Hilltops to face Huskies in Prairie Football Conference semi

QB Declan O'Flaherty and the Huskies advanced in the PFC playoffs.

In what should come as no surprise, the Saskatoon Hilltops and Edmonton Huskies are going to go at it for a third time in the 2021 CJFL campaign.

On Sunday at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton, Alta., the host Huskies, who were 5-3 in the regular season, went into their Prairie Football Conference quarter-final as huge favourites over the Calgary Colts, who were 1-7 in the regular season. In the six-team conference, the Huskies were third while the Colts finished sixth.

The Colts held a 2-0 lead early in the contest, but the visions of a monumental upset quickly faded away.

The Huskies rolled to a 33-2 advantage at halftime on their way to a convincing 53-9 victory.

With the win, the Huskies advance to face the Saskatoon Hilltops in a PFC semifinal contest at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops finished second in the PFC with a 6-2 regular season record to earn a bye to host a PFC semifinal contest.

The Hilltops, who have won the CJFL title the last six times it has been contested, are riding a four game winning streak heading into the PFC semifinal. They met the Huskies twice in the regular season pulling out wins on both occasions.

On the opening day of the CJFL regular season back on August 22, the Hilltops rallied from a 14-0 deficit to slip past the Huskies 18-17 at Jasper Place Bowl. Hilltops punter Doug Fleming kicked a rouge on the last play of the game to win the contest.

The two sides met again on October 3 at SMF Field, and the Hilltops claimed a 34-20 victory in that encounter.

The Hilltops and Huskies met in the 2019 PFC final at SMF Field on October 27 of that year, and the Saskatoon side posted a 30-14 win on that day.

RB Ivan Jaque and the Rifles won their PFC quarter-final.

In the other PFC quarter-final match on Sunday held at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., the host Rifles, who finished fourth in the PFC with a 2-6 regular season record, downed the Edmonton Wildcats, who placed fifth in the PFC with a 2-6 mark, 29-18.

The Rifles finished ahead of the Wildcats in the PFC standings due to winning the one regular season encounter between the two sides.

With the win, the Rifles advance to face the Regina Thunder in the other PFC semifinal contest, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 7 at Leibel Field in Regina, Sask.

The Thunder, who first took the field in 2000, topped the PFC standings with a perfect 8-0 record. That marked the first time the Thunder have finished first in the PFC, and it was also the first time the Thunder went undefeated in the regular season.

The Thunder and Rifles have met twice in the regular season, and the Regina side posted lopsided wins on both occasions.

On the opening day of the CJFL regular season on August 22, the Thunder blanked the Rifles 37-0 at Maple Grove Rugby Park. The two sides met again in Week 2 on August 29 at Leibel Field, and the Thunder romped to a 64-19 victory in that encounter.

Due to the fact the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, it was decided all of the PFC’s teams would make the post-season in 2021.

Dutton takes PFC offensive player of the week honour

Damon Dutton captured a PFC player of the week honour.

Saskatoon Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton was named the offensive player of the week for the PFC thanks to his performance in his team’s final CJFL regular season game.

On Sunday, October 24 at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., Dutton completed 28-of-37 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing one interception against the host Winnipeg Rifles. Thanks to Dutton’s efforts, the Hilltops won their fourth straight game downing the Rifles 32-17.

Dutton was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week two days after that win.

In helping the Hilltops finish second in PFC with a 6-2 regular season record, Dutton completed 127-of-183 passes for 1,528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions. Dutton is playing in his third full season with the Hilltops.

Johnson gets defensive player of the week nod

Konner Johnson (#42) got a PFC defensive player of the week nod.

Saskatoon Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson was named the defensive player of the week for the PFC thanks to his performance in his team’s final CJFL regular season game.

On Sunday, October 24 at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., Johnson had six solo defensive tackles, one defensive tackle assist, one special teams tackle, one pass knockdown and one interception against the host Winnipeg Rifles. Thanks to Johnson’s efforts, the Hilltops won their fourth straight game downing the Rifles 32-17.

Johnson was named the PFC’s defensive player of the week two days after that win.

In helping the Hilltops finish second in the PFC with a 6-2 regular season record, 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. Johnson, who is playing his third full season with the Hilltops, finished second in the PFC in defensive points.

For that final week of the PFC regular season, Edmonton Wildcats kick return Declan Mullin was named the special teams player of the week for the conference for his efforts in his club’s 35-27 setback to the Edmonton Huskies on October 23 at Jasper Place Bowl.

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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Funk solidifies middle of Hilltops defensive line

Jaxon Funk has been a rock at DT for the Hilltops.

Jaxon Funk is in the middle of the action when it comes to keeping the Saskatoon Hilltops defensive line strong.

The 22-year-old product of Hague, Sask., is in his fourth full season with the team and his first full campaign as a starter at defensive tackle. During his first full three seasons with the team from 2017 to 2019, Funk said he learned from his veteran teammates, who have since graduated from the program.

When it came time for Funk to start, he was ready to play full time.

“I had great leadership in front of me,” said Funk, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 280 pounds. “It started with Tom Schnitzler.

