Hilltops record CJFL playoff run comes to an end

Rams claim circuit semifinal in 17-14 defensive slugfest

The Rams celebrate their CJFL semifinal win. (Photo courtesy BCFCTV)

The Saskatoon Hilltops played tough and aggressive defence, but the defence of the Langley Rams might have unbelievably been a step better.

When the dust settled in a CJFL semifinal battle between the two sides Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C., the host Rams prevailed 17-14 in a defensive slugfest. The 14 points the Hilltops scored were actually the most points the Rams had given up in any game this season.

The Hilltops, who are the PFC champions, entered the fourth quarter holding a 14-7 lead, but the Rams, who are the BCFC champions, pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to claim the three-point victory.

The result ended the Hilltops CJFL record post-season game winning streak at 22 contests and the ’Toppers run of winning six consecutive CJFL championships, which was also a CJFL record. Saskatoon won six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

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

The Hilltops conclude the 2021 campaign with an 8-3 overall record, which includes a 6-2 mark in regular season play. The Rams improved to 10-1 overall, which includes a 7-1 mark in regular season play.

Langley advances to play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Rams will travel to London, Ontario, to face the Ontario Football Conference champion London Beefeaters in the Canadian Bowl on Saturday, December 4.

Brady Fossen blocked a punt for the Hilltops.

The Beefeaters, who are 8-2 overall and 6-2 in regular season play, upset the St. Clair Fratmen 15-14 in the OFC championship game held Saturday in Windsor. The Fratmen finish the 2021 campaign with a 9-1 overall record, which included an 8-0 mark in regular season play.

In Saturday’s battle between the Hilltops and Rams, the contest got off to an auspicious start for the visitors.

Hilltops receiver Lachlan Horsley fumbled away the opening kickoff, and it was recovered by Rams defensive back Beko Wande. Wande would make numerous big plays for the Rams in the contest.

Langley was only able to turn that turnover into a long 60-yard punt single from punter Darian Pritchard to go ahead 1-0.

Rams kicker Tato Ferreyro Araya had a shot at a 40-yard field goal later in the opening quarter, but he sailed his kick wide, and the Hilltops ran the ball out of the end zone to avoid giving up any points.

Early in the second quarter, Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from 27 yards out to increase the Rams advantage to 4-0.

Shortly after Ferreyro Araya hit his field goal, the Hilltops got in position to attempt a field goal from 28 yards out, but the kick attempt was never made after holder Doug Fleming covered up a bad snap.

On the ensuing Rams possession, they were stopped on a third-and-inches attempt at their own 36 yard line.

The Hilltops promptly drove down that short field for a major score, where quarterback Damon Dutton hit receiver Dillan Heintz with a seven-yard touchdown pass on an out pattern. That score put the visitors in front 7-4.

QB Damon Dutton struggled for the Hilltops on Saturday.

On the final possession of the second quarter, the Rams got in position to attempt a 25-yard field goal on the last play of the frame. Ferreyro Araya’s kicked was blocked by the Hilltops defensive line to allow Saskatoon to head into the halftime break with a 7-4 edge.

Early in the third quarter, the Rams drove down to the Hilltops one yard line. The Hilltops defence came up with a goal-line stand stopping the Rams three times from the one yard line to force a turnover on downs.

The Rams were set up on the Hilltops one yard line, when linebacker Colten Dejong made an interception and returned it to that spot.

With just over seven minutes expired in the third quarter, the Rams found themselves on the Hilltops one yard line again facing a third and goal decision. This time, the Rams elected to have Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from eight yards out to even the score at 7-7.

That field goal was set up off an interception by Rams defensive back Nathan Murray.

The Hilltops jumped back out in front with a minute to play in the third quarter. On a fake field goal, Fleming threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Presley Peterson to put the visitors in front 14-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Hilltops got the ball with great field position, when outside linebacker Brady Fossen blocked a punt from Pritchard.

The Hilltops got down to the Rams 25 yard line and elected to gamble on a third and five. Rams defensive lineman Jesse Goedman sacked Dutton on the third down play to allow the hosts to take over the ball on their own 30 yard line.

Dillan Heintz had a TD catch for the Hilltops.

Later in the fourth quarter with 5:01 remaining in the frame, Rams quarterback Michael Calvert hit running back Derek Best with a 29-yard touchdown toss to even the score at 14-14.

