ryan Adamko (#65) and Scott Adamko (#35) are pictured in a great moment.  

SASKATOON, Sask. – The reality was better than the dream for brothers Ryan and Scott Adamko when it came to winning the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

On Sunday, the Adamko brothers suited up to play on the defensive line for the storied Saskatoon Hilltops as they battled the Okanagan Sun for the CJFL title at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sun star quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home an 18-yard touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 18-18.

On the ensuing series, Hilltops kicker Ryden Gratton booted a 37-yard field goal with 28.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to put the host side up 21-18. The Sun’s last ditch effort to even the score or go ahead was ended on an interception by Hilltops strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor that cemented the 21-18 score as the final outcome in favour of Saskatoon.

The Hilltops completed the 2025 campaign with a 9-2 overall record, while the Canadian Bowl was the only loss for the Sun in posting a 13-1 overall mark. The win was the Hilltops 24^th CJFL title in team history, and it was a perfect cap for Ryan as his CJFL eligibility came to an end at the conclusion of the Canadian Bowl.

This story of mine appeared in the Prince Albert Daily Herald. To read the full article, feel free to click right here.

Instant classic – Hilltops edge Sun 21-18, take Canadian Bowl

Saskatoon wins 24^th CJFL championship in team history

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as champions of the CJFL.

It was an instant classic that showcased the grit of the 2025 edition of the Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltop battled an extremely tough Okanagan Sun squad from Kelowna, B.C., in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. With the Hilltops holding an 18-11 lead, Sun star quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home a touchdown from 18 yards out to even the score at 18-18 with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter. Kroeger’s touchdown jaunt capped an impressive 108-yard scoring drive by the Okanagan side.

The Hilltops didn’t back down. They got a solid return on the ensuing kickoff from fourth-year star running back Charles Sawi. Fifth-year star running back David Collins picked up some hard yards running up the middle.

The Hilltops graduating players are pictured with the Canadian Bowl.

After a quick mid-length drive, the Hilltops found themselves in range for a 37 yard field goal. Fourth-year kicker Ryden Gratton nailed the boot with 28.6 seconds remaining on the clock.

On the ensuing Sun drive, third-year strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor intercepted Kroeger to seal the 21-18 victory for Saskatoon before 1,903 spectators. The win gives the Hilltops their 24^th CJFL title in team history.

“It feels outstanding,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team finished with a 9-2 overall record. “You know what?

Charles Sawi, left, and Johnathon Stevens enjoy Sunday’s win.

“This has been us all year. Nothing was easy, and look how battle tested we were at the end. Everyone stayed together, played together (and there was) a lot of trust.

“The coaches coached it hard. There were two great teams on the field today, great representation for the CJFL, but at the end of the day, the Hilltop tradition shines through again today.”

The Hilltops and Sun have met a total of four times in the CJFL final with the Hilltops claiming victory in three of those encounters

Sunday’s setback was the only loss for a strong BCFC champion Sun squad that finished with a 13-1 overall mark. Okanagan was rated second in the final CJFL Top 10 Power Rankings released on October 10. The Hilltops were rated fourth in those same rankings.

Liam Kroeger runs in an equalizing TD for the Sun.

The PFC champion Hilltops received big performances from three of their best players allowing the Saskatoon side to sweep all three player of the game awards. Graduating star running back David Collins was the offensive player of the game running the ball 26 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one catch for six yards.

Fourth-year star running back Charles Sawi took special teams player of the game honours. He returned six punts for 47 yards, one kickoff for 19 yards and one missed field goal for 20 yards.

Hilltops graduating star middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk was given the nod as the defensive player of the game recording nine solo defensive tackles and two defensive tackle assists.

David Collins picks up big yards to set up the Hilltops winning field goal.

For Collins who came up from St. Michael, Minn., to join the Hilltops, his one and only season with the storied and historic club will be something he takes with him for the rest of his life. He was elated to cap the campaign off with a CJFL title win.

