Thunder triplets too much for Hilltops in PFC final

Saskatoon’s run of consecutive conference crown ends

Konner Johnson, right, gives a five to his mom, Dawn.

REGINA, Sask. - Moments after his CJFL playing career with the Saskatoon Hilltops came to an end, Konner Johnson was thinking about his coaches.

On Sunday before 1,207 spectators at Mosaic Stadium, the Hilltops 2022 campaign concluded with a 39-21 loss to the host Regina Thunder in the PFC final. With the win, the Thunder, who are 10-0 overall, advance to host the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 12 at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium against the Okanagan Sun. The Hilltops exit the 2022 campaign with a 6-4 overall mark.

On Saturday at Acumen Stadium in London, Ont., the BCFC champion Sun downed the host and OFC champion St. Clair Saints 42-24 in a CJFL semifinal contest to advance to the Canadian Bowl. The Sun are 13-0 overall, while the Saints conclude the 2022 campaign with a 10-1 overall mark.

The Thunder celebrate with the PFC championship trophy.

Johnson joined the Hilltops in 2018 and was a member of their 11-0 CJFL championship team in 2018 and 12-0 CJFL tile winner in 2019. After the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Johnson rose to star status as a weak side linebacker with the Hilltops in 2021 helping them win a seventh straight PFC title taking the conference championship game 29-9 at Mosaic Stadium.

The Hilltops followed that victory by falling in the CJFL semifinal 17-14 to that year’s BCFC champion Langley Rams at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C. The Rams advanced on to win the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions.

Carter Shewchuk threw for 312 yards for the Thunder.

Johnson had his heart set on helping the Hilltops return to the Canadian Bowl to once again become CJFL champions along with the club’s 19 other graduating players. The Melfort, Sask., product said there were a lot of things he would take away and remember from his time with the Hilltops.

One of the biggest will be the impact the coaching staff led by legendary head coach Tom Sargeant and his right hand man in defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jeff Yausie had on the team.

“They turn boys into men these coaches,” said Johnson, who had 10.5 total tackles in his final CJFL contest. “They’re amazing coaches and good role models in life.

Ryland Leichert carried the ball 33 times for 190 yards and two TDs.

“I’m definitely going to miss it. I am pretty sad.”

In Sunday’s PFC final, the Hilltops had all sorts of problems with the Thunder’s triplets in quarterback Carter Shewchuk, running back Ryland Leichert and receiver Rylan Sokul. All three Regina stars had big days.

Shewchuk completed 25-of-31 passes for 312 yards, one touchdown and didn’t throw any interceptions. To compliment his passing, Shewchuk ran the ball six times for 40 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Leichert carried the ball 33 times for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He also hauled in one pass for 15 yards. Sokul hauled in seven passes for 101 yards.

Rylan Sokul had seven catches for 101 yards for the Thunder.

On top of the big games Shewchuk, Leichert and Sokul had, Johnson was disappointed with how things went in the turnover department for his team. The Hilltops defensive unit that is usually so proficient in forcing turnovers wasn’t able to force a single turnover out of the Thunder offence.

The Thunder defence forced four turnovers from the Hilltops offence including an interception and three turnovers on downs.

“We always want to get five turnovers in a game,” said Johnson, who is a graduate of the Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Comets nine-man football team. “That really helps the offence.

“Today, I don’t know if we got any, so that really affected the game a lot.”

Konner Johnson had 10 total tackles for the Hilltops.

For a time in the first quarter, it appeared the Hilltops were destined to win an eighth straight PFC crown. The Thunder set up to try a 37-yard field goal on the game’s first possession, but kicker Eric Maximuik’s boot sailed wide.

Hilltops 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi returned the missed kick to the Saskatoon 53 yard line. The visitors proceeded to engineer a touchdown drive from that point that concluded with starting quarterback Trey Reider hitting veteran receiver Presley Peterson with an 11-yard touchdown toss to put the Hilltops up 7-0.

The Thunder answered back on their ensuing offensive series that concluded with Shewchuk connecting with depth receiver Garion Miller for a two-yard touchdown toss that evened the score at 7-7 with 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Presley Peterson, left, hauls in an 11-yards TD catch for the Hilltops.

At the 8:33 mark of the second quarter, Maxmuik connected on a 29-yard field goal with the wind to put the Thunder in front 10-7. After that kick, a key turning point occurred.

On Hilltops first play on their ensuing offensive possession, Reider was intercepted by Thunder second-year defensive back Adam King giving the host side’s offensive a short field. The Thunder offense quickly drove the short field with the series ending in a one-yard touchdown run on a quarterback sneak by Shewchuk to increase Regina’s lead to 17-7.

That score gave the Thunder command of the game, and Johnson said his defensive unit needed to come up with a turnover after King’s interception halt Regina’s scoring run.

Garion Miller secures a TD catch for the Thunder.

“The defence just had to go out there and make a play back and get the ball back for our offence,” said Johnson. “We didn’t do that at that time, so then momentum kind of swung a bit.