With 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Balucos hit a field goal from eight yards out to give the Rams a 17-14 lead. The field goal was set up by a fumble by Dutton that was recovered by Rams defensive lineman Tyler Eckert.

On the ensuing series, the Hilltops elected to pull Dutton for backup quarterback Trey Reider. Dutton had struggled for a lot of the contest completing 9-of-14 passes for 92 yards and the one touchdown toss, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling once.

Reider got two offensive series to try and move the team and was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts, while throwing one interception. On his second series, Reider was intercepted by Wande, which sealed the win for the Rams. The interception was Wande’s second of the contest.

After that Wande interception off Reider, the Rams offence ended the contest taking two knees.

While the teams didn’t have to battle any adverse weather conditions, the CJFL semifinal clash was far from a classic. The Rams turned the ball over seven times, while the Hilltops committed an unimaginable 12 turnovers.

The Hilltops got sound production from their two star running backs in Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen. McLean ran the ball 14 times for 64 yards. Teammate Boston Davidsen carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards.

Ethan Godson led all Saskatoon receivers with five catches for 45 yards.

Riece Kack had six total tackles for the Hilltops.

Calvert completed 18-of-25 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for the Rams. He also ran the ball eight times for 26 yards.

Best led the Rams in rushing carrying the ball 14 times for 67 yards to go with his 29-yard touchdown reception.

Defensive lineman Craig Torgerson had a sack for the Hilltops. Middle linebacker Matt Wist had a team high eight solo tackles and five total tackle assists for Saskatoon.

Defensive end Riece Kack had five total tackles and a tackle assist for the Hilltops.

Eckert had a pair of sacks for the Rams. Defensive back Kyle Clarot led Langley with six total tackles.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the Canadian Bowl in 2019, which also turned into a defensive slugfest at McLeod Stadium. Saskatoon pulled out an 11-6 victory in that encounter.

Before Saturday’s CJFL semifinal contest, the last time the Hilltops lost a post-season game came in the 2013 PFC final, when they fell 21-16 against the Regina Thunder at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon on October 27 of that year.

The Hilltops run of six consecutive CJFL championships and 22 straight post-season victories were CJFL records no one could ever seriously imagine could happen. While those streaks came to an end, they were truly remarkable accomplishments.

Ultimately, it took arguably the craziest of post-season games to bring those streaks to an end.

Congratulations to the @LangleyRams - who are heading to the Canadian Bowl.

A truly worthy opponent and our pick for Canadian Bowl champions based on their defence alone.

Enjoy the win Langley!

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 21, 2021

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Hilltops’ one-two punch at tailback in top post-season gear

McLean, Davidsen may see bigger role as weather worsens

Carter McLean charges downfield for the Hilltops.

Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen won’t back down from the rain, snow, cold, wind or whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw their way.

The Saskatoon Hilltops running back duo was difference in powering their side to a 29-9 victory in the PFC final against the host Regina Thunder at Mosaic Stadium last Sunday. McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards picking up PFC offensive player of the week honours, and Davidsen ran the ball 19 times for 143 yards and one touchdown in that same contest.

The tailback pair played an integral part in helping the Hilltops pile up an eye-popping 386 yards rushing as a team against a previously undefeated provincial rival.

With the win over the Thunder, the Hilltops, who are 8-2 overall, advanced in the CJFL playoffs to face the Langley Rams, who are 9-1 overall, on Saturday in a CJFL semifinal contest at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C. (4 p.m. Saskatchewan time, CJFLTV.com).

As this time of year in Canada, the chances of playing a football game in adverse weather conditions goes up substantially. When the weather gets worse, teams are forced to rely more on their running games, and McLean and Davidsen are expecting conditions will dictate that they shoulder an extra load.

“I am expecting it (the running game) to be pretty big, especially if it is super rainy and super snowy,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “The running game is going to be a big part of that game, and we just have to play physical and hard like we did against Regina.”

“We’re thinking about that,” said Davidsen, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds. “That is in the back of our minds that maybe passing might become more difficult.

“I think it will be really huge on top of the conditioning we’ve always done. Carter (McLean) and I will be able to go back and forth, and we will always have some fresh legs. There won’t be any fatigue maybe if only one of us was in there.