“It feels amazing,” said Collins. “I’ve never been on this side of things.

“For me to actually be on the winning side of things, it feels like an honour to be a Hilltop. This will probably be something I tell my great grandkids about when I grow up. Coming to Canada for a year with little to no expectations and leaving with a national championship, it just feels amazing.”

Ryden Gratton boots a 37-yard winning field goal for the Hilltops.

The Sun had some big gamers too. Kroeger completed 26-of-44 passes for 296 yards, and he ran the ball six times for 54 yards and his major score. He did have two interceptions, and both those picks came in the fourth quarter due to big plays by the Hilltops.

Early in the fourth quarter, Kroeger was intercepted by Hilltops defensive end Huntur Johnson on the Saskatoon 10 yard line. Johnson jumped up at the line of scrimmage and batted the ball into his own hands, and he made a 20-yard return after that defensive snag. That interception preserved the Hilltops 18-11 advantage at that time.

The Hilltops faithful cheer on their team at SMF Field.

Of course, Taylor had the second interception sealing the win for the host side in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

Skilled Sun receiver Vincent Chuoi had five catches for a game high 86 yards. Star Sun running back Gerren Hardisty carried the ball 17 times for 71 yards.

Sun linebacker Phil Palmarin and defensive back Tariq Brown each had a team high six total tackles. Okanagan defensive back Riley Easton came down with one interception.

Vincent Chuoi (#7) caught five passes for 86 yards for the Sun.

Michayluk said the Sun gave his Hilltops side a lot to handle.

“They won the B.C. league for a good reason,” said Michayluk. “They are a really good team.

“They are physical. They have lots of athletes. They have a very balanced attack.

“Their defence is stellar. (We have) a lot of respect for Okanagan there. They put up a big challenge.”

Early in the first quarter, the Sun had the first chance to go ahead on the scoreboard, but star kicker Liam Atwood missed on a 40-yard field goal attempt that was run out of the end zone by Sawi. Late in the first quarter, the Sun conceded a safety and the Hilltops a short time later also conceded a safety causing the two squads to exit the opening 15 minutes locked in a 2-2 tie. The safeties were given up due to bad field position.

The Hilltop Cheer Team hits their finishing pose at halftime.

The Hilltops started the contest with fifth-year signal caller Brexton Elias at quarterback, and he completed 2-of-3 passes for 25 yards. 

Late in the first quarter, the Hilltops elected to go with fourth-year quarterback and former University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team reserve quarterback Griffin Sander for most of the rest of the contest. 

Sander completed 11-of-18 passes for 104 yards, while throwing one interception.

Isaac Michayluk had nine solo defensive tackles for the Hilltops.

In the second quarter, the Hilltops surged ahead 16-2 with Collins running in major scores from seven and 23 yards out respectively. He credited the Hilltops always formidable offensive line for allowing him to get the big scoring runs in the second quarter.

“The O-line was doing great,” said Collins. “I was able to pick my holes and just finish through from there.

“I kept the ball secured high and tight and just did the rest with my feet.”

Before the second quarter ended, the Hilltops would concede another safety due to bad field position trimming their advantage to 16-4 heading into halftime.

Gerren Hardisty ran the ball 17 times for 71 yards for the Sun.

The Sun offence caught fire after getting the ball for the opening drive of the third quarter. The visitors drove down to the Hilltops one yard line. 

At that point, Okanagan short-yardage quarterback Marcus Christos dove in for a one-yard major score to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 16-11.

With 3:58 remaining in the third quarter, the Sun had to concede their second safety of the contest due to bad field position to push the Hilltops lead out to 18-11. 

That set the stage for the dramatics in the fourth quarter.

Hilltops defensive tackles and brothers Scott and Ryan Adamko said they both felt an adrenaline rush when Taylor made his interception in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to cement the win.

Charles Sawi had 86 total return yards on special teams.

“I still can’t believe it to be honest,” said Scott, who is in his second year with the Hilltops. “That is just such a huge play at the time.”