“He was a great captain and a great guy to learn from. My next biggest influence was obviously Jesse McNabb. He was a great inside player, and he taught me a lot.

“Obviously, all our coaches have been around for a long time. They know exactly what they are doing. They put me in great spots and taught me everything I know.”

Schnitzler was a star defensive end for the Hilltops who graduated following the 2017 season, and McNabb was a star defensive tackle with the Hilltops, who graduated after the 2019 campaign.

Funk has followed in their footsteps continuing the lineage of stellar players the Hilltops have had along their defensive line. Playing on a defensive tackle spot, Funk doesn’t receive a lot of glory.

His job is often to take on double teams in order to allow his teammates to tackle running backs or sack quarterbacks.

Jaxon Funk (#77) storms on to the field with the Hilltops.

Even with that unglamourous role, Funk collected 27 solo tackles 12 assisted tackles, two fumble recoveries and a half sack helping the Hilltops post a 6-2 record during the regular season. Funk personally finished 16^th overall in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference in defensive points.

“Jaxon Funk has had an unbelievable year for us,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “He has been a rock on our defence.

“He is probably the most consistent player we have. He does his job. He doesn’t get a lot of pats on the back.

“To have a noseguard in the top 16 in defensive points is absolutely incredible. He is a captain. He is a great leader.”

During the 2019 campaign, Funk was often rotated on to the defensive line for suspected running situations and kept off the field in obvious pass situations. The coaches worked that rotation to keep players fresh and playing to their strengths.

Now, Funk rarely leaves the field being a full-time starter. The Hague High School Panthers six-man football team graduate said he has had a tonne of help making plays from his teammates on the Hilltops defensive line.

Funk has formed a formidable duo inside with fellow defensive tackle Dylan McNutt, while defensive ends Daylen Hartz and Riece Kack have applied consistent pressure from the outside.

Jaxon Funk (#77) paired with his DT partner in Dylan McNutt (#51).

“We lost a lot of guys, but there have been a lot of guys who have stepped up and did their job,” said Funk. “It has been great.

“Obviously, the coaches are putting everyone in the right spots. It has been a good time.”

If he runs into situations where he is taking on constant double teams, Funk said the Hilltops linebackers coming in behind him have been outstanding making plays.

“I love knowing that if I take on a double team then we got guys behind me that are going to fill their roles,” said Funk. “Wisty (middle linebacker Matt Wist) has been doing a great job this year of filling in gaps.

“If I can get that double and if I end up on a single team, I just have to take advantage of that and try to make a play and do the best I can off that.”

Sargeant said Funk has a number of attributes that allow him to have success.

“Number one, he has worked real hard over the last couple of years to make himself bigger and strong,” said Sargeant. “He has got football IQ.

“He understands leverage and how to work against the O-line and the double teams. He is a player that gets double teamed a lot. He just had a knack for getting off blocks and staying alive and working towards the ball.

Jaxon Funk (#77) passes on kind words to a teammate.

“He is just always around the play. He makes us so much better.”

Before joining the Hilltops, Funk enjoyed playing the six-man game with the Panthers and then head coach Clay Kirby. The Hague Panthers six-man high school team gained notoriety being one of the feature teams in the 2007 “Season of Dreams” documentary about football in Saskatchewan.

Funk said a trio of Hilltops alums from Hague including Richard Zacharias and brothers Tyler and Shayne Dueck were big influences who convinced him to try out for the storied CJFL club.

“Richard Zacharias, who was a linebacker with the team and has helped out coaching recently, really showed me what the team was about,” said Funk. “(Zacharias) helped me get prepared for my rookie season and has been a great mentor ever since.”

Funk’s family became a football family after he first took up the sport in Grade 8. His older sister, Alyssa, has been a star at left tackle for the Saskatoon Valkyries of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League since 2015.

Younger brother, Jeremy, is in his first year with the Hilltops on the team’s practice roster.

Jaxon credits his parents in father, Lyle, and mother, Katrina, for being the biggest influences for helping him along in football.

“My parents are huge on sports,” said Jaxon Funk. “My dad never really played football, but he always wanted to, but Hague didn’t have a team at that point.

Jaxon Funk finished 16th in the PFC in defensive points.

“When I started, he learned everything about it and supported me as much as he could. I kind of started it in our family. My sister played with Valkyries and my younger brother is on the team now. It just turned into a really big football family.”

With the PFC having completed its regular season schedule, the Hilltops earned a bye to host a PFC semifinal contest due to finishing second in the conference standings. The Hilltops are scheduled to host that contest on Sunday, November 7 at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

They will play the team that has the best record that advances out of the two PFC quarter-final games that will be held on Sunday.

Due to the fact the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Funk said there is extra excitement within his team as that first post-season contest draws near.

He said the businesslike approach to that contest mirrors what the Hilltops do in the regular season.

“It is just the same kind of atmosphere,” said Funk, who helped the Hilltops win CJFL titles in each of his first three seasons with the team. “You have to put your time in and practise hard.