Boston Davidsen runs tough inside for the Hilltops.

“We will be able to keep the run game going strong.”

McLean and Davidsen both had breakout campaigns in 2021 after the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world. McLean, who is in his third full season with the Hilltops, finished third in the PFC in rushing yards during the eight-game regular season carrying the ball 125 times for 599 yards and four touchdowns.

Davidsen, who is in his second full season with the Hilltops, finished second in the PFC in rushing yards in the regular season carrying the ball 98 times for 634 yards and six touchdowns.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said it has been outstanding to have McLean and Davidsen develop into a one-two punch this season adding that neither had been a starter in previous CJFL campaigns.

“Carter (McLean) sort of started early and was our hot back,” said Sargeant, who team has won the last six straight CJFL titles. “Then Boston (Davidsen) started gaining confidence getting his touches.

“Now the two of them put together they are a feature pair with the O-line and Damon Dutton certainly got a great movement pattern as a quarterback too. He has allowed us to do some different things and create some flexibility to our offensive plan.

“This running attack is coming on, and it is needed. We plan to run the ball a lot this weekend against Langley as well.”

Sargeant said the Hilltops might be forced to run the ball more depending on the weather situation.

Last Saturday, the Rams won the British Columbia Football Conference final 7-4 over the Kelowna based Okanagan Sun at McLeod Stadium in a contest played in monsoon like conditions.

Carter McLean rushed for 599 yards in eight regular season games.

With the Canadian Bowl slated to be held on December 4 by the winner of Saturday’s Ontario Football Conference final between the St. Clair Fratmen (9-0 overall) and the London Beefeaters (7-2 overall) held in Windsor, it will mark the first time the CJFL campaign has finished past the end of November since 1947. That 1947 campaign marked the first time the current modern day version of the Hilltops hit the field for regular season play.

The four clubs still alive in the CJFL post-season could encounter more adverse weather conditions.

At the moment for the CJFL semifinal in Langley, B.C., Environment Canada is predicting an overcast day with high of 7 C and a 30 per cent chance of rain.

“What is the old saying?” said Sargeant, whose team is on a CJFL record post-season game winning streak of 22 contests. “The running game will always travel.

“Defence and running game travel. Special teams should travel. Outside conditions are always a little tougher on offence, because you have skill and just different mechanisms.

“The philosophy around here since I’ve been here is we always want to be a 50/50 team, but when in doubt, we are going to run the ball at you and get after you especially at the end of the year in critical situations at playoff time. We just want to let you know that we want a little bit more than you and how you do that is by running the ball ground and pound.”

McLean and Davidsen are more than willing to provide the ground and pound aspect, and they enjoy being able to do that together.

McLean said he gets pumped up on the sidelines watching Davidsen run the ball.

Boston Davidsen rushed for 634 yards in eight regular season games.

“Oh definitely that motivates me,” said McLean. “I’ll be like, ‘OK, he is playing super well today. I have to also play super well.’

“Through all that, we make ourselves play better for each other, and we push each other for sure. That is where all the motivation comes from is always trying to make each other better.”

Davidsen said he gets an extra jolt of energy seeing McLean doing well, and two really try to build on each other’s momentum

“It is some healthy competition,” said Davidsen. “Carter (McLean) would come off to the sideline, and he would give you some advice.

“He’d say this is looking good and this one is good. Then, he takes a break, and I go in and use his advice and make some plays. I come back off and give him my feedback.

“We’re pretty interchangeable, and we are using our knowledge that we are learning on the field to help the other succeed.”

While the Hilltops have had lots of success on the ground, Dutton did have a strong season throwing the ball. During the eight game regular season, he completed 127-of-183 passes for 1,528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions.

Receiver Ethan Godson led the Hilltops and was fourth in the PFC in receiving yards hauling in 30 catches for 524 yards and six touchdowns.

Hilltops star left-tackle Mason Ochs was named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman.

On defence, Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson had a massive year finishing second in the PFC in defensive points. 

The Hilltops celebrate a TD from Boston Davidsen (#24).

Over eight regular season games, Johnson recorded 26 defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, 12 special teams tackles, three special teams tackle assists, one quarterback sack, five pass knockdowns, one fumble recovery and five interceptions.

The Rams had three players capture four major BCFC awards.