“That is just when the switch flipped and the realization hit,” said Ryan, who played the final game of his CJFL eligibility on Sunday. “This is it.

“We did it.”

Michayluk got to cherish the fact he graduates from the Hilltops with a second CJFL championship having helped the venerable squad with the Canadian Bowl in 2023 with a 12-0 record.

“I’m kind of speechless,” said Michayluk. “Not many people get to play the Canadian Bowl on home turf, so that is super special.

The Hilltops being celebrating their CJFL championship win.

“It is fantastic to go out with a “Ship.” That is awesome, glory to God.”

With Sunday’s win, Sargeant enjoyed his 18^th CJFL championship with the Hilltops. Sargeant has won 15 of those titles as a head coach, two as an assistant coach and his first came as a receiver in 1985.

He felt Sunday’s Canadian Bowl mirrored the regular season for his team. He enjoyed how his players in 2025 rose to the occasion to persevere like they did, which allowed the club to win a 24^th CJFL title.

“There are so many plays,” said Sargeant. “You never know which one it is going to be and when it is going to be.

The Hilltops enjoy the spoils of a 24th CJFL title victory.

“As I said, this team just all year just had a great belief and a will power, and they always just found ways. I couldn’t be more proud of them and the coaching staff and the organization. Son of a gun, our 24^th national championship.

“That is pretty good.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Hilltops set for last 2025 dance as Canadian Bowl hosts

Saskatoon faces Sun for CJFL title on Sunday at SMF Field

The Hilltops go through reps at practice at SMF Field on Tuesday.

They’ve gone through a journey that has been far from a straight line, but the Saskatoon Hilltops have arrived at their last dance for the 2025 CJFL season.

On Sunday, the PFC champion Hilltops (8-2 overall) host the BCFC champion Okanagan Sun (13-0 overall) in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops are in their second Canadian Bowl in the 2020s having won in 2023 with a perfect 12-0 record. The Sun, who are based in Kelowna, B.C., are in their third Canadian Bowl in the 2020s having won in 2022 with a perfect 14-0 mark and falling last year 37-22 to the host St. Clair Saints in Windsor, Ont.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, who has been part of 17 total CJFL title wins with Saskatoon as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, said his squad is in for a tough battle.

“They are the team that has been in the Canadian final more than any other team in this decade,” said Sargeant. “They’re coaching staff has a strong pedigree and a huge belief system.

“They do a great job of recruiting, and that is why they have all that skill on the field. We know that is what is in front of us. We know the work that is in front of us, and we’re committed to it right now.

“Right now, we’re not coming up for air. We’re just getting to work each and every minute we have. It is going to take all 40 players come Sunday to put us in a good spot.”

The Sun are led by veteran quarterback Liam Kroeger, who is in his second last season of CJFL eligibility. In the Sun’s 10 regular season outings, Kroeger has completed 190-of-281 passes for 2,860 yards and 26 touchdowns, while just throwing three interceptions. His passing yardage total led the BCFC.

JaQuintis Summers, who is 21-years-old, had a huge season playing on the team’s defensive line. In the club’s 10 regular season games, Summers piled up 22.5 total tackles, 13 quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Hilltops second- year defensive tackle Scott Adamko said his squad has their work cut out for them in facing the Sun.

“They’re a great team,” said Scott. “They’ve got lots of athleticism.

“It is just we’ve got to keep our game plans that the coach has given us and just execute.”

The Hilltops have a roster that arguably relies more on grit to win than any other year in the team’s recent past. With that noted, they still have some significant talent notably in running backs David Collins, Charles Sawi and Corbin Ebben.

Collins, who is a 22-year-old veteran who came up from St. Michael, Minn., has been golden in what will be his lone CJFL season. In the Hilltops eight regular season games, he carried the ball 126 times for 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns. His touchdown total topped the PFC and his rushing total was second in the conference.