“That will reflect how we play on the field. Obviously, we were all pretty excited to back into playoffs after last year not being able to play. You really appreciate the time we can have out here.

Jaxon Funk (#77) and the Hilltops have enjoyed playing after a year off.

“Everyone knows that they’ve got to step it up and have their best game of the year next Sunday and just keep it going.”

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Victory falls through Raiders’ grasp again

Wheat Kings rally for 5-4 win after tiebreaking shootout

The Wheat Kings celebrate a shootout winner from Tyson Zimmer (#25).

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – The Prince Albert Raiders were lamenting the one that got away for a second straight game.

On Friday night playing before 2,234 spectators at the 2,580 Art Hauser Centre, the Raiders held a 3-2 lead going into a third period. After the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings tied things up at 3-3, the Raiders got ahead 4-3 with 8:18 remaining in the third.

The Wheat Kings tied things up at 4-4 on a power play and proceeded to take the WHL regular season encounter 5-4 after a tiebreaking shootout.

Brett Hyland had a goal and two assists for the Wheat Kings.

The Wheat Kings took the shootout 2-1 with right-winger Tyson Zimmer potting the winner in the third round.

In Prince Albert’s previous outing last Saturday, the Raiders led the Hurricanes in Lethbridge 3-2 going into the third period. The Hurricanes proceeded to score three goals inside the final six minutes of the third frame to prevail 5-3.

 “We deserved better,” said Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid, whose team’s record moved to 2-7-0-1. “We should have won.

“We should have won the last two games. We got one point out of four, so that is disappointing. A couple of goals they scored we probably gave it to them.

Kaiden Guhle had three assists for the Raiders.

“We made a couple of glaring errors, and it ended up in our net. We also need a save.”

Friday’s game started with Raiders star centre Ozzy Wiesblatt laying a big crowd pleasing hit on Wheat Kings captain Ridley Greig early in the first period.

The Raiders proceeded cash in on that energetic start going ahead 2-0 on goals from Remy Aquilon and Reece Vitelli.

Before the opening frame ended, the Wheat Kings answered back pulling even at 2-2 with goals coming from Zimmer and Belarusian import Zakhar Polshakov. Those tallies came 19 seconds apart from each other.

The host side got the only goal of the second period. At the 10:56 mark of the frame, Raiders right-winger Cale Sanders picked up a loose puck at the left side of Brandon net, and he put the puck home into an cage to give Prince Albert a 3-2 lead.

Remy Aquilon had two goals for the Raiders.

The hosts ran into penalty trouble to close out the second frame too. At the 12:11 mark of the second, Aquilon received a double minor for checking from behind for a hit he threw on Greig behind the Prince Albert net. Greig was helped off the ice and didn’t return.

The double minor by Aquilon will be automatically reviewed by the WHL office for a possible suspension.

The Wheat Kings were unable to score on those chances with the man advantage.

With 2:53 to go in the second, Raiders 17-year-old left-winger Niall Crocker received a slashing minor, and Brandon was unable to score on that power play.

Nolan Ritchie had a goal for the Wheat Kings.

After the penalty expired, Crocker emerged from the penalty box and was sprung on a breakaway after receiving a stretch pass coming from the Raiders zone. Crocker ended up firing the shot wide of the Brandon goal.

“Our forwards have to score,” said Habscheid. “Everybody wants to score.

“You just have to play the right way.”

At the 4:38 mark of the third, Wheat Kings left-winger Brett Hyland scored to even the score at 3-3. Hyland had two assists to go along with his goal for a three-point night.

With 8:18 remaining in the third, Aquilon fired home a point shot for his second tally of the night to put the hosts up 4-3.

When it appeared the Raiders were going to close out the contest, rookie Belarusian import forward Vladislav Shilo took an untimely roughing penalty with 3:56 remaining the frame to put Brandon on the power play.

Niall Crocker eyes up a shot on a breakaway he would miss.

The Wheat Kings capitalized on this chance when left-winger Nolan Ritchie knocked home a rebound opportunity to even the score at 4-4 with 3:40 remaining in the frame.

Despite the fact Brandon tied the contest for a third time, Aquilon thought the players on his squad didn’t get emotionally down.

“The guys did a good job of keeping it up, especially the older guys trying to make sure to just shake it off,” said Aquilon. “It is definitely not the one we want to give up late in the third there.”

Before overtime came around, the Raiders were able to go on the power play, but failed to score. They were 0-for-5 with the man advantage in the contest.

Tyson Laventure had an assist and six shots for the Raiders.

“Obviously, special teams can win or lose you games,” said Raiders 18-year-old right-winger Tyson Laventure, who had an assists and six shots on goal in the setback. “Obviously, we went 0-for-5 which didn’t help.

“They got a goal on their power play, which ended up tying the game and giving them the win. We have to be better on the power play in the future for sure.”

The Raiders had a 4-1 edge in shots on goal through the scoreless three-on-three five-minute overtime period.

In the tiebreaking shootout, captain Kaiden Guhle scored for the Raiders, while Hylund and Zimmer responded for the Wheat Kings to give them the win.