Rams defensive back Kyle Clarot was named the BCFC’s most outstanding defensive player of the year and most outstanding defensive back. Rams linebacker Colten Dejong took honours as the BCFC’s most outstanding linebacker.

Rams receiver Daniel Kubongo was named the rookie of the year for the BCFC.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the CJFL’s title game – the Canadian Bowl – in 2018 and 2019.

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

“It is great to have them again,” said McLean. “We have such a good rivalry the last I don’t know over how many years.

“I know three years for sure. All my years of playing Hilltops we play against Langley. They are a good team.

“They are coached well. It will be a good game. It will be a good game to play for sure and a physical game.”

Davidsen joined the Hilltops in 2019, but he wasn’t on the travel roster that went to Langley for the team’s CJFL title win that season. He is looking forward to the trip to Langley to play the Rams on Saturday.

The Hilltops are focused on business in the CJFL semifinal.

“It will be my first experience,” said Davidsen. “I’ve been trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can from these other vets who have made that trip before.

“I’m just going to try and go out there and make sure this isn’t the last game for our fifth years (the Hilltops graduating players).”

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Hilltops find different ways to win in post-season

Saskatoon eyes up CJFL semifinal clash with Rams

The Hilltops enjoyed a PFC final victory last Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damon Dutton threw for 285 yards in the PFC semifinal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Davidsen ran for 143 yards in the PFC final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McLean named PFC offensive player of the week

Carter McLean ran for 204 yards in the PFC final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keating gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

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

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

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

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

Keating played both defensive back and linebacker in that win.

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

Eric Maximuik hit three field goals in the PFC final.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilltops win Canadian Bowl three years ago today

The Hilltops celebrate a CJFL championship win in 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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O-line powers Hilltops to bruising PFC title victory

Saskatoon piles up 386 yards rushing against Thunder

Mason Ochs (#73) raises the PFC championship trophy.

REGINA, Sask. – In a frightening display of power, the Saskatoon Hilltops offensive line allowed the storied CJFL club to steamroll to a seventh consecutive PFC championship.

Due to the work of left tackle Mason Ochs, left guard Jayson Kehler, centre Luciano Jolly, right guard Ethan Paslowski and right tackle Jonathan Chisholm, the Hilltops piled up 386 yards rushing as a team to flatten the host Regina Thunder 29-9 in the PFC final before 1,347 spectators at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday.

In the win, the Hilltops two star running backs were both able to gain over 140 yards in rushing. Boston Davidsen carried the 19 times for 143 yards and one touchdown, and Carter McLean ran the ball 25 times for 204 yards.

Ethan Paslowski, middle, leads the way for Carter McLean, left.

Quarterback Damon Dutton accounted for the rest of the team’s rushing total running the ball seven times for 39 yards and two touchdowns.

When the dust settled, the Hilltops had captured the PFC title for a seventh straight season.

“Honestly, it feels so amazing like rallying up with the boys and making sure we get down into the end zone and scoring on our plays,” said Chisholm, who is in his fifth and final season with the Hilltops. “It was a fight.

“They (the Thunder) put out a great fight, and we just had to buckle down and play harder. The O-line played phenomenal. The receivers are playing great.

Ethan Paslowski (#63) and Luciano Jolly (#58) lead the way.

“The defence was stopping the run and stopping the pass. We just had to come together and win.”

The physical tone was set in the first half as the Hilltops rumbled for 157 yards on the ground over the first 30 minutes.

Despite controlling the line of scrimmage, the Thunder went into the halftime break holding a 9-7 edge on the scoreboard.

After forcing the Thunder to punt on the first possession of the third quarter, the Hilltops went back to work on the ground.

Jonathan Chisholm sets up at his right tackle position.

On their first offensive series of the third quarter, the Hilltops rolled off a number of powerful runs in a physically dominant drive. The drive culminated with a three-yard touchdown run by Davidsen to put the visitors in front 14-9.

The Hilltops never looked back powering their way to victory from that point piling up 229 yards on the ground.

By game’s end, the Thunder looked like they have been run over by an 18-wheeler semi-truck on the Trans-Canada Highway.

“The O-line was absolutely amazing today and the running backs with Carter (McLean) and Boston (Davidsen) are just jelling,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “We got a great one-two punch.

“I’m just proud of all they’ve done. This team is only getting better, and we’re going to work them harder. They are going to play better.”