On defence, the Hilltops are led by veteran middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk. In the Hilltops eight regular season games, Michayluk piled up 32 solo defensive tackles, 22 defensive tackle assists, one solo special teams tackle, four special teams tackle assists, three pass knockdowns, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

The Hilltops have also had to battle through lots of adversity in 2025. They opened the regular season on August 10 getting stomped 31-11 against the Rifles in Winnipeg. During that time, multiple injuries popped up that seemed destined to crash Saskatoon’s season.

Later while playing at SMF Field on September 27, the Hilltops dropped a 24-21 heartbreaker to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. Saskatoon rebounded with two straight wins leading to the PFC final where they faced the Thunder, who were 8-1 overall at the time, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

The Hilltops fell behind 24-9 with 10:51 to play in the fourth quarter. They roared all the way back to pull out a 30-27 overtime victory. Saskatoon capped that win with a walk off 24-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Griffin Sander to fifth-year receiver Isaiah Vallderruten.

That play and the win that came from it set up Sunday’s Canadian Bowl clash with the Sun.

“It has definitely had its ups and downs,” said fifth-year defensive tackle Ryan Adamko, who is Scott’s older brother. “The coaches have always had our backs.

“We got theirs. They’ve put us into the right spots. They’ve coached up beyond the expectation.”

Scott said the 2025 campaign has been special for the Hilltops due to everything they had to persevere through to get to the CJFL final.

“We had like so much adversity,” said Scott. “We lost Week 1, and then we lost to Regina at home.

“Then, we were down in the PFC final, and we came back. It is just a great group of guys. We just fought back.”

Ryan was a member of the Hilltops CJFL championship winner in 2023. He would like everyone on this year’s squad to experience winning the Canadian Bowl because of how much of a highlight that 2023 championship is for him.

“That is still real high up,” said Ryan. “That is something special.

“That team was just a very special team. All the boys were just so close-knit together. Everybody trusted everybody, and we just did what we were told to do.

“It all worked out.”

With the CJFL title game being played in Saskatoon, there was always a chance the weather could work out in the Hilltops favour as teams from British Columbia traditionally struggle in colder conditions. The cold isn’t expected to be that much of a factor as Environment Canada is calling for a high temperature of -2 C with sunny skies.

“I don’t get into the weather game to be honest,” said Sargeant. “The game is played between the lines.

“You were talking about all the talent and skill they have. They are very physical, and we are a pretty physical team. It is going to come down to who controls the line of scrimmage, who does a better job of getting the ball to the athletes and then who goes out and makes plays.

“We have to be strong with the ball, and we have to keep everything in front of us. We can’t let any of those guys get behind us. Then hey, let’s just go have some fun, enjoy the moment and get out there and play great Hilltop football.”

Huskies rally past Rams, take Hardy Cup 25-24

The Huskies enjoy victory and the Rams contemplate a season-ending loss.

A classic comeback delivered the Hardy Cup back to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team for the 22^nd time in team history.

On Saturday playing before 3,201 spectators at Griffiths Stadium, the Huskies found themselves trailing their provincial rivals the University of Regina Rams 24-9 after three quarters of the Canada West Conference Championship Game – the Hardy Cup. In the fourth quarter, the Huskies rolled off 16 consecutive points to pull out a 25-24 victory.

The rally started with 12:12 remaining in the fourth quarter when Huskies second-year quarterback Jake Farrell hit first-year receiver Liam Piccinin for a 20-yard touchdown pass to cut the Rams advantage to 24-16. The major capped a Huskies drive that covered 101 yards in seven plays.

With just under 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, Rams returner Kaleb Senz fumbled a punt return away that was recovered by second-year Huskies linebacker Jacob Goldstone at the Rams 19 yard-line.

On the very next play, Farrell connected with second-year Huskies receiver Mason Grabowski on a 19-yard touchdown pass. After a failed two-point convert attempt by receiver Dawson Lennea, the Rams continued to hold now a slim 24-22 lead.

The Huskies would keep coming. With about 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Huskies second-year kicker Lukas Scott hit a 25-yard field goal to give the host side a 25-24 lead.