Tikhon Chaika stopped 18 shots on goal over 65 minutes for the Raiders and one of three shooters in the shootout. Ethan Kruger turned away 33 shots on net over 65 minutes for the Wheat Kings (5-6) and two of three shooters in the shootout.

Ethan Kruger made 33 saves over 65 minutes for the Wheat Kings.

Guhle collected three assists and posted a plus-three rating in the plus-minus department for the Raiders in the setback.

These two teams go at it again on Saturday at Westoba Place in Brandon, Man., at 7 p.m. local time.

Laventure said his team needs take advantage of chances to close out games, when his squad has a lead in the third period.

“Obviously our last couple of games we’ve been going into the third period with the lead and having it with less than 10 minutes left,” said Laventure. “We just have to finish those off.

The Wheat Kings celebrate their win on Friday night.

“We can’t be giving up games in the last 10 to five minutes in the game. We have to look to close one out tomorrow.”

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Raiders underdog Peekeekoot easy player to root for

Dallyn Peekeekoot jets up for the Raiders on Oct. 1.

Based on just his draft status, Dallyn Peekeekoot might always be an underdog story.

Peekeekoot was selected by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 10^th round and 220^th overall in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft, which is now known as the WHL Prospects Draft. With that selection, the product of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation had no guarantees of being a WHL regular.

The draft selection meant he would have a chance to come to at least a couple of Raiders training camps to try and make an impression. The high energy right-winger ended up being able to do just that.

Peekeekoot cracked the Raiders roster as a 16-year-old to play a shortened regular season in a bubble environment at the Brandt Centre in Regina this past March and April against the WHL’s other member teams from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The shortened season was developed to allow teams to play with health orders that were in place to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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

Family feeling brings Chisholm back to Hilltops

Saskatoon closes regular season with 32-17 win in Winnipeg

Jonathan Chisholm (#71) walks out of the tunnel with his parents.

About a year ago, Jonathan Chisholm was in the working world and uncertain if he would play his fifth and final season for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

When the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world, the Hilltops were able to practice for six weeks in September and October, but Chisholm wasn’t there.

“This past year, I was actually back in Swift (Current) like in my hometown,” said Chisholm. “I went back to work.

“I didn’t really workout. I went on the oil rigs and just made some money to kind of get my life back on track.”

While the veteran right tackle was away from the team, an avenue existed for Chisholm to return. The Hilltops still had him on their roster in 2020.

Due to the fact the 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CJFL allowed players who were on team rosters as 22-year-old in 2020 to return this season as 23-year-olds in 2021. Once the 2021 campaign was given the green light to go, Chisholm had his heart set on rejoining the Hilltops, and he returned to Saskatoon.

Going into training camp, he admitted to being scared due to the fact he wasn’t sure what the season was going to be like.

“I hadn’t practised in a while, especially with COVID and everything,” said Chisholm, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 295 pounds. “After the first week of practice, I felt really good.

“The boys were there. We were all rallying up together. I felt it was electric.”

On Sunday, the Hilltops closed their CJFL regular season schedule downing Rifles 32-17 at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man.

Chisholm had a highlight moment that offensive lineman rarely get to obtain in that contest. With the Hilltops trailing the Rifles 3-0 in the first quarter, Chisholm caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Damon Dutton on a lineman eligible trick play to give the Hilltops a 7-3 lead.

Saskatoon never trailed again in that contest winning a fourth straight game to finish the regular season with a 6-2 record. The Rifles fell to 2-6 to wrap up their regular season schedule.

Jonathan Chisholm, right, is a standout at right tackle.

When Chisholm returned to the Hilltops, the 23-year-old found himself in a leadership role more than any point he was with the team. He wasn’t trying to project being the leader.

Chisholm found his role evolved that way when numerous newcomers were coming up to him with queries or just wanting to talk to get an extra feel of comfort.

He said the other two members of the Hilltops who are playing their fifth full season with the club in star left tackle Mason Ochs and standout boundary cornerback Jared Giddings have experienced the same thing too.

Chisholm added that linebacker Emmarae Dale, who is also in her graduating year with the team, is also being looked upon in that same way. Dale is playing out her first and only full season with the Hilltops after being recruited to join the storied CJFL squad after having a lot of success with the Saskatoon Valkyries of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League.

While Dale is a newcomer with the Hilltops, she is well known by the team for her time with the Valkyries and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s track and field team.

“It is pretty awesome,” said Chisholm. “There are four of us graduating, and these guys just look up to us.

“They think we are their parents, and it feels good. They are guys I like talking to. This year, they were very nervous.

“I was very vocal about if you needed to say something or ask questions please do so. We want you guys to like being here and feel welcome and make sure you guys like playing the game. That is what matters most.”

Unfortunately, events on the field didn’t unfold as planned. In the Hilltops second game of the season on August 29, Chisholm suffered a knee injury in his team’s 35-18 victory over the Colts in Calgary.

Thanks to the fact the Hilltops had two bye weeks, Chisholm was able to take six weeks to make another comeback to the field. The bye weeks cut down the games he missed to four contests.