Mason Ochs gets set to make a block in pass protection.

The Hilltops got on the board first at the 11:29 mark of the first quarter, when Dutton connected with receiver Boden Marley on a shovel/jet sweep style pass play that went four yards for a touchdown to put the visitors up 7-0.

In the second quarter, Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik hit three field goals from respective distances of 43, 39 and 27 yards out to give the host side a 9-7 edge. The first field goal was set up after the Hilltops were stopped on a third-and-two gamble at the Thunder 44 yard line, and the third field goal came off a series that was set up by an interception from linebacker Stephen Smith.

The Hilltops had a chance to take the lead on the final play of the first half, but kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas came up short on a 40-yard field goal attempt to allow the Thunder to go into the break with a two-point lead.

Luciano Jolly (#58) and Jayson Kehler, right, gang up on a block.

After Davidsen put the Hilltops up 14-9 on their first offensive series of the third quarter, Abel-Douglas hit a 10-yard field goal before the frame expired to increase the ’Toppers advantage to 17-9.

The field goal was set up by an interception from Hilltops defensive back Wade Keating.

Near the start of the fourth quarter, the Thunder had a chance to cut into the Hilltops lead, but Maximuik misfired on a kick after he stalled on his approach to the ball resulting in no points being scored for the host side.

Luciano Jolly gets set to snap the ball from his centre position.

Just past the midway point of the fourth quarter, Dutton ran a quarterback draw up the gut from six yards out for a touchdown that put the Hilltops up 23-9. The snap on the ensuing convert attempt was botched resulting in no extra point.

With 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, Dutton scored another rushing touchdown from six yards out, but this major score came on a bootleg run. The Hilltops tried to go for a two point conversion, but a pass to Ochs on a lineman eligible play fell incomplete to allow the game’s final score to sit at 29-9.

“The first half, it was just a low scoring game,” said Chisholm. “We had to make sure our skilled guys were catching the ball and making sure that we were going down the field.

“The O-line played a great game. The defence played a great game. The second half we just had to get in the locker room and just regroup and just focus in and just be that fourth quarter team.”

Jayson Kehler sets up at his left guard position.

Dutton did enough in the passing game to keep the Thunder off balance completing 15-of-22 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions. Hilltops star receiver Ethan Godson hauled in three passes for a game high 98 yards receiving.

Thunder star quarterback Carter Shewchuk completed 16-of-34 passes for 197 yards, while throwing one interception.

Thunder receiver Rylan Sokul, who was named the PFC’s most valuable player, caught four passes for just 31 yards. Isaac Foord, who is the Thunder’s other star receiver, was held to one catch for 25 yards.

On the ground, the Thunder ran for 130 yards as a team.

Luciano Jolly (#58) locks up in pass protection.

Hilltops star outside linebacker Konner Johnson said his squad worked a lot on disrupting the Thunder’s passing game.

“I think we were great at cluing in where their stars were in number 80 (Rylan Sokul) and number eight (Isaac Foord),” said Johnson, who had five defensive tackles, three defensive tackle assists and one sack in the win. “We spied them a lot of the game.

“They didn’t get a lot of catches, and that was huge on defence for us.”

 Defensive back Evan Mantyka had a sack for the Hilltops.

Veteran linebacker Davin Williamson had four defensive tackles and three defensive tackle assists for the Thunder, while linebacker Ryan Mills had an interception for Regina.

Ethan Paslowski (#63) ensures QB Damon Dutton throws deep.

When the game came to an end, Johnson was pumped to have helped the Hilltops win another PFC title.

“It feels amazing,” said Johnson. “They never get old.

“This was a hell of a game. You hear the huge crowd. It was the best day.”

The Hilltops, who have won six straight games, improved their overall record to 8-2. They entered the PFC final as slight underdogs with the Thunder having won both regular season encounters between the two sides by three points on each occasion.

The Thunder were undefeated heading into Sunday’s game and finish the 2021 campaign with an 8-0 regular season record and a 9-1 overall mark.

Wade Keating (#20) returns an interception for the Hilltops.

Sargeant got to experience another special PFC final victory in Regina way back in 1985, when the Hilltops upset the Regina Rams 31-24 at historic Taylor Field. The Rams, who moved to the U Sports ranks in 1999, had an 8-0 regular season record in that 1985 campaign, while the Hilltops were 5-3 in the regular season.