The Rams attempted to pull even on a desperation final play of the fourth quarter. With the ball on the Huskies 47 yard-line, Rams fifth-year punter Isaac Wegner was asked to bring out his inner Jon Ryan and boot a punt single to force a tie and overtime.

Wegner’s punt came up four yards short of the end zone, and the ball was caught by Scott, who went down to end the game and deliver the Huskies to victory.

At one point, the Huskies looked like they were in serious trouble. With 3:17 remaining in the third quarter, Rams third-year defensive back Brandon Wong returned a fumble by Farrell 49 yards for a touchdown that gave the visitors their 24-9 advantage. That just set the stage for a dramatic Huskies comeback in the 4^th quarter.

The Huskies improved to 9-1 overall, while the Rams finished at 7-3 overall.

Both teams were also battling the injury bug. The Huskies were without the services of star starting fourth-year quarterback Anton Amundrud due to injury, and the Rams didn’t have star third-year running back Marshall Erichsen due to injury.

The story of the Hardy Cup was kind of similar to the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference final played on October 26 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. In that contest played before 1,413 spectators, the host Thunder led their provincial rivals the Saskatoon Hilltops 24-9 with 10:51 to play in the fourth quarter.

The Hilltops roared all the way back to pull out a 30-27 overtime victory. Saskatoon capped that win with a walk off 24-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Griffin Sander to fifth-year receiver Isaiah Vallderruten.

That play sent the Hilltops to the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. Saskatoon hosts the Okanagan Sun in the CJFL final on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

As for the Huskies, they will host the OUA champion Queen’s University Gaels (8-3 overall) in the Mitchell Bowl U Sports semifinal game this coming Saturday at 2:15 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium. In the U Sports semifinal to be played this coming Saturday, the AUS champion St. Mary’s University Huskies (9-1 overall) host the RSEQ champion Universite de Montreal Carabins (8-2 overall) at 1 p.m. local time at Huskies Stadium.

The winners of the semifinal bowls will collide in the U Sports championship game – the Vanier Cup – on Saturday, November 22 at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

Crusaders win for “Himey,” other notes

Crusaders AC Scott Hundseth, centre, raises the SHSAA 6A title trophy.

The drought is finally over for the Holy Cross High School Crusaders.

On Friday night at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Associations 6A Championship Game. The win marked the first time since 1995 the Crusaders won a provincial title in football.

Between 1995 and this past Friday, the Crusaders advanced to a provincial championship game on 10 occasions and lost every one of those outings. The last loss was a 12-10 heartbreaker to the Marauders on November 11, 2023 at SMF Field. In that contest, a handoff mistake by the Crusaders resulted in the Marauders scoring the winning safety that broke a 10-10 tie score with 32.5 second to play in the fourth quarter.

On Friday, the Crusaders led the Marauders 7-3 at halftime and 14-3 after three quarters. Holy Cross went up 21-3 in the fourth quarter. The Marauders rallied with a pair of touchdowns that cut the Crusaders lead to 21-16 with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Crusaders recovered an onside kick after the Marauders second major and proceeded to run out the clock to win the game. In the process, they captured their seventh provincial championship in team history.

After being awarded the championship trophy, the Crusaders captains handed the trophy over to beloved assistant coach Scott “Himey” Hundseth. The captains wanted to ensure Hundseth was the first to raise the trophy, which he did to the excited delight of everyone on the Crusaders side.

Hundseth, who focuses on the defensive side of the ball, was the Crusaders head coach for nine of the previous 10 losses in the provincial final and remained on the Holy Cross coaching staff after retiring from his teaching position at the school in June of 2024. The alum of the CJFL’s storied and historic Saskatoon Hilltops and University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team in the U Sports ranks is a teacher/coach with the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, which is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

A defensive end as a player, Hundseth was a star of the Hilltops 1985 CJFL championship team and the Huskies 1990 U Sports title winner.

