Hilltops claim record fourth straight CJFL title, hit new heights of competitive greatness

The Hilltops enjoy a fourth straight CJFL title. (Photo courtesy Bonnie Bitz)

    The Saskatoon Hilltops are an uncommon football team.

    In the Canadian Junior Football League, they continue to accomplish things that have never been done before.

    On Saturday in Windsor, Ont., the venerable Hilltops continued to add their list of unique experiences. They rolled into Alumni Field at the University of Windsor and proceeded to dismantle the host Windsor AKO Fratmen 56-11 in the CJFL title the game – the Canadian Bowl.

    The Hilltops, who finished the 2017 campaign with an 11-1 overall record, became the first team in the history of the CJFL to win four straight league championships. The circuit’s national championship game dates back to 1908.

    On top of that accomplishment, the Hilltops became the first team to win seven CJFL titles over an eight year span, and they have now won a total of 20 CJFL championships. Their first national championship came way back in 1953, when they downed the AKO Fratmen 34-6 before 7,200 spectators at Griffiths Stadium on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

    Since Tom Sargeant became head coach in 1998, the Hilltops have won 11 of their 20 CJFL championships. Their seemingly endless dynasty under Sargeant seemed destined to continue on Saturday in Windsor as the host AKO Fratmen ultimately finished 9-2 overall this season.

    On the game’s second play from scrimmage, the AKO Fratmen had the ball on offence, and the centre’s shotgun snap sailed over the head of quarterback Brandon Reaume.

    Hilltops fifth-year star defensive end Tom Schnitzler recovered the ball at the Windsor one yard line. On the ensuing play, Hilltops star big game fifth-year running back Logan Fischer powered into the end zone for a touchdown to give Saskatoon a 7-0 lead.

    Saskatoon forced 10 turnovers in Saturday’s contest and converted those takeaways into 35 points. With Jeff Yausie as defensive coordinator, the Hilltops have cemented a reputation of taking the ball away and those takeaways always seem to result in points causing the score to snowball in favour of the blue and gold.

Hilltops defensive lineman Tom Schnitzler lifts the Canadian Bowl.

    Usually, the Hilltops can produce a lopsided game in their favour off of four turnovers. If they get 10 turnovers, the outcome is academic.

    Before the first quarter expired the Hilltops lead grew to 16-0 thanks to a conceded safety by the AKO Fratmen and a one-yard touchdown run from running back Joshua Ewanchyna.

    Near the start of the second quarter, Sargeant showed off how great he was as a play caller taking over the offensive coordinator role this season from Sheldon Ball, who departed from the club for work and family reasons. With the Hilltops facing a third-and-eight from the Windsor 32, Sargeant called a quarterback draw showing he can throw curveball plays at the opposition like Ball once did.

    The play was executed perfectly and signal caller Jordan Walls sprinted 32 yards for another major to put the Hilltops up 23-0.

    At that point, the AKO Fratmen started to push back. With around 11 minutes to play in the second quarter, Reaume hit receiver Devon Woods for an eight-yard touchdown toss to cap a long scoring drive to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 23-7.

    Just when it seemed like the hosts were building momentum, the Hilltops stomped out the uprising. Hilltops fifth-year defensive back Luke Melnyk made an interception. The ensuing offensive series for the visitors was capped by a 10 yard sweep touchdown run by Ewanchyna to put the Hilltops up 30-7.

    Inside of the final two minutes of the second quarter, Hilltops linebacker Adam Benkic recovered an AKO Fratmen fumble at the Windsor 37. The Hilltops quickly drove downfield on a short touchdown drive that was capped when Walls hit Turple with a 16-yard scoring strike to expand Saskatoon’s advantage to 37-7 with 34.7 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Hilltops DB Luke Melnyk picks up defensive player of the game honours.

    Driving into the wind early in the third quarter, the Hilltops lead shrank to 37-9 after they conceded a safety. When it seemed the AKO Fratmen might get going, they were stuffed on a third-and-one gamble at their own 54.

    The Hilltops quickly drove down on another scoring drive that was capped on a touchdown catch from Schnitzler. The defensive standout lined up as a tight end on short yardage offence near the goal-line and hauled in a three-yard touchdown toss on a short slant route to give the Hilltops a 44-9 lead.  

    Saskatoon conceded another safety before the third quarter ended but still held an insurmountable 44-11 edge.

    An interception by fifth-year middle linebacker Cameron Schnitzler set up the Hilltops final major of the game. On the ensuing offensive series, Walls hit Turple with an eight-yard scoring pass to increase the Hilltops lead to 51-11.

    The Fratmen conceded a safety and second-year receiver Rylan Kleiter booted a 37-yard field goal to round out the 56-11 final in favour of the visitors.

    The 56 points the Toppers put up on the scoreboard was the second highest total ever for a CJFL title game. The Hilltops hold the record for most points scored in a CJFL title game when they blasted the Victoria Rebels 59-0 in the 2003 Canadian Bowl in Chilliwack, B.C.

    In Saturday’s win over the AKO Fratmen, Walls completed 11-of-18 passes for 192 yards and three touchdown passes to pick up offensive player of the game honours. As a team, the Hilltops ran the ball 37 times for 188 yards. Fischer, who was playing his final game of his storied Hilltops career, ran the ball 14 times for 80 yards and one touchdown.

Hilltops veterans enjoy the Canadian Bowl.

    Melynk was named the defensive play of the game for his two key interceptions. Defensive ends Riley Pickett and Tom Schnitzler each had a sack.

    Reaume completed 12-of-24 passes for 197 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Windsor running back D’Angelo Knox ran the ball seven times for 37 yards and caught two passes for 104 yards.

    AKO Fratmen linebacker Quinten Earhart had nine tackles and a sack.

    After the final seconds ticked away, the Hilltops walked off the field with the Canadian Bowl and their 13^th consecutive playoff win. During their run of four straight CJFL championship victories, the Hilltops run could have been derailed.