Sargeant was a tight end on that 1985 Hilltops squad, which would go in to win the CJFL championship. It was the first of 16 total CJFL title wins Sargeant would experience with the Hilltops.

The sideline boss said he remembers that 1985 PFC final victory over the Rams, but he said it was a unique special to win a PFC final in Regina for the first time as a coach.

Eric Maximuik (#1) makes one of his three field goals for the Thunder.

“When you become a coach, it is different, because now you get to live through the players,” said Sargeant, whose team has won a CJFL record 22 consecutive post-season games. “You live it through their eyes.

“Look at the joy, the excitement, the family, everybody coming together and it just makes you proud. The Hilltops are about being proud, and we’re proud in what we did today. It was extra special, because it was a hostile environment, and these kids just wanted it more at the end.

Konner Johnson had five defensive tackles for the Hilltops.

“They deserve everything. As I said, we have a long ways to go. I see two more games in front of us, and I’m not stopping now.”

The Hilltops, who have won the last six straight CJFL championships before the 2020 campaign was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, advance to play a CJFL semifinal contest this coming Saturday against the Langley Rams at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C.

The two sides met the last two times the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – was contested. The Hilltops took the 2018 Canadian Bowl in Saskatoon 58-21 and the 2019 Canadian Bowl in Langley 11-6.

Johnson expects another tough battle with the Rams.

“We’re going back there, and they are a tough team,” said Johnson. “They are well coached.

The Hilltops meet their supporters after their PFC final win.

“We’ll just have to get into film tomorrow and see what they have.”

NOTES – The Rams (9-1 overall) took the British Columbia Football Conference final 7-4 against the Okanagan Sun (8-2 overall) in a rain soaked game in Langley this past Saturday.

Also this past Saturday, the St. Clair Fratmen (9-0 overall) rolled to a 47-3 win over the Quinte Skyhawks (2-7 overall) in one Ontario Football Conference semifinal in Windsor, while the London Beefeaters (7-2 overall) posted a 24-0 victory over the visiting Hamilton Hurricanes (4-5 overall) in the other OFC semifinal.

The Hilltops O-line crew is pictured with the PFC championship trophy.

The Fratmen host the Beefeaters this coming Saturday in the OFC final. The OFC final winner will host the CJFL semifinal game winner in the Canadian Bowl on Dec. 4.

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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Ochs sets standard for Hilltops in post-season

Saskatoon set to face Thunder in PFC final in Regina

Mason Ochs had a big fumble recovery in a PFC semifinal game.

Mason Ochs was looking for an opportunity to make another block, when he made one of the biggest plays to date in the 2021 CJFL post-season for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Last Sunday with the Hilltops locked in a 24-24 tie with the Edmonton Huskies inside the final six minutes of the fourth quarter in a PFC semifinal contest at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the ’Toppers were driving to go ahead on the scoreboard.

On the Huskies side of midfield, Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton connected with receiver Dillan Heintz on a pass and run play that gained a first down. After the first down was gained, Heintz fumbled the ball away.

Ochs, who is the Hilltops star left tackle, had run downfield after the pass completion looking to make another block somewhere to help Heintz gain more yards. When Ochs saw the football lying loose on the SMF Field turf, he charged past everyone to pounce on the loose ball to allow the Hilltops to retain possession.

That drive ultimately resulted in Hilltops kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas hitting a 23-yard field goal to give the hosts a 27-24 edge with 3:58 to play in the frame.

The Hilltops ultimately pulled out a 33-31 victory to advance to the PFC final, which will be hosted by the Thunder in Regina at 1 p.m. this coming Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.

“I started running to hopefully like spring a block,” said Ochs about the play where he made the key fumble recovery. “I wasn’t thinking about a fumble.

“I’m running down there I just kind of had tunnel vision and didn’t see much. I’m just kind of doing what I was coached to do and that is about it. It shows the small things count.

“That is not something you really think about during the game. You chase the play down at the end it is a little thing. It pays off sometimes.”

Ochs’ hustle provided an important teaching and reminder point in the video room for legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant for the rest of the team. Sargeant said that play was highlighted in team meetings this week.

Mason Ochs (#73) makes a block on the Hilltops winning TD.