Over his many decades as a football and basketball coach, Hundseth has had a huge positive impact on the lives of countless players he has coached. As one of the ultimate good guys in Saskatoon’s sports scene, it was a heartwarming moment when the Crusaders gave him the SHSAA’s 6A football championship trophy to raise.

• It was a happy Saturday night in the province of Saskatchewan. At Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders claimed a 24-21 thriller over the British Columbia Lions in the CFL’s West Division Final. The Roughriders will travel to Winnipeg to play in the CFL’s title contest – the Grey Cup – since last winning it at old Taylor Field in 2013. Saskatchewan will face the Montreal Alouettes in this year’s Grey Cup set for 5 p.m. local time at Princess Auto Stadium.
• On Friday, Saskatoon Hilltops right guard Jack Erlandson, running back David Collins and defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens were named CJFL first team all-Canadian all-stars. On Thursday, CJFL second team all-Canadian all-star nods went to Hilltops receiver Isaiah Vallderruten, middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk and cornerback Jace Mowles.
• On Friday, Okanagan Sun offensive lineman Kaiden Kerntopf, defensive back Tariq Brown and defensive linemen JaQuintis Summers and Jarveon Williams were named CJFL first team all-Canadian all-stars. On Thursday, CJFL second team all-Canadian all-star nods went to Sun offensive linemen Zach Barnard and Parker Kellington, receiver Jordayne Falconer, running back Gerren Hardisty, punter Grady Hay and place kicker Liam Attwood. Falconer also picked up a second team all-Canadian all-star award as a return specialist.
• On Saturday, Okanagan Sun place kicker Liam Attwood was named the CJFL’s Special Teams Player of the Year. During the Sun’s 10 regular season games, Attwood made 13-of-16 field goals with a long kick from 51 yards out. He also connected on 64-of-65 point after attempts. He scored the second most points in the BCFC at 103.

• On Saturday, I had new content appear on the Howe Happenings blog that supports the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. I put together a feature on Going Yard Baseball Academy instructor Brody Boyenko and his tragedy to triumph WCBL season as an assistant coach with the Regina Red Sox. In the piece, Boyenko talks about what it was like to deal with the early season death of returning right-handed pitcher Jesse Lubiniecki, who passed away in a single vehicle rollover driving home to Regina. Boyenko went into how the team rallied around Lubiniecki’s memory to win the WCBL championship. The piece on Boyenko can be found by clicking right here. I also put together a photo roundup that is dominated by images of the championship chase from football season and is led by photos of the Toon Squad Female Flag Football League. That post 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.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Adamko brothers to play for CJFL title with Hilltops

Scott Adamko (#35) and Ryan Adamko (#65) set in their stances.

SASKATOON, Sask. – For brothers Ryan and Scott Adamko, the upcoming Canadian Bowl provides a chance that will never come again.

On Sunday, the pair will dress and play on the defensive line for the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops when they host the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Hilltops (8-2 overall) will go up against the Okanagan Sun (13-0 overall) from Kelowna, B.C., at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in Saskatoon. Scott is in his second season with the Hilltops, while Ryan is in his fifth and final campaign of CJFL eligibility with the club.

For the two graduates of the Carlton Comprehensive High School Crusaders Football Team, that means the Canadian Bowl will be the last time they play together in a CJFL contest and the only time they will play together for a CJFL title.

“It is pretty special,” said Scott, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 265 pounds. “It is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“He (Ryan) is in his last year, and it is just not very often you get to play at home with a natty (national title game). It is good timese .”

This story of mine appeared in the Prince Albert Daily Herald. To read the full article, feel free to click right here.

Hilltops best Colts and weather, finish second in PFC

Collins surpasses 1,000 yards rushing in regular season finale

Ryan Adamko (#65) looks for a play call in snowy conditions.

Would you like rain gear or snowshoes?

That seemed to be the question facing both the Saskatoon Hilltops and Calgary Colts as they closed their respective CJFL regular season schedules playing each other on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. As far as the natural elements went, it rained through the entire first half and turned into snow early in the third quarter.