Chisholm was pumped to see Jayson Kehler play well as the Hilltops starting right tackle position during that time. Kehler is in his fourth full season with the Hilltops.

Chisholm made it back for the Hilltops final regular season home game on October 17, when they romped over the Edmonton Wildcats 44-7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Jonathan Chisholm spent 2020 in the working world.

He participated in the traditional last walk out of the tunnel the Hilltops do with their graduation players, where they take a walk out of the tunnel to the field with their parents. He made that walk with his mother, Donna, and father, John.

“I know my parents were really happy to come out on the field,” said Jonathan Chisholm. “I was happy for them, especially when I gave my mom flowers. She was really excited and really happy.

“It just felt really special, especially with all the players just being there and just supporting you.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was happy to see Chisholm make it back for a final stretch from his injury.

“Number one, we love running the ball,” said Sargeant. “We love having big physical offensive linemen.

“It just helps to bring an identity back to our team that he played a big part in creating. He is an aggressive player. He loves to get after you.

“Him and Mason Ochs are a great combination. We feel we have the two best tackles around, and we’ll take that against anybody. As I said, we’re excited for them to finish off their fifth years in grand style.”

Chisholm said he still isn’t 100 per cent physically, but he is enjoying the present. There is nowhere else he would want to be than with the Hilltops.

“I come to films, and I am still learning,” said Chisholm. “Being here is the most important part than just being at home.

“It is just absolutely crazy. It honestly feels like Week 3 for me right now. It is really like playoffs are right around the corner.

“The weather is really good too. I can’t even complain right now. I’m pretty happy.”

When he does finally depart the Hilltops as a player, Chisholm said he will carry a tonne of memories with him and will always cherish his relationships with everyone connected with the team.

“Just being around the fans, the whole fanbase like the parents and the club and the trainers,” said Chisholm. “Everything just coming together.

“It feels like one big family. Going into that locker room and you see that sign, ‘It starts with you and ends with us.’ It means a lot to me just seeing that.”

Jonathan Chisholm caught a touchdown pass on Sunday.

In Sunday’s clash with the Rifles, Winnipeg took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a 17-yard field goal from kicker Matt Kennedy.

The Hilltops responded with Chisholm’s touchdown catch to go ahead 7-3.

Before the first quarter ended, Dutton hit receiver Lachlan Horsley with a 10-yard touchdown pass to increase the Hilltops advantage to 14-3.

At the start of the second quarter, Rifles receiver Everrett Findley made an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Bryson McNeil to cut the Hilltops lead to 14-10.

The Rifles had to concede a safety due to bad field position to increase the Saskatoon lead to 16-10.

The Hilltops put up another score when Dutton hit speedy pass catcher Ethan Godson with a 25-yard touchdown pass to increase the edge for the visitors to 23-10.

Before the second quarter ended, the Rifles got a one-yard rushing touchdown from Sekina Scheibler to trim Saskatoon’s lead to 23-17.

The Hilltops accounted for all the scoring in the second half. In the third quarter, kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas hit a field goal from 11 yards out to give the Hilltops a 26-17 advantage.

Early in the fourth quarter, star running back Carter McLean scored a touchdown on a four yard run. When the ensuing convert attempt hit the upright, the Hilltops lead sat as the game’s final outcome at 32-17.

The Hilltops finished second in the Prairie Football Conference and will have a bye to host a PFC semifinal game. That game is slated to be held on Sunday, November 7 at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Regina Thunder topped the PFC standings with a perfect 8-0 record, and they will host the other PFC semifinal also on Sunday, November 7.

The Edmonton Huskies finished third in the PFC with a 5-3 mark and they will host the sixth place Calgary Colts (1-7) in a PFC quarter-final on Sunday, October 31.

The Rifles placed fourth in the PFC and will host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-6) in the other PFC quarter-final contest on Sunday, October 31. The Rifles finished ahead of the Wildcats in the standings thanks to winning the one head-to-head game between the two sides.

Jonathan Chisholm, centre, is going to miss the Hilltops family feeling.

After the 2020 CJFL season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided all six of the PFC’s teams would participate in the post-season in 2021.

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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Still the heart of the Huskies

Klassen’s catches power U of S to 28-17 win over Rams

Colton Klassen (#7) celebrates his second TD on Saturday.

Colton Klassen proved he is still the heart of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team.

On Saturday at Griffiths Stadium, the star fifth year utility player was difference maker hauling in eight passes for 135 yards and scoring two key touchdowns. His efforts helped power the Huskies past their archrivals the University of Regina Rams 28-17 in a U Sports regular season contest played before 2,543 spectators in extremely windy conditions.

On the season, Klassen has caught 20 passes for 357 yards and scored six touchdowns in helping the Huskies win three straight to post a 3-1 record to sit in a tie with the University of Manitoba Bisons for first place in the Canada West Conference.

While the regular season is four games old, Klassen is still grateful to just be playing.

Colton Klassen, works toward his first touchdown on Saturday.

Back on October 26, 2019, Klassen went down with a gruesome dislocated right ankle near the end of the first quarter in a 22-9 victory over the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders football team hit the comeback trail, and he was ready to go to CFL scouting combines at the start of March 2020.