    The Prairie Football Conference semifinal and final contests in each of the past two years could have been lost, if a couple of plays were changed. In those tight games, the Hilltops character and resiliency always rose up to allow them to make the two to three key swing players that are needed to win tight games.

    Against the AKO Fratmen on Saturday, the Hilltops showed how well they can roll, when they are firing on all cylinders forcing their opponent to play without making a mistake.

    Sargeant got to lay claim to his 14^th CJFL championship ring with the team including 11 rings from his time as head coach, two as an assistant coach and his first as a player won back in 1985.

    He will admit it takes everyone pulling in the same direction, constantly striving to improve and bonding as a family to create the success the Hilltops have had. As a result, the Hilltops keep achieving new feats of competitive greatness no team in the CJFL has ever done before.

CANADIAN BOWL CHAMPIONS!! The Saskatoon Hilltops Win our twentieth national championship with a 56-11 win over the Windsor AKO Fratmen. #fourpeat pic.twitter.com/bffxavnwpL

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 11, 2017

    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 pumped for first place battle with Huskies

QB Jordan Walls (#19) calls signals for the Hilltops.

    The Saskatoon Hilltops are looking forward to the fact their last regular season match will be a winner take all battle for first place in the Prairie Football Conference.

    On Saturday, the three time defending Canadian Junior Football League champions travel to Edmonton to take on the Huskies at 7 p.m. local time at Clarke Park in the only regular season meeting between the two sides. The winner will capture first place in the PFC.

    The Huskies currently sit first in the conference with a 7-0 record, while the Hilltops are second at 6-1. Saskatoon would get first place with a win on Saturday taking the standings tiebreaker by claiming the one head-to-head meeting.

    In recent years, the Hilltops haven’t participated in a head-to-head contest in their final regular season outing where so much was on the line. Last year, the Toppers locked up first in their final regular season game by thumping the Winnipeg Rifles 44-14 at Saskatoon Minor Football. A day earlier, the Calgary Colts had a chance to lock away top spot in the PFC, but they fell 51-35 to the Huskies in Edmonton.

    This year, there will be no scoreboard watching to see if first place is a reality.

    Hilltops fifth-year receiver Ryan Turple has been doing his best to soak in every moment of his final CJFL campaign, and he admits the switch has flipped to hit another gear.

    “We are already in the last game of the regular season, but it is going to be the most important game of the regular season coming into Edmonton and first place on the line,” said Turple. “I am really excited for that.

    “It is going to be a battle. It is going to be a physical game. I am really excited to see how we stack up against them.”

    The Hilltops and Huskies last met in Week 2 of the 2016 campaign in Edmonton, and Saskatoon had to scrap for a 29-20 victory. Since that encounter, the Huskies have posted a 13-2 record including the regular season and playoffs, but the Hilltops have continued to roll going 15-1 including action in the regular season and playoffs.

RB Adam Machart motors upfield for the Hilltops.

    Saturday’s clash provides an interesting encounter due to the fact the two sides haven’t faced each other in some time.

    The Huskies have scored the most points in the PFC at 306 and allowed the fewest points at 87. The Hilltops have scored the second most points in the conference at 300 and allowed the second fewest at 99.

    Fourth-year veteran Jordan Walls has had an outstanding campaign guiding the Hilltops for the first time in his career as the starting quarterback. He has completed 115 of 181 passes for 1,738 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions.

    Fifth-year quarterback Brad Launhardt has had a stellar campaign for the Huskies. He has completed 122-of-200 passes for 1,712 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

    On the ground, the Hilltops have received star efforts this season from running backs Logan Fischer and Adam Machart. Fischer has carried the ball 121 times for 804 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in his final campaign with the Toppers. Machart has run the ball 63 times for 543 yards and scored two touchdowns for Saskatoon.

    Fischer is questionable for Saturday’s game due to injury.

    The bulk of the Huskies ground game has been shared by running backs Brandt Burzuk and Jimmie Airey. Burzuk carried the ball 62 times for 430 yards and scored three touchdowns. Airey has 50 carries for 332 yards and three touchdowns.

    Edmonton enters the first place showdown having crushed the Rifles in Winnipeg 43-7 last Saturday. In their last outing, the Hilltops blanked the Edmonton Wildcats 51-0 last Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant believes his defence is hitting peak form at the right time and was pleased with the shutout against the Wildcats.

    “At the end of the day, there is an obligation and an expectation to come out and play the way we needed them to play,” said Sargeant. “The last few games they haven’t done that.

LB Adam Benkic (#40) and DB Luke Melnyk (#16) combine on a tackle.

    “We called them out a little bit and asked for some more focus and reality to their jobs and their position. I thought I saw that. Anytime you pitch a shutout at this level you are doing something right.

    “That is a credit to the defensive coaches and the defensive players for doing their jobs and doing it well.”

    The winner of Saturday’s game will host the Rifles (3-4) in one PFC semifinal playoff match. The second place finisher in the PFC hosts the Regina Thunder (5-2) in the other conference semifinal tilt. The Calgary Colts (2-5) and Wildcats (1-6) have been eliminated from playoff contention.

    Saturday’s clash between the Hilltops and the Huskies should provide quite a show for the spectators in Edmonton. It might set the tone for the post-season that is to come.

Huskies men’s hockey team poised for another great season

Kendall McFaull enters his final season with the Huskies.

    The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team appears set to send the ancient Rutherford Rink out on a high note.

    Last season, the Huskies made it to the U Sports championship game, where they fell 5-3 to the host University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds in Fredericton. The Dogs return most of their team from last season, which means the Rutherford Rink host many more exciting nights, before the Huskies men’s and women’s hockey teams move into their new confines of Merlis Belsher Place next season.

    Jordon Cooke returns to the Huskies men’s team for his fourth season having been named the U Sports goalie of the year in each of the past two campaigns. He has a strong partner in rookie backup Taran Kozun, who was named the WHL’s goaltender of the year playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds in his final major junior campaign in 2014-15.

    The defensive and forward units are loaded with great depth. Captain Kendall McFaull is back to anchor the blue-line for his fifth and final season. Fourth-year veteran Jesse Forsberg hit new heights as an elite offensive-defenceman, while still maintaining a solid presence in the defensive zone.