The snow continued to fall through to the end of the contest. Throughout the game, sporadic winds would come into play creating another challenge for both clubs.

When the fourth quarter came to an end, the Hilltops claimed a 31-6 victory. With the win, the Hilltops improve to 6-2 and finish second in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference.

David Collins, left, walks to the field with his mom Sadia VaPond.

“You know what, (it was) a little sloppy today,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “We were matching the conditions at times.”

The loss was a fourth straight one for the Colts eliminating them from CJFL post-season contention as they finish with a 2-6 mark. They conclude having an identical record with the Edmonton Wildcats.

The Wildcats and Colts split their two head-to-head regular season meetings, but the Wildcats finish fifth in the PFC due to outscoring the Colts 50-38 in those two contests. That caused Calgary to settle out in the basement of the conference.

David Collins reaches the end zone after a 65-yard TD run.

The Wildcats were eliminated from CJFL post-season contention on Sunday when they traveled to Regina and were wiped out by the host Thunder 56-3 at Leibel Field. The Thunder finished first in the PFC with a 7-1 mark.

In the clash between the Hilltops and Colts, those on both sides will probably remember the havoc the weather played on the afternoon’s festivities, which saw the Hilltops honour their graduating players pre-game. Saskatoon’s graduating players made a walk to the field with their parents, and that walk has been a Hilltops tradition for decades.

Both the Hilltops and Colts combined for 16 turnovers. The Colts turned the ball over 10 times including twice on interceptions, four times via fumbles and four times on downs. The Hilltops gave the ball away six times including once by an interception, three times via fumbles and twice on downs.

David Collins finished the regular season with 1,028 yards rushing.

The teams were playing competitively and with fairly decent intensity until the 3:53 mark of the third quarter. With the Hilltops holding a 21-0 lead, one of the Colts players got injured on the field of play. The teams had to go through a wait of about 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived to tend to the injured Colts player.

The Colts and the officials returned to the dressing room, while the Hilltops remained on the field and went through some exercises to remain warm. When it was time to resume play, the Colts went through a short warm up when they came out of their dressing room.

After the action resumed, the competitive play for both sides took a drop. By the time play got going again, the rain turned to snow and the intensity drop persisted through to the end of the contest.

Ryan Adamko (#65) celebrates recovering a fumble.

“It is definitely one for the books,” said Hilltops fifth-year defensive tackle Ryan Adamko. “At that break (where the injured Colts player was tended to), we just tried to keep ourselves warm out here moving.

“We were keeping our boys trying to not lock up. I am happy with the way it ended, but now, we have to look forward and get ready for next week.”

The Hilltops came out of the gates on fire. Just 1:54 into the first quarter, star running back David Collins broke off a 65-yard touchdown run to give the host side a 7-0 lead.

A short time later, Collins surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season marking the 11-time in team history a Hilltops player has hit the 1,000-yard barrier for rushing in one regular season. After getting past 1,000 yards rushing, Collins ran in a major score from three yards out at the 10:25 mark of the first quarter to push the Hilltops advantage out to 14-0.

Charles Sawi (#18) ran the ball nine times for 51 yards and two TDs.

On the day, Collins ran the ball 12 times for 119 yards to go with his two major scores. On the season, the St. Michael, Minnesota, product carried the ball 126 times for 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“It is nice to see D.C., David Collins, get that thousand yards,” said Sargeant. “You know, we blocked well, and you know, it wasn’t a good day for throwing.

“Defence was on point and played real well. Special teams were a little loose. We just seemed to be struggling a little bit.

“At the end of the day, we’re 6-2. We know we’re in second place, and we’ve got work to do.”

Some of the Hilltops hearty supporters watch their team.

Just past the midway point of the second quarter, fourth-year star running back Charles Sawi ran home a touchdown from two yards out to give the Hilltops a 21-0 lead heading into halftime.