The world then came under the grip of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and shutdowns started happening in North American on March 11, 2020. Still on April 30, 2020, Klassen, who is also a graduate of the CJFL’s Regina Thunder, was selected in the eighth round and 69^th overall in the CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes.

Colton Klassen (#7) scores his first touchdown on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 football campaigns on both the U Sports and CFL fronts.

This year, Klassen attended training camp with the Alouettes before he returned to the Huskies to play his final season of U Sports eligibility.

“The injury was terrible, and then COVID obviously we’ve all been through it,” said Klassen, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 200 pounds. “I didn’t have that routine.

“I find it is nice to have that back again. The idea of sitting around and doing nothing is really nice until you do it for two weeks. Then, you are like OK, this isn’t what I want to do with my life.

Colton Klassen muscles his way to his second major score.

“I am really happy to be out here to just play again.”

With the Huskies and Rams locked in a 3-3 tie, Klassen made a key play right before halftime. Taking a short pass from Huskies star quarterback Mason Nyhus, Klassen willed and romped his way to a touchdown on a 27-yard scoring with 32.3 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Klassen’s major sent the Huskies into the halftime break holding a 10-3 lead.

The Rams got the momentum back early in the third quarter, when linebacker Chopper Hippe blocked a punt from Huskies kicker David Solie. Rams defensive back Jackson Sombach picked up the ball at the Huskies 10 yard line and ran it into the end zone for a major to even the score at 10-10.

Colton Klassen caught eight passes for 135 yards on Saturday.

On the ensuing Huskies possession, the host side put together a massive 10-play drive that covered 95 yards culminating in a six-yard touchdown reception from Klassen to go back in front 17-10.

Klassen came up big on that series catching three passes for 53 yards including his touchdown catch, where he had his helmet ripped off on a tackle attempt by Rams defensive back Brandon Gandrie.

“It is just good to be involved again,” said Klassen, whose mom, Candice, held the team flag the Huskies players ran to at centrefield during pre-game introductions. “After the injury, a lot of people didn’t know if I would be the same or be able to contribute, especially in those big times.

Mason Nyhus passed for 301 yards in tough windy conditions.

“It means a lot. That was a big touchdown going into the half on a high note. I think it definitely helped leading into the second half.”

The veteran playmaker’s efforts don’t unnoticed by his teammates. Nyhus has enjoyed getting the ball to Klassen on the field again and the settling influence the sure handed pass catcher has off the field.

“I love CK just as a leader in the locker room alone,” said Nyhus. “Obviously on the football field when you get him the ball, he makes plays.

“He is a running back in space for us at receiver. It has been awesome to have both him and (Sam) Baker rocking at receiver right now.”

The Huskie celebrate a sack from Nathan Cherry.

Huskies head coach Scott Flory just grinned at the fact Klassen had a big game again.

“He (Klassen) is that steady tried and true man,” said Flory. “He is a pulse guy for sure.”

The Rams scored opened the scoring in Saturday’s encounter going up 3-0 when veteran kicker Aldo Galvan hit a 43-yard field goal with the wind in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Rams conceded a safety electing not to punt into the wind deep in their own end reducing their edge to 3-2.

With 4:29 remaining in the second quarter, the Huskies evened the score at 3-3 on a long punt single from Solie.

That set the stage for Klassen’s two scores and the Rams major off their punt block.

The Rams block a punt from Huskies kicker David Solie, right.

With the Huskies holding a 17-10 advantage, the Rams started the fourth quarter at the Huskies 10 yard line. On a third and goal gamble from the Huskies four yard line, Rams backup quarterback Bryden O’Flaherty hit rookie receiver D’Sean Mimbs with a touchdown toss to even the score at 17-17.

The Huskies had the wind for the fourth quarter and finished the frame scoring the final 11 points of the game to pull out the 28-17 victory.

The final scoring surge started with Nyhus hitting Baker with a 16-yard touchdown pass. Solie hit a field goal from 42 yards out and closed the surge with a single from a 44-yard missed field goal.

Rams DB Jackson Sombach scores a major off a punt block.

Due to the fact the regular season schedule for the Canada West Conference started on Sept. 25, Flory was anticipating his team would play in games with adverse conditions like the windy outing on Saturday. He addressed that with his players in off-season meetings leading to the current campaign noting his squad would have to adjust to weather conditions.

“There are a lot of ways to win a football game,” said Flory, whose Huskies were rated sixth in the U Sports Top 10 rankings. “Just look at when we start and the possibility of when we finish.

“We know what the historical temperatures are in Saskatchewan from the middle of October on. We understand that. We just have to eliminate our own mistakes to be honest with you.

The Rams defence gangs up on Huskies RB Adam Machart.

“That is the part that frustrates me the most. If we eliminate those things, we have a chance. We have a chance to continue to win football games and put ourselves in better positions than we did today.”

Nyhus completed 22-of-32 passes for 301 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for the Huskies.

Huskies star running back Adam Machart ran the ball 19 times for 98 yards and caught three passes for 27 yards in the win.