    Connor Cox, who is in his fifth year, and Jordan Fransoo, who is in his fourth season, help to ensure the back end will always be taken care of for the U of S. The back end gets even stronger with the addition of rookie Sam Ruopp, who built a strong WHL career with the Prince George Cougars over the past four complete seasons.

    Up front, the games might not be long enough for the Huskies coaches to give adequate ice time to all their skilled and speedy skaters. In no particular order, Logan McVeigh, Kohl Bauml, Levi Cable, Michael Sofillas, Connor Gay, Andrew Johnson, Jaimen Yakubowski and Parker Thomas can all score and the team’s followers will likely hear the names of a pile of other forwards hit the scoresheet as the season goes on.

Jordon Cooke has provided superstar goaltending for the Huskies.

    Rookie Collin Shirley and Alex Forsberg, who sat out last season as an injured red shirt, both have strong reputations for their offensive work up front, and they both could work their way into regular roles.

    U of S is again guided by a stellar coaching staff led by head coach Dave Adolph, who is the all-time wins leader for U Sports men’s hockey and took home U Sports coach of the year honours last season. Adolph always puts his players in the best positions to succeed.

    The Huskies open the regular season traveling to Regina on Friday to take on the University of Regina Cougars. On Saturday, the Huskies host the Cougars at 7 p.m. at Rutherford.

    Once again, the Huskies men’s team will be one of the most exciting clubs to see on Canada’s amateur sports ranks.

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

Turple making plays and soaking in final sprint with Hilltops

Ryan Turple has become a big time playmaker for the Hilltops.

    Ryan Turple is relishing every chance he gets to make a big play with the Saskatoon Hilltops, because he knows those opportunities are finite.

    The 22-year-old fifth-year receiver is playing out the final weeks of his career with the Hilltops and will exhaust his Canadian Junior Football League eligibility once the team’s playoff run wraps up. On Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Turple hauled in a 74 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Walls late in the first quarter to spark the Hilltops out to a 15-0 lead on the visiting Edmonton Wildcats.

    Turple’s touchdown ultimately triggered a romp that saw the Hilltops hammer the Wildcats 51-0. The graduate of Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate took time to soak in the day.

    “Weather wise, it was absolutely beautiful,” said Turple, who Hilltops improved to 6-1. “In terms of the game, we played well. We executed.

Ryan Turple hauls in 74-yard TD catch.

    “We didn’t have that many punts and two-and-outs. I’m happy with our performance today. We are always looking to improve and get better.”

    Turple finished the game hauling three passes for 89 yards and returning four punts for 23 yards. He is having by far his best season with the team setting regular season career highs for receptions (32) and yards (520). His reception and receiving yard totals lead the team.

    Turple’s three touchdown catches matches his career high set a season ago. Besides having a huge impact on the Hilltops receiving corps, Turple has returned 24 punts for 198 yards in the current campaign.

    Like most players when they come to the Hilltops, Turple spent his first three seasons playing behind a talented group of veterans. He kept working to be ready for the day when he would assume a bigger role with the club, which occurred last season when he became a starter.

    “It has been awesome, a dream come true,” said Turple, who has helped the Hilltops win the last three straight CJFL titles. “We knew how deep we were in these last couple of championship years.

    “You wait your turn, and now your time is here. You just have to make the most of those opportunities. I am having a good season so far, and we’re just looking to keep getting better.”

    Turple spent his first three seasons playing behind and learning from a host of talented receivers including Chad Brawn, Evan Kopchynski, Davis Mitchell, Tyson Sawatzky and Evan Turkington.

Ryan Turple heads upfield on a punt return.

    Brawn, Kopchynski, Mitchell and Turkington graduated following the 2015 CJFL championship win and Sawatzky exhausted his eligibility following last season’s CJFL championship win.

    “They are really good guys,” said Turple, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “I have a lot of great relationships built with them.

    “They’re great mentors. They show you how to do things the right way. Now that I am in my fifth year, I am continuing to share that tradition on with the younger guys.

    “It is an awesome cycle. It is good to continue that.”

    Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant couldn’t stress enough how key Turple has been for the team this season.

    “Ryan (Turple) has just been a lights out football player for us this year,” said Sargeant. “His receiving play, his special teams play, he is a fifth-year leader that is playing high end football that is making a massive difference for us.

    “I am proud to have him having the impact that he is doing.”

    When it comes to mentoring the Hilltops young receivers, Turple has a blood family connection in that department due to the fact his younger brother Matthew is a rookie receiver with the team this season. Ryan said the players’ parents in father, Tim, and mother, Joely Larson, were really excited about that fact. Ryan has enjoyed what has been a rare chance to play on the same team as Matthew.

Adam Machart piles up 221 yards rushing on 12 carries.

    “It has been something pretty special,” said Ryan Turple. “We have never really had the chance to play together, because high school I was just a year too old.

    “With the fifth year Hilltops eligibility having him on the team, it has been awesome so far. I am really excited. My parents are obviously pretty proud.

    “It has been very special. It is going to be something I look back on my whole life and cherish.”

    As for Sunday’s game, the Hilltops went ahead 8-0 on a one-yard touchdown run from running back Logan Fischer and a 31-yard missed field goal single from safety/kicker James Vause.

    After Turple’s long touchdown reception, the Wildcats conceded a safety to give the Hilltops a 17-0 lead, and Vause hit an 11-yard field goal to push the edge out to 20-0. With 52.6 seconds to play in the first half, Walls hit sophomore receiver Tanner Rhode with a 31-yard touchdown toss to put the Hilltops up 27-0.

    Just 65 seconds into the third quarter, Adam Machart ran home a major from 73 yards out to extend the Hilltops lead to 34-0.

    Walls hit fourth-year veteran receiver Sam Mike with a nine-yard touchdown toss and Vause hit a 36-yard field goal before the third quarter expired to put the Hilltops up 44-0. Sophomore running back Ben Abrook rounded out the game’s scoring running in a touchdown from 18 yards out for the Hilltops.