“As coaches, we always say play to the whistle, and there was a great example of a player playing to the whistle,” said Sargeant. “When your best player is doing that, that should really motivate everyone else.

“There is a fifth-year player that is on borrowed time. He is not going to cut a corner. You watch that game tape and there were other players that were cutting corners.

“It was good learning for all of us. The evidence is always on the game film and proof is in the pudding.  Hopefully, every player has learned from that lesson, and we will get a more consistent and sturdy performance by everyone come this Sunday.”

When Ochs made his fumble recovery last Sunday, it gave the Hilltops and infusion of energy at that point in time.

“That was the biggest play of the game for us was seeing Ochs come down and just firing down the field and just seeing him as animated as he gets,” said Hilltops defensive tackle Jaxon Funk, who is in his fourth full season with the team. “It really gets the guys going, and it just shows you what it means to our fifth year players and how much we want to win for them.”

While Ochs effort on his fumble recovery showed the rest how much it means to continue playing, the four-time PFC all-star, three time all-Canadian all-star and this season’s PFC most outstanding offensive lineman wasn’t dwelling on finality.

The 23-year-old said he treating every game this season as an opportunity. When the 2020 CJFL campaign was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Ochs had moments where he thought his CJFL career was over.

When the Hilltops downed the Rams in Langley 11-6 in the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – at McLeod Stadium on November 16, 2019, Ochs thought that might have been his final CJFL contest.

The graduate Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers football team later found out he would get to play his fifth season with the Hilltops when the CJFL ruled that players that were 22-years-old and on CJFL rosters in 2020 would be able to play as 23-year-olds in 2021.

With that new lease on his CJFL football life, Ochs treats every game as an extra chance to do something good.

Mason Ochs has piled up lots of accolades with the Hilltops.

“I thought my last game could have been that last game in Langley with COVID and all of that,” said Ochs. “I didn’t know we were going to get the year back, so every game is a gift.

“It is special every time you get to run out there.”

The Hilltops enter the PFC final with a 6-2 regular season record and a 7-2 mark overall. The Thunder were 8-0 in the regular season and have a 9-0 mark overall.

Regina won both head-to-head meetings between the two sides.

During the regular season, Hilltops starting quarterback Damon Dutton completed 127-of-183 passes for 1,528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions.

Thunder starting quarterback Carter Shewchuk connected on 104-of-164 passes for 1,630 yards and 14 touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions.

On the ground, Hilltops running backs Boston Davidsen and Carter McLean finished second and third respectively in the PFC in rushing yards. Davidsen carried the 98 times for 634 yards and scored six touchdowns, while McLean had 125 carries for 599 yards and four touchdowns.

Ryland Leichert led the Thunder in rushing yards carrying the ball 86 times for 498 yards and four touchdowns.

Receiver Ethan Godson led the Hilltops and was fourth in the PFC in receiving yards hauling in 30 catches for 524 yards and six touchdowns.

PFC MVP Rylan Sokul led the conference in receiving yards hauling in 38 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns.

On defence, Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson had a massive year finishing second in the PFC in defensive points. Over eight regular season games, Johnson recorded 26 defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, 12 special teams tackles, three special teams tackle assists, one quarterback sack, five pass knockdowns, one fumble recovery and five interceptions.

Mason Ochs (#73) sees every game of the 2021 season as a gift.

Thunder linebacker Ryan Mills finished fourth in the PFC in defensive points. Over eight regular season games, Mills recorded 26 defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, 4.5 sacks, two pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions.

The Hilltops enter the PFC final as slight underdogs, but Funk said any of the outside noise doesn’t change how his team prepares for the game.

“We’re going to take the same approach to it,” said Funk. “The coaches are going to put us in great spots, and we’re going to play it like we play every game.

“We’re just going to work hard and make sure everyone does their job. We’re just going to make sure we come out and play the best game of the year.”

Funk in right spot for key interception

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

Saskatoon Hilltops defensive tackle Jaxon Funk said he was in the right place in the right time to make a game sealing interception in his team’s PFC semifinal win last Sunday at SMF field.

After the Hilltops took a 33-31 lead over the Edmonton Huskies with 21.3 seconds to play, Saskatoon’s victory was cemented with an interception from Funk.

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

“I mean that was a gift for me,” said Funk. “Riece Kack had a great rush off the edge.