Sawyer Buetter started the contest at quarterback for the Rams completing 8-of-18 passes for 54 yards. He was pulled early in the third quarter in favour of O’Flaherty.

Sam Baker secures a touchdown catch for the Huskies.

O’Flaherty completed 7-of-13 passes for 55 yards and the one touchdown toss in the relief effort.

Defensive back Charlie Ringland and defensive ends Riley Pickett and Nathan Cherry had single sacks for the Huskies.

The Huskies defence held the Rams to 109 yards passing and 58 yards rushing.

Defensive end Anthony Bennett and linebacker Josh White had single sacks for the Rams.

Flory was pleased with Nyhus’s play on Saturday.

“He (Nyhus) has been dialed in,” said Flory. “For sure these last couple of games, I think himself with everybody is just getting  better and better and just getting more command of the offence and what we are doing.

The Huskies defence gangs up on Rams FB Christian Katende.

“That is what you want to see out of a quarterback is him just seeing things and seeing the whole field and not just lock in on guys. That is really encouraging to see.”

With the loss, the Rams, who were rated 10^th in the U Sports Top 10 rankings fell to 1-3. They return to action this coming Saturday, when they travel to Edmonton, Alta., to face the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

The Huskies return to action this coming Saturday, when they travel Winnipeg, Man., to face the Bisons. The winner of that match will sit alone in first place in the Canada West Conference and officially lock up a playoff berth in the shortened six-game regular season.

The Huskies do a cheer after their win on Saturday.

Klassen is expecting that contest to be an intense encounter.

“They are a talented team,” said Klassen. “They always are.

“They are going to play hard too. Every regular season game this year is a playoff game, because there are only six of them. We just have to be prepared and get our bodies right and get ready.”

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Hilltops focus on Rifles, not bye

Damon Dutton and the Hilltops are focused on the Rifles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Davidsen has scored six touchdowns this season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DT Jaxon Funk has handled unglourious work in the trenches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik continues to be clutch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilltops run wild over Wildcats

Saskatoon romps to 44-7 victory to earn playoff bye

Dillan Heintz, right, scores his first of two TDs on Sunday.

The Saskatoon Hilltops offence hit new heights for the 2021 season.

On Sunday before 1,142 spectators at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops thumped the Edmonton Wildcats 44-7 and piled up 528 yards of total offence in a CJFL regular season clash. The result marked the first time the Hilltops scored 40-or-more points and piled up 500-or-more yards of offence in a game in the 2021 campaign.

Before going on a bye week, the Hilltops downed the Edmonton Huskies 34-20 at SMF Field on October 3 with a sound offensive performance in that contest.

Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton thought his team’s offence was a step better in the win over the Wildcats.

“It was great as an offence,” said Dutton, who completed 16-of-26 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. “We’ve been working hard at it all year.

Boston Davidsen scores his first of two TD on Sunday.

“We were able to put it all together today. (The win over the Huskies on October 3) was good too, but today was just really good to get out and do our thing as a unit. The coach was making great calls.

“Everybody was playing their positions as well as they could. We got the result we were looking for.”

The win was the third straight for the Hilltops, who improved to 5-2. Saskatoon also locked up second place in the Prairie Football Conference and a bye to host a PFC semifinal, when the Huskies dropped a 45-42 overtime decision at home to the Regina Thunder.

The Thunder erased a 36-12 Huskies lead to pull out the win locking up first in the PFC with a 7-0 record. The first place finish in the PFC regular season standings is a first for the Thunder, who entered the CJFL in 2000.

Damon Dutton threw three TD passes for the Hilltops.

Regina earns a bye to host a PFC semifinal game. The Thunder would host the PFC Final, if they win their PFC semifinal contest.

The Huskies fell to 4-3 and are locked into finishing third in the PFC and will host a PFC quarter-final playoff game. They can’t catch the Hilltops for second place in the final week of the regular season for the PFC, because the Hilltops swept the seasonal series between the two sides 2-0.

While the result between the Thunder and Huskies played out as it did, legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was pleased about the seasonal milestones his team hit in the win over the Wildcats, which let his club go deep into the bench for the first time in the campaign.

Dillan Heintz caught four passes for 120 yards and two TDs.

“For me, the best part was that we got all the players on the field today,” said Sargeant. “We hadn’t done that in a long time.

“You could just see the different excitement and energy. The veterans were cheering for the young guys. That is what it was about.

“I never worry about the points as long as we get the ‘W.’ What I was excited about was that all the players got to play today. I guarantee you’ll see a difference in practice week next week.”

In Sunday’s encounter between the Hilltops and Wildcats, Saskatoon got on the board first with a two-yard touchdown plunge from running back Boston Davidsen at the 5:50 mark of the first quarter to go ahead 6-0.

Carter McLean (#26) ran the ball six times for 73 yards on Sunday.

The Hilltops elected to have starting safety Brant Morrow handle the place kicking duties, and he got injured, when the Huskies blocked his conversion attempt. Morrow left the game favouring his left leg.