Evan Kretzer returns an interception for the Hilltops.

    Machart ran the ball 12 times for 221 yards to lead all ground gainers on Sunday. Walls connected on 10-of-19 passes for 213 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions before giving way to the Hilltops backup quarterbacks.

    Defensive lineman Riley Pickett had three tackles and a quarterback sack for the Hilltops. Pickett leads the Hilltops with nine sacks this season. Rookie defensive back Evan Kretzer had an interception for Saskatoon.

    Backup quarterback Cody Olson had the Wildcats best performance offensively completing 8-of-19 passes for 70 yards and one interception, while carrying the ball nine times for 108 yards. Defensive back Jayden Dalke topped the Wildcats with seven tackles.

    Sunday’s win ensures the Hilltops will host one of the Prairie Football Conference’s two semifinal playoff contests. They close the regular season with a heavyweight battle against the 7-0 Edmonton Huskies this coming Saturday in Edmonton at 7 p.m. local time at Clarke Park.

Ben Abrook runs in a rushing major from 18 yards out for the Hilltops.

    The winner of that contest will finish first in the PFC. The Huskies thumped the Rifles (3-4) in Winnipeg 44-7 last Saturday.

    In Regina on Sunday, the host Thunder improved to 5-2 downing the visiting Calgary Colts 33-15. The Colts, who lost the last three straight PFC finals to the Hilltops, fell to 2-5 and were eliminated from playoff contention.
    The Thunder will finish third in the PFC, while the Rifles are guaranteed a fourth place finish.

    “I am getting anxious now,” said Turple. “We are coming around playoff time.

    “We know what is on the line. We know what our goal is. It is just time to lock in and go to work and see what we can do.”

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

Hilltops defence crushes Colts

Tom Schnitzler and the Hilltops defence had a big day Sunday in Calgary.

    The Saskatoon Hilltops defence proved to be too much for the Calgary Colts to handle.

    On Sunday at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, the Hilltops forced a number of turnovers resulting in 18 points, and they put Colts quarterback Bailey Wasdal under pressure all afternoon. When the dust settled, the Hilltops came away with a convincing 41-9 victory.

    The Canadian Junior Football League clash between the two sides was a tight one until the Hilltops pulled away after halftime. The points Saskatoon piled up off turnovers really changed the complexion of the contest.

    Early in the first quarter, the Hilltops built a 9-0 lead on a three-yard touchdown run from star running back Logan Fischer and forcing the Colts to concede a safety. Calgary cut the gap to 9-6, when Colts kicker Jaden Sheilan hit a 34-yard field goal at the end of the first quarter and 12 yard field goal at the start of the second quarter.

    At that point, Hilltops standout middle linebacker Cameron Schnitzler came up with an interception for the visitors thanks to pressure applied by Hilltops star defensive lineman Tom Schnitzler on Wasdal. Saskatoon’s offence quickly turned that turnover into points on the ensuing series, when quarterback Jordan Walls hit fifth-year receiver Ryan Turple with a 38-yard touchdown pass to put the visitors up 16-6.

    Sheilan hit a 44-yard field goal on the final play of the second quarter to cut the Hilltops lead to 16-9 at halftime.

    The turnover parade continue in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Tom Schnitzler recovered a fumble from a Colts player on a punt return to set the Hilltops up on the Calgary 18 yard line. Saskatoon punched that gift quickly into the end zone, when Walls hit fourth-year receiver Jason Price on an eight-yard touchdown strike to put the visitors up 23-9.

Ryan Turple had a big TD catch for the Hilltops.

    The Toppers defence proceeded to recover another Colts fumble. The turnover resulted in the Hilltops going up 26-9 on a 16-yard field goal from safety-kicker James Vause.

    Tom Schnitzler then came up with an interception for the Toppers, and the visitors got a single from a 27-yard missed field goal from Vause to give Saskatoon a 27-9 lead entering the fourth quarter.

    Early in the fourth quarter, Walls hit fourth-year receiver Sam Mike with an eight-yard touchdown pass to surge ahead 34-9. Vause rounded out the rest of the scoring in the contest hitting field goals from 45 and 23 yards out. In between those two made field goals, Vause scored a single from and 18-yard missed field goal.

    Defensive lineman Riley Pickett wreaked havoc on the Colts passing game sacking Wasdal three times, while also being part of a gang that brought Wasdal down on another occasion. Defensive back Jared Giddings had a late fourth-quarter interception.

    The 18 points scored off turnovers was a welcome site for the Hilltops. The Topper are used to piling up points on takeaways, but failed to do just that on two takeaways in their previous outing, which was a 29-26 setback to the Regina Thunder on Sept. 9.

    With the win over the Colts, the Hilltops improve to 4-1 to sit in a tie for second place in the Prairie Football Conference with the 4-1 Thunder. The Hilltops and Thunder split their two head-to-head meeting, but Saskatoon holds the standings tiebreaker outscoring Regina 63-49 over those two contests.

    The Edmonton Huskies sit first in the PFC with a 5-0 mark.

    The Colts fall to 1-4 sit fifth in the PFC. After making the last three straight PFC championship games, the Colts are in big danger of missing the post-season all together in 2017.

    The Winnipeg Rifles sit fourth and hold the PFC’s final playoff berth with a 3-2 record with three weeks to play in the regular season. The Rifles hold the standings tiebreaker with the Colts taking the only schedule encounter between the two sides this season 42-22 back on Sept. 2 in Winnipeg.

    The Hilltops return to action this coming Sunday when they host the Rifles at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Rams’ Picton joins 8,000-yard club and other notes

Noah Picton has passed for over 8,000 yards in his Canada West career.

    University of Regina Rams star quarterback Noah Picton hit a big milestone in his team’s 28-18 victory over the U of Alberta Golden Bears on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium.

    Picton became the eighth quarterback in the history of the Canada West conference to surpass 8,000 yards passing for his career. The fourth-year signal caller completed 30-of-42 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Rams victory over the Golden Bears.