“He forced that whole play. I was just in the right spot at the right time to be able to come down with the ball. It was a great way to finish off the game, but obviously, a lot of other players made a lot of better plays than that.”

Before joining the Hilltops Funk played for the Hague High School Panthers six-man football team. Back in those days, he got a bit of experience when it came to holding on to the football.

“We didn’t have a tonne of players, so I played both ways on defence and offence,” said Funk. “I had some time as a receiver just as a kind of an end on there, so I got the ball a bit.

“I love playing defence now.”

Can Hilltops channel spirit of 1985?

A team picture of the 1985 Hilltops.

The Saskatoon Hilltops are heading into this year’s PFC final in Regina as slight underdogs, but there was a time the Hilltops went into that game when it was held in the Saskatchewan capital as huge underdogs.

This year, the Hilltops, who were 6-2 in the regular season and 7-2 overall, will face the Regina Thunder, who were 8-0 in the regular season and are 9-0 overall, in the PFC final at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mosaic Stadium. The Thunder took both head-to-head encounters with the Hilltops posting victories by three points in each of those outings.

Way back in 1985, the Hilltops in that year appeared to have a daunting task of trying to win the PFC final against the Regina Rams at historic Taylor Field in Regina.

In 1985, the Hilltops finished second in the PFC regular season standings with a 5-3 record and had a 6-3 overall mark going into the PFC final.

The Rams topped the PFC standings with an 8-0 record and were 9-0 overall against CJFL foes going into that contest. Actually, the Rams were 10-0 overall having defeated the University of Alberta Golden Bears of the U Sports ranks 22-17 in an exhibition game at Taylor Field on September 7th of that year.

The Rams ultimately joined the U Sports ranks in 1999. The Thunder took their place in the CJFL in 2000.

The Hilltops in 1985 were guided by a first year head coach in Kevin Scott. They also had to deal with a number of injuries to key players early in the campaign.

In their home opener and second regular season game, the Hilltops fell to the Edmonton Wildcats 24-16.

Saskatoon lost both regular season head-to-head encounters with Regina. The Rams romped to a 40-16 victory in the first meeting.

As the campaign went on, the Hilltops started to get their injured players back. In their last regular season game, the Hilltops fell again to the Rams, but the contest was a close one with Regina prevailing 38-32.

Tom Sargeant circa 1985.

When the Hilltops advanced to the PFC final to play the Rams, the Saskatoon side wasn’t given much hope when it came to pulling out a victory.

In the words of famed NFL football broadcaster Chris Berman, “That’s why they play the game.”

The Hilltops would pull off a stunning 31-24 upset victory over the Rams in that PFC final.

Following that victory, the ’Toppers returned home to Gordie Howe Bowl, which is now known as SMF Field, and prevailed in the CJFL’s Western final 28-26 over the Richmond Raiders from B.C.

In the CJFL title game, the Hilltops traveled to Ottawa to play the host Sooners, who were the defending CJFL champions. Playing before 8,500 spectators, the Hilltops downed the Sooners 29-11 to capture the Armadale Cup as CJFL champions.

It marked the seventh time the Hilltops had won the CJFL title.

By the end of the season, the 1985 Hilltops were known as a team of heart and character, and a club that bent but didn’t break. They were the team that wasn’t supposed to win, and ultimately did win it all.

That 1985 Hilltops team had a tight end on their roster named Tom Sargeant. That season marked the first time Sargeant experienced a CJFL championship win.

Of course, Sargeant would go on to win two more CJFL championships as a Hilltops assistant coach, and as the team’s current head coach, he has won 13 CJFL titles.

Current Hilltops defensive backs coach Brent Turkington was also a player on that 1985 Hilltops team.

Graduating star quarterback Tony Gagnon was the best known player from that Hilltops squad.

Still to this day, the 1985 Hilltops have to be credited with pulling out the club’s biggest PFC final win, when that contest is played in Regina.

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

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Hilltops versus Thunder PFC final has unique big game feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mason Ochs makes a block for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carter Shewchuk throws a pass downfield for the Thunder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow enjoyed Funk interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rams claimed last PFC final played in Regina in 1998

The Rams take home the PFC championship trophy in 1998.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huskies praised for saving life, other notes

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

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) November 8, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Their actions made a difference this evening.”

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

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

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