Regular Hilltops place kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas did dress and handled the kickoff duties from that point forward. Joe Yausie and Evan Mantyka took turns playing safety until the Hilltops emptied the bench to get everyone in the game, when the contest was out of hand in the fourth quarter.

Right as the first quarter clock expired, the Hilltops got another two-yard touchdown run from Davidsen, and after a failed two-point conversion attempt, Saskatoon’s lead sat at 12-0.

The Hilltops celebrate an interception from Dylan Cook, left.

With 4:28 remaining the second quarter, Dutton hit veteran receiver Dillan Heintz with a seven-yard touchdown toss. Saskatoon’s lead sat at 18-0 after they were unsuccessful on another two-point conversion attempt.

The Wildcats proceeded to put together a lengthy offensive series that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run from running back David Lezama, which cut the Hilltops advantage to 18-7 with 1:43 remaining in the second quarter.

Saskatoon answered that score on its very next series. Dutton connected with Heintz on a deep pass and run touchdown that covered 64 yards. Hilltops slot receiver Boden Marley scored a two-point conversion on a jet sweep play to allow the host side’s advantage to sit at 26-7 with 1:22 remaining in the second quarter.

The Hilltops defence makes a big hit on a Wildcats receiver.

Heintz would finish the contest with four catches for 120 yards to go with his two major scores.

The Hilltops took the 26-7 lead into the halftime break.

Sargeant said the deep touchdown strike to Heintz was a pivotal moment in the contest.

“That is just sort of how this offence is starting to evolve,” said Sargeant. “The confidence is just starting to get better and better each game.

“Number 19 Damon Dutton has been so poised back there. Dylan Heintz has been a prime time player for a long time. We thought we had some mismatch opportunities.

“We took advantage of them, and the boys executed. It is certainly good timing, but it is what we expect.”

Hilltops players Dylan Cook, left, and Konner Johnson, right, team on a hit.

In the third quarter, the Wildcats conceded a safety due to bad field position and Hilltops punter Doug Fleming scored a rouge on a 42-yard punt to give the Hilltops a 29-7 edge.

Before the third quarter ended, Dutton hit veteran receiver Josh Wiebe with a five yard touchdown toss and connected with speedy pass catcher Matthew Turple on a two-point conversion to increase the Hilltops advantage to 37-7.

First-year quarterback Trey Reider entered the game just before the end of the third quarter. Just 59 seconds into the fourth quarter, Reider connected with first year receiver Noah Flaman on a 30-yard touchdown pass.

Hilltops receiver Josh Wiebe, left, makes a TD catch.

The Hilltops lead sat at 43-7 after a two-point conversion attempt failed.

Reider completed all six of his passes for 90 yards, before Fleming came in to take over the single calling duties. Fleming completed his one pass attempt for 25 yards.

As a punter, Fleming rounded out the 44-7 final with a 41-yard punt single the rest of the way.

Before Fleming’s punt single, the Wildcats had a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jonathan Ericson to receiver Lucas Howe get nixed due to a holding penalty.

The Hilltops completed passes to 10 different receivers piling up 329 yards passing to go along with 199 yards on the ground. Dutton was pleased his squad was able to showcase the passing game to create extra worry for future opponents.

Joe Yausie returns an interception for the Hilltops.

“Every receiver we have is a weapon,” said Dutton. “We don’t need to just single in on one guy.

“We can spread it around, which makes it harder on defences to really know where we are going to go and what we are going to do.”

Davidsen topped with Hilltops with 88 yards rushing on 17 carries to go with his two rushing majors. Carter McLean carried the ball six times for 73 yards.

Ericson completed 13-of-21 passes for 203 yards, while throwing two interceptions in the loss for the Wildcats.

Defensive backs Dylan Cook and Joe Yausie each had single interceptions for the Hilltops. Defensive linemen Daylen Hartz and Reace Michnik had single sacks for Saskatoon, while Ben Marce and Ryan Adamko shared a sack.

Boden Marley (#8) runs after catching a short pass.

Defensive lineman Justin Rutherford and defensive back Colton MacNeil led the Wildcats with six total tackles each.

Hilltops defensive tackle Jaxon Funk, who is in this fourth full season with the team, thought his team’s defensive unit had a solid outing.

“Our coaches did a lot of preparation for us,” said Funk, who took on numerous double teams in the contest. “They all put us in the right spots.

“We really worked on keeping it simple like just do your job and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing and just bare down and get it done. It was nice to see everyone doing their job and not worrying about what everyone else is doing.”

Veteran Hilltops DTs Dylan McNutt, left, and Jaxon Funk created havoc.

Funk enjoyed seeing the Hilltops younger players make plays, when the Hilltops emptied the bench to get everyone on the field in the fourth quarter.

“It was great seeing those young guys get out,” said Funk. “We’ve been kind of missing that this year.

“It was great to see those young guys with all that energy. They made some plays. Our future looks bright at D-line for sure.”

The Hilltops reserve defenders enjoyed making big plays.

The Hilltops close out their regular season schedule, when they travel to Winnipeg this coming Sunday to take on the Rifles (2-5).

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