    With that performance in the books, Picton has 8,318 career yards passing to sit fifth in conference history. He trails Greg Vavra (8,401) who played for the U of Calgary Dinos, Billy Greene (8,626) who played for the U of British Columbia Thunderbirds, Darryl Leason (8,800) who played for the Dinos and Rams and Teale Orban (9,449) who played for the Rams.

    Picton has been on fire this season completing 78-of-114 passes for 969 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions in leading the Rams to a 2-1 start.

    Cousin and receiver Mitchell Picton, who is a draft selection of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, hauled in seven passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns. The fifth-year pass catcher has 19 career touchdown receptions to equal Jason Clermont for second on the Rams all-time career list during the team’s time in the U Sports ranks. Chad Goldie sits first on the Rams all-time career list during the team’s time in the U Sports ranks with 21 touchdown catches.

    The Golden Bears drop to 0-3 with the loss.

• Regina Thunder quarterback Sawyer Buettner is establishing a reputation for mastering the end of the game two-minute drill drive. On Saturday night in Regina with the Thunder trailing the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 24-23 with under two minutes to play at Mosaic Stadium, Buettner drove the hosts 97 yards in 10 plays culminating in a seven-yard touchdown run by Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette with 34 seconds to play. The score gave the Thunder a 29-24 victory. Buettner finished the contest completing 25-of-42 passes for 382 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
• The U of C Dinos are showing their 39-3 pre-season loss to the U of R Rams in Medicine Hat, Alta., meant nothing. The Dinos have jumped out to a 3-0 start in the regular season outscoring the opposition 177-69 looking like the NFL’s 2007 New England Patriots running rough shot through the Canada West Conference. On Saturday, the Dinos traveled to Winnipeg and crushed the host U of Manitoba Bisons 76-17. At the moment, it appears there won’t be a demise for the defending Canada West champs.
• The UBC Thunderbirds re-established their status as a U Sports powerhouse dumping the visiting U of Saskatchewan Huskies 31-10 on Saturday night in Vancouver. After falling in Week 1 to the U of R Rams 36-20 in Regina, the Thunderbirds have continued to improve over the course of two straight wins in building a 2-1 record. Having won the Vanier Cup in 2015 and guided by head coach Blake Nill, the Thunderbirds might find themselves back in the Canada West final for a third straight year. UBC drew 9,542 spectators to their win over the Huskies.
• The U of S Huskies are regrouping after dropping to 2-1 falling in convincing fashion to the Thunderbirds. UBC held a slim 10-7 edge at halftime before blowing the game open in the second half. The Thunderbirds piled up 684 yards of total offence. Injuries are piling up at linebacker for the Huskies, which is creating challenges on defence. The Huskies lost third-year linebacker Ben Whiting to an arm injury in their Week 2 win over the U of Alberta Golden Bears and fifth-year linebacker Justin Filteau was injured before the start of the regular season. It is also common knowledge in Saskatoon’s football community that Filteau’s injury is season ending. The injuries are forcing players like first-year linebacker Thomas Whiting to learn on the fly.

  

  Chloe Marshall in action during her midget AAA days in 2015.

• On the hockey front, it appeared that Jasey Book and Jessica Vance were going to enter the season as goalies A and 1A for the U of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team. That was before Chloe Marshall entered the picture. Marshall, who is from Neilburg, Sask., transferred to the U of S after playing one season for Northland College in Ashland, Wis. In Saskatchewan hockey circles, Marshall was best remembered for playing two seasons with the Battlefords Sharks of the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League from 2014-16, where she put up a career .914 save percentage. During her time with the Sharks, Marshall, as the old cliché goes, saw more rubber than a dead skunk on the Trans-Canada Highway due to the fact the midget AAA club wasn’t that strong. Marshall has won both her exhibition starts for the Huskies giving up just one goal, which includes a victory over the defending U Sports champion U of Alberta Pandas. It is conceivable she may emerge as the successor to the now graduated Cassidy Hendricks as the Huskies starting goaltender.
• The WHL regular season begins on Friday with eight games across the circuit. In Saskatoon, the Blades open against the Swift Current Broncos at 7 p.m. at the SaskTel Centre. That contest will mark the first time the Blades hit the ice for a regular season contest with their classic Pac-Man jerseys as their regular look since 1994. Saskatoon was 4-2 during the pre-season.

Tweet of the day goes to Clermont

    The Tweet of the day has to go to former U of Regina Rams receiver Jason Clermont, who was a CFL star with the British Columbia Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2002 to 2011.

    Upon hearing Mitchell Picton tied him for second all-time on the Rams career touchdown receptions list at 19 for the team’s time in the U Sports ranks, Clermont, who is the Rams vice-president of marketing, wrote this little piece below.

Next year I'm coming back to use up my 2 remaining years of eligibility. At 40 I'll be 2 years younger than D. Leason was in his 4th year...

— Jason Clermont (@JasonClermont) September 17, 2017

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

Storied Hilltops are always worth supporting

Running back Adam Machart powers upfield for the Hilltops.

    You have to love Saskatoon Hilltops game day.

    Since 1947, the Hilltops have been a huge source of pride for “the Bridge City.” They have had a run of success that is unmatched anyway capturing 19 Canadian Junior Football League championships in their history.

    They have always prided themselves in winning the right way. Besides succeeding on the field, they want their players to graduate from the program as first rate people, who are very community minded.

    Playing in their 71^st season of existence, the Hilltops have again fielded a team of first-rate individuals who are worth getting behind. They have opened the 2017 campaign winning their first two regular season games, which were both on the road.

    They already made one really cool memory opening the campaign on Aug. 12 downing the host Thunder in Regina 37-20 in the first game both sides played at new Mosaic Stadium. About 800 to 900 fans from Saskatoon followed the Toppers down to “the Queen City,” and the players appreciated the site of their supporters.

    When the contest finished, the players and coaches met the fans, who lined the front row of the facility’s West side, to pass on appreciation and enjoy that moment.