After the injury stoppage early in the third quarter, the Hilltops increased their lead to 24-0 on the final play of that frame thanks to a 22-yard field goal from place kicker Ryden Gratton. Saskatoon’s field goal special teams unit struggled in the adverse conditions as Gratton made 1-of-4 field goal attempts in the contest.

Members of the Hilltop Cheerleaders battle the elements.

At the 3:31 mark of the fourth quarter, Sawi ran home a major score from five yards out to make the Hilltops advantage stand at 30-0 after a one-point conversion try was unsuccessful. On the ensuing play, Gratton scored a rouge off an 85-yard kickoff to make Saskatoon’s lead sit at 31-0.

It appeared the Hilltops were going to hold on to the shutout, but that changed late in the fourth quarter. At that point, Colts middle linebacker Davin Bajema intercepted Hilltops back-up quarterback Charlie Molder and returned the ball 50 yards deep into the Saskatoon end.

Colts reserve quarterback Jan Djoumessi concluded a short drive with a three-yard touchdown run with 2:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. Calgary wasn’t able to add a two-point convert causing the 31-6 score in favour of the Hilltops to settle out as the final outcome of the contest.

Colts QB Noah Makkreel (#13) is taken down by the Hilltops defence.

While the Colts got the late score to break up the shutout bid, Adamko was pleased with how things went defensively for his team.

“Defence, it seemed like all the boys were clicking,” said Adamko, who had one solo defensive tackle, two defensive tackle assists and one fumble recovery in the win. “Everyone knew what they were doing, and we all just did our jobs.

“It all worked out in our favour.”

Hilltops starting quarterback Brexton Elias completed 3-of-9 passes for 18 yards before being pulled at halftime as the Saskatoon coaches elected to get everyone on their roster into the game. Colts starter Noah Makkreel completed 9-of-16 passes for 87 yards before being pulled.

Colton Zimmer makes a special team tackle for the Hilltops.

Sawi ran the ball nine times for 51 yards including his two rushing majors.

The Hilltops had 235 yards rushing and 53 yards passing as a team, while the Colts had 64 yards rushing and 89 yards passing.

Rudolph Osborne topped the Hilltops with 5.5 total tackles to go with one pass knockdown. Defensive end Anthony Roepe had one quarterback sack for Hilltops.

Cornerback Aiden Rosa and middle linebacker Maddox Huynh each had one interception for Saskatoon. Long snapper Colton Zimmer and defensive ends Huntur Johnson and Noah Chelson each had one fumble recovery for the ’Toppers.

The Hilltops huddle up as the snow falls.

Colts middle linebacker Sean Gunnip led his club with nine total tackles to go with one quarterback sack and one fumble recovery. Defensive end Jordan Southern also had a fumble recovery for Calgary.

With the regular season now in the rearview mirror, Adamko is looking towards going on his final post-season run with the storied and historic Hilltops.

“It is surreal to think five years have already been gone by,” said Adamko. “I am excited to go through it and keep on playing.”

Also on Sunday at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton, the visiting Winnipeg Rifles trailed the host Huskies 11-0 after the first quarter, but roared to a 47-11 victory. The win was a second straight one for the Rifles, who finished third in the PFC with a 4-4 mark. Huskies finish fourth in the PFC with a 3-5 record.

Hilltops QB Griffin Sander eludes a Colts tackler.

The Hilltops will host the Rifles in one PFC semifinal set for this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field. The Thunder host the Huskies in the other PFC semifinal set for this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

Way back on August 10, the Hilltops and Rifles opened their respective regular season schedules playing each other in Winnipeg, and the host Rifles claimed a 31-11 win. They met again on August 24 at SMF Field, and the Hilltops romped to a 42-15 victory.

“They showed us what we were about early in the year, and that loss was something that moved us forward,” said Sargeant. “I think ultimately in the long run we played well in the second game.

Hilltops players keep warm on their bench area on Sunday.

“Now, it is sort of let’s rally up, and hey, game three. Let’s see what happens.”

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

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.