    Another cool memory was made when the Hilltops traveled to Winnipeg last Sunday to blank the host Rifles 44-0. The long trips to the Manitoba capital always provide a great chance to bond.

Ryan Turple gains yards after the catch for the Hilltops.

    Tonight, the blue and gold open their home regular season schedule hosting the Ottawa Sooners (0-2) of the Ontario Football Conference at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops are still that good old neighbour that brings a smile to your face, and when they succeed, you feel extremely proud of them.

    As always, there are always tonnes of cool storylines to watch with the Hilltops. One is watching fourth-year quarterback Jordan Walls take over the starting reins from Jared Andreychuk, who graduated after winning a third straight CJFL title as the top signal caller.

    Walls, who is a graduate from Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate, was more than prepared to take on this opportunity. He has been stellar in his first two career starts completing 35-of-57 passes for 475 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

    Fifth-year star running back Logan Fischer entered his final season with the Hilltops after participating in this year’s training camp of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has already piled up 251 yards rushing on 40 carries and scored three touchdowns.

    Third-year running back Adam Machart is earning a bigger role with the offence as each game passes. He has carried the ball 31 times for 171 yards and scored one touchdown.

    At receiver, veterans Sam Mike, Ryan Turple and Jason Price continue to make big plays. Joe Trumpy and Adam Ewanchyna are striving to get increasingly in the mix.

Hilltops QB Jordan Walls fires a pass downfield.

    The offensive line is filled with newcomers to starting spots, but it is steadied with Patrick Arno calling the signals starting at centre for a second straight campaign. Fourth-year veteran Kirk Simonsen anchors the unit at right tackle.

    Defensive lineman Tom Schnitzler came into his final season with the team after spending time on the Roughriders practice roster. He might possibly earn a longer CFL look in the future.

    Cameron Schnitzler, Cody Peters, Riley Pickett and Adam Benkic have been lights out at linebacker. Defensive backs Leif Larson and Logan Kelsey-Stern both have interceptions in the early going and safety James Vause has been the model of consistency on the field and class off the field.

    You also wonder what other roles Rylan Kleiter will take on in addition to his receiving and kicking duties. 

    Besides performing those duties admirably, he stars and wins lots of trophies on the ice curling, when he isn’t on the football field.

    Of course on the sidelines, everyone loves watching the passion and fire of head coach Tom Sargeant.

    The Hilltops always symbolize Saskatoon at its best. If you find are wavering about going to tonight’s game, just get out to SMF field. 

    You will likely see something special.

Back in the Express with Dmytryshyn

Duane Dmytryshyn’s names is on the CFL’s diversity T-shirt.

    I was back in the pages of the Saskatoon Express this week with a little bit of a different story with Duane Dmytryshyn, who is the receivers coach with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team.

    Dmytryshyn, who played slotback in the CFL from 1993 to 2000 with the Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders, was surprised and proud to have his name included on a T-shirt the league put out to stand for diversity and inclusion. Dmytryshyn’s background is Ukrainian.

    The Huskies opened their 2017 campaign dropping an exhibition tilt 22-10 on Friday night in Hamilton, Ont., against the host McMaster University Marauders.

    Fourth-year starting quarterback Kyle Siemens completed 11-of-19 passes for 113 yards and one interception in two quarters of work. Backup Mason Nyhus, who was a redshirt last season, completed 12-of-25 passes for 143 yards and three interceptions.

    Running back Colton Klassen ran the ball 11 times for 115 yards for the Huskies.

    The Huskies open the regular season on Sept. 1, when they travel to Winnipeg to face the U of Manitoba Bisons.

    The Express story on Dmytryshyn can be found 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.

Hilltops survive scare from Thunder

Defending CJFL champs advance to PFC Final with 25-24 win

James Reid (#33) watches a potential winning field goal sail wide.

    It is amazing how the drama can peak for a football game over one kick.

    With 1:46 to play in a Prairie Football Conference semifinal match, the host Saskatoon Hilltops held a slim 25-23 edge over the Regina Thunder on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Thunder kicker James Reid was setting up to attempt a 23-yard field goal to put the visitors in front.

    The rookie had made all three of his field goal attempts to that point in the contest booting home kicks from 25, 30 and 38 yards in the first half. It almost felt like a certainty that this kick would split the uprights too, which would have put the Thunder, who were 5-4 in the regular season, on the verge of upsetting the Hilltops, who had an 8-1 regular season record.

    When Reid booted his late attempt, the ball went high in the air and seemed like it took forever to reach the uprights. At what seemed like the last second, the kick drifted just wide to the left resulting in a single point. That 25-24 scored held up as the final outcome as the Hilltops, who have won the last two Canadian Junior Football League titles, advanced to the PFC final.

Adam Benkic, second from right, celebrates scoring a TD off a blocked punt.

    They will host the Calgary Colts this coming Sunday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field. The Colts slipped past the Edmonton Huskies 11-10 in the other PFC semifinal held in Calgary on Sunday.

    The Hilltops win over the Thunder showed how big special teams can be in the game of football.

    Leading 18-9 at halftime, the Hilltops only score in the second half came as a result of special teams.
    Just past the midway point of the third quarter, Hilltops linebacker Cody Peters blocked a Thunder punt deep in the Regina end of the field. The ball rolled into the end zone and it was recovered by Hilltops linebacker Adam Benkic to put the hosts up 25-9.

    The Hilltops ultimately needed that score to withstand a Thunder comeback attempt. That play combined with the Thunder missed kick proved to be the difference in the contest.

Hilltops RB Logan Fischer collides with Thunder DL Carson Bell.

    In the same breath, Reid shouldn’t have to shoulder the blame for the Thunder’s loss. When you get a 3-for-4 performance from a rookie kicker who is just out of high school in a do-or-die playoff game, any post-secondary football team will take that performance.

    Had the Thunder driven for a touchdown on one of the four drives that culminated in a Reid field goal attempt, the late kick might not have been needed.

    On the late drive that resulted in Reid’s miss, Regina got down to Saskatoon’s six yard line. In getting to the six, the Thunder were close to breaking a couple of separate plays for a go-ahead touchdown.

    When they got to the Saskatoon six yard line, the Thunder were facing a third and two, but elected to try for the kick. They took a time count violation on purpose to set up a better angle for go-ahead field goal. They could have gambled on the third-and-two, because they were starting to break into the end zone.

Sawyer Buettner fires a pass downfield for the Thunder.

    After falling behind 25-9, Regina drove for a pair of major scores. First, quarterback Sawyer Buettner scored on a one-yard sneak near the end of the third quarter. Then PFC rushing leader Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette ran in a touchdown from 10 yards out with 8:11 to play in the fourth quarter to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 25-23.

    On the drive that resulted in Reid’s miss, a Thunder third-and-two gamble from the Saskatoon six yard line likely would have had the same drama as the kick attempt.

    When the dust settled, spectators at SMF Field were treated to a post-season classic tilt between the two teams.

    The Hilltops jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Hilltops quarterback Jared Andreychuk hit veteran receiver Ryan Turple with a 24-yard touchdown pass for Saskatoon’s first major, and running back Logan Fischer ran the ball in from two yards out for the second major.

    James Vause hit a 29 yard field goal and recorded a single point off a 38 yard missed field goal in the second quarter to round out Saskatoon’s scoring.

QB Jared Andreychuk sprints downfield for the Hilltops.

    Buettner completed 24-of-43 passes for 316 yards for the Thunder. Andreychuk connected on 15-of-35 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown strike for the Hilltops.

    The Hilltops swept the season series claiming a 20-18 victory on Sept. 10 in Saskatoon and a 30-26 win on Oct. 1 in Regina. The Hilltops have won the last five straight meetings between the two sides including play in the regular season and playoffs.

    Now, the Hilltops move on looking to down the Colts for a third straight year in the PFC final. The Colts finished second in the PFC with a 7-2 mark, but they beat the Hilltops in the only meeting between the two sides this season 36-21 on Aug. 28 at SMF Field.

    Another post-season classic possibly looms around the corner.

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

Hilltops end up topping PFC

Saskatoon finishes first while Calgary Colts stumble

The Hilltops defence swarm in on a Rifles ball carrier.

    The stars lined up for the Saskatoon Hilltops to allow the venerable Canadian Junior Football League team to once again finish on top of the Prairie Football Conference standings.

    Heading into the final weekend of regular season play, the Hilltops needed some help when it came to finishing first in the PFC. Saskatoon needed to win its final game, while the Calgary Colts, who were holding on to top spot, needed to fall in their final outing.

    On Saturday, the Colts traveled to Edmonton and fell to the red hot Edmonton Huskies 51-35. The loss dropped the Colts to 7-2, while the Huskies improved to 6-3 riding a five-game winning streak. The Huskies last loss came back on Sept. 3, when they were thumped 43-4 by the Colts in Calgary.

    That opened the door for the Hilltops, who seized their opportunity to lock up home field advantage through the PFC portion of the post-season. On Sunday in Winnipeg at Charlie Krupp Stadium, the Hilltops thumped the Rifles 44-14. The win allowed the Hilltops, who have won six straight, to improve to 8-1 to finish on top of the PFC standings.

Hilltops quarterback Jared Andreychuk stays cool under pressure.

    Saskatoon will host a PFC semifinal match this coming Sunday against their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Thunder, who have won two straight, thrashed the Wildcats in Edmonton 69-18 to finish fourth in the PFC.

    Against the Rifles, the Hilltops went ahead 7-0 on their first offensive drive that was capped by a 10-yard touchdown run by star running back Logan Fischer.

    The Rifles tied things up at 7-7, when their star running back Michael Ritchott ran in a major score from 44 yards out.

    The Hilltops then proceeded to quickly put an end to the competitive part of the game at that point. Before the first quarter ended, they surged ahead 21-7. First, quarterback Jared Andreychuk connected with receiver Jason Price on a 22-yard touchdown strike, and then Fischer ran in a major from a yard out for his second touchdown of the day.

    In the second quarter, Andreychuk found receiver Ryan Turple for a 27-yard touchdown toss, and fullback Colin Stumborg ran in a score from five yards out to put the visitors up 35-7. The Hilltops began to liberally substitute in all their backup players from that point.

Jason Price (#83) had a 22-yard TD catch for the Hilltops.

    Saskatoon’s scoring was rounded out in the second half by a pair of field goals from James Vause, a punt single from Des Vessey and a conceded safety by the Rifles. Ritchott ran in a major score from 16 yards out to complete the Rifles scoring.

    Andreychuk completed 6-of-9 passes for 121 yards and two touchdown passes. He surpassed the 2,000 yard mark in passing for the season before being relieved by backup quarterback Jordan Walls late in the second quarter.

    Fischer piled up 57 yards rushing on eight carries in the win. Rookie Joshua Ewanchyna led the Hilltops with 104 yards rushing on 12 carries.
    Price had 134 yards receiving on four catches for Saskatoon.

    The Hilltops enter the post-season trying to win the Canadian Bowl for a third year in a row and also become the first team in history to win six CJFL titles in seven years.

Logan Fischer (#21) ran in a pair of touchdowns for the Hilltops.

    They won both their head-to-head meetings with the Thunder this season, but both encounters were tight. On Sept. 10 in Saskatoon, the Hilltops slipped past the Thunder 20-18. On Oct. 1 at old Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Hilltops trailed the Thunder 26-16 with 2:21 to play in the fourth quarter but rallied for a 30-26 victory.

    This coming Sunday, the second place Colts host the other PFC semifinal against the third place Huskies. The Rifles missed the playoffs finishing fifth in the PFC at 2-7, while the Wildcats finished last with an 0-9 mark.

Back in the Express with the Benkics

Adam Benkic (#40) celebrates returning a fumble for a touchdown.

    I was back in the Saskatoon Express this past week with a story on brothers Adam and Cole Benkic of the Saskatoon Hilltops.

    The story focused more on Adam, who went from playing quarterback in high school to outside linebacker with the Hilltops. Adam is in his third year with the Hilltops and has seen his role with the club increase in starting most of the team’s games.

    Cole is in his fifth and final season with the Hilltops. Last year, he was named the CJFL’s defensive player of the year, and coming into this season, he was rated number one in a promotion that listed the league’s top 50 players.

    Unfortunately for Cole, he injured his leg in a pedal bike crash in the off-season, and hasn’t suited up for any of the Hilltops regular season games. He is close to returning, but is still officially week-to-week.

Cole Benkic in action for the Hilltops last season.

    Cole has been at all the Hilltops practices and games helping the rest of the team’s linebackers with coaching tips. In his absence, middle linebacker Cameron Schnitzler and outside linebackers Cody Peters, Bobby Ehman and Adam Benkic have all improved greatly.

    Schnitzler and Peters have both had stellar seasons. Peters had really become a beast on the outside.
    When Cole returns, the Hilltops linebackers will become that much stronger.

    The story on the Benkic brothers can be found right here.

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

Bitz thankful for Hilltops blitz surprise

Rookie DB gets first sack in 43-9 romp of Wildcats

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz sacks Wildcats QB Austin Ericson.

    Logan Bitz almost couldn’t believe the Thanksgiving Day weekend surprise the Saskatoon Hilltops coaching staff had in store for him.

    Shortly before halftime of the Hilltops clash with the Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the rookie defensive back received a play call from the Saskatoon coaching staff for him to blitz the quarterback from the halfback position. As Hilltops defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie very rarely calls a blitz play, Bitz looked towards the bench to see if the call was for real.

    Looking at Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, Bitz knew the call was indeed a genuine one.

    “Sarge looked at me, and he gave me that look that if I don’t do good it is never going to be called again,” said Bitz. “I just made the most of my opportunity and had a good time with it.”

    The Saskatoon St. Joseph High School graduate came clean off the edge and blindsided Wildcats backup quarterback Austin Ericson. Bitz could feel a surge of excitement as he neared the Edmonton signal caller.

Logan Bitz has turned heads as a rookie.

    “It is pretty good as a DB to get your first sack of your career,” said Bitz, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. “It felt good.

    “Normally I am in pass coverage, so it feels nice to get an open shot on some guy and then just celebrate with my teammates.”

    The Hilltops made a whole host of big plays in a 43-9 romp over the Wildcats in the Canadian Junior Football League regular season clash. Saskatoon piled up 625 yards of net offence, while holding Edmonton to 126 offensive yards. During the onslaught, the Wildcats lost started quarterback Colton Hippe to a broken leg in the second quarter on what seemed like a routine tackle.

    For Bitz, the win and his sack continued what has been a memorable rookie campaign. He was named a co-winner of the Prairie Football Conference’s special teams player of the week award after the Hilltops thumped the Okanagan Sun 58-2 on Sept. 17 in Kelowna, B.C.

    Bitz has earned a spot on the 40-man travel roster for three of the Hilltops four road games so far this season. Overall, he loves the atmosphere with the team.

    “It is amazing,” said Bitz. “It is a real family oriented thing. Everyone is friends with everybody.

    “It is really good. They do lots of family activities. Families are just really involved.”

    Against the Wildcats on Sunday, the Hilltops jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first quarter and increased their advantage to 40-7 by halftime.

    Starting quarterback Jared Andreychuk completed 11-of-16 passes for 279 yards, four touchdown passes and no interceptions. He connected with Sam Mike on two aerial TDs from 65 and nine yards out. Andreychuk also hit Jay Price with a 48-yard touchdown strike and Ryan Turple with a 25-yard major through the air.

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz celebrates his quarterback sack.

    Late in the second quarter, the Hilltops coaches pulled Andreychuk to allow backups Jordan Walls and Tyler Hermann to finish out things in relief.

    Price had three catches for 118 yards, while Mike caught five passes for 106 yards. Rooking running back Joshua Ewanchyna piled up 106 yards rushing on seven carries and scored one touchdown along the ground.

    Defensive end Blake Hermann had a sack and blocked a punt. The Hilltops also received another punt block from defensive lineman Riley Pickett.

    James Vause kicked two 25-yard field goals for the hosts.

    Receiver Isaac Fagnan accounted for the Wildcats lone major score on a 95-yard kickoff return. Both teams conceded one safety touch.

    Bitz wants to help the Hilltops win a third straight Canadian Bowl, and he believes in the team’s mantra of helping send the fifth year players out on a big high. On a personal level, he said a national championship win would set a big standard for the rest of his own career.

Receiver Ryan Turple jukes a Wildcats DB on a 25-yard TD reception.

    With that in mind, Bitz knows it is a big challenge for a rookie to keep making the Hilltops 40-man travel roster and later the playoff roster. He aims to keep playing well enough to stay on the field.

    “I am just excited to keep going and hopefully keep playing,” said Bitz. “This game was a game that it was helping decide that top 40 going into playoffs and obviously next week going to Winnipeg. I am just excited to see if I do go or not.”

    With the win, the Hilltops improve to 7-1 to stick second in the PFC. They are trying to chase down the Calgary Colts, who fell to 7-1 on Sunday after dropping a 30-23 decision to the Thunder in Regina. The Thunder sit fourth in the PFC with a 4-4 mark.

    The Colts hold the tiebreaker in the standings over the Hilltops taking the only head-to-head meeting between the two squads 36-21 back on Aug. 28 in Saskatoon.

Hilltops guard Drayke Unger rumbles downfield on a rare carry.

    Saskatoon can still finish first in the PFC depending on a couple of results in the final weekend of play for the regular season. The Hilltops need to down the Rifles (2-6) this coming Sunday in Winnipeg and hope the Colts fall to the Edmonton Huskies (5-3) this coming Saturday in Edmonton. The Huskies, who are third in the PFC, and Thunder have locked up the conference’s final two playoff berths.

    The Wildcats fell to 0-8, and they close their schedule this coming Sunday in Edmonton against the Thunder.

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