“It just kind of affected the game there.”

With 1:59 remaining in the second quarter, Leichert ran in a major from 20 yards out for his first score of the contest to give the Thunder a 24-7 edge going into halftime. Regina’s 17-point lead really limited the Hilltops ability to use star power running back Boston Davidsen in attempting to overcome the three-score deficit.

The Hilltops inserted 22-year-old veteran quarterback Damon Dutton into the game for the first offensive series of the third quarter. Dutton completed 2-of-4 passes for 33 yards before the drive stalled.

Boston Davidsen ran the ball 13 times for 80 yards for the Hilltops.

The visitors reinserted Reider for their second series of the third quarter, and the 20-year-old engineered a scoring drive that concluded with him hitting Peterson with a 25-yard touchdown pass that cut the Thunder lead to 24-14.

Just 25 seconds into the fourth quarter, Maximuik came out to attempt a 26-yard field goal with the wind, but a gust of wind blew the kick attempt wide of the uprights and through the back of the end zone into the stands for a single point that gave the Thunder a 25-14 edge.

The Hilltops quickly drove downfield on their ensuing offensive series, and Reider scored on a quarterback sneak to trim the Thunder advantage to 25-21 with 11:54 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Ryland Leichert, left, gets help from his teammates on a run.

The Thunder didn’t lose their cool and responded on their ensuing offensive possession. The hosts engineered a scoring drive that concluded with Shewchuk scoring a major on a one-yard bootleg run to increase the Thunder lead to 32-21.

Shewchuk said his offensive unit was confident they would get a score to reassert control of the contest after the Hilltops cut the host’s lead to four points.

“Obviously, it was huge, and we knew we could score at will really,” said Shewchuk, who is playing out his final campaign of CJFL eligibility. “We just made a couple of mental errors that kind of slowed us down at the beginning of that second half there.

The Thunder celebrate Ryland Leichert’s first TD on Sunday.

“Obviously, just knowing and going back to what we were doing in the first half and knowing that we were the better team and just imposing the will on the line of scrimmage really helps.”

The Thunder proceeded to tack on a two-yard touchdown run from Leichert with 1:49 remaining in the fourth quarter to round out the 39-21 final score in favour of the host side.

Sargeant said the Hilltops were trying to focus on shutting down Leichert and the Thunder running attack as a main point of emphasis, but Leichert and the Thunder offensive line including left tackle Riley Schick, left guard Noah Steinly, centre Max Mcfadden, right guard Nicholas Makowsky and right tackle Conner Klassen didn’t allow it.

Charles Sawi returns a kickoff for the Hilltops.

“We tried everything, but at the end of the day, their O-line were getting on us and pushing us,” said Sargeant. “They just wanted it more.

“I didn’t think it was more simple than that, so it was disappointing. We have to live with our performance, and we have to grow and learn and get better. We have to get in the weight room and get bigger and stronger - bottom line.”

Sargeant gave Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay, his coaching staff and his team full credit for the victory on Sunday and wished them well as they embark towards the CJFL title game.

“It wasn’t much of a game today,” said Sargeant. “That Regina Thunder is a good football team.

The Mosaic Stadium faithful cheer on the Thunder.

“They came out, they were on point, and they certainly were the more physical team. I thought we had to do a better job on the line of scrimmage. We just couldn’t get any energy there.”

Shewchuk was elated that his side came out with the victory on Sunday. The 23-year-old signal caller has been with the Thunder since 2017, and he was pumped his squad is finally going back to the CJFL title game for the first time since 2013, when the Thunder downed the Vancouver Island Raiders 55-26 at historic Taylor Field.

“You work so hard and put so much time and effort in,” said Shewchuk. “You sacrifice so many different things in order to reach one goal.

Carter Shewchuk ran the ball for 40 yards and two TDs

“I’ve been doing that for six years. I think 11 or 12 of us have been doing it for six years throughout a pandemic, throughout a loss in the championship game and everything like that. It is really indescribable what it means to me, because it is just nice to know all that time and effort paid off.”

Reider finished the contest completing 16-of-25 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception. Rookie Drake Douglas led the Hilltops in receiving with six catches for 76 yards.

Davidsen topped the Hilltops with 80 yards rushing on 13 carries.

On defence, middle linebacker Matt Wist led the Hilltops with 14 total tackles.

Linebacker Stephen Smith led all Thunder players with seven total tackles.

The Hilltops players meet their fans after Sunday’s PFC final loss.

While Johnson was disappointed his playing career with the Hilltops has come to an end, he said the Thunder earned full marks in picking up the victory on Sunday to advance to the Canadian Bowl.

“It is a tough loss, and we didn’t play our best today,” said Johnson. “Credit to the Regina Thunder, they had a good game today.”

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Hilltops, Thunder PFC final – A must watch game

Teams to showcase some of CJFL’s best players

The Thunder and Hilltops will square off in the PFC final.

For the casual football or sports fan in Saskatchewan, a PFC final between the Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder is easy to get into.

On the simple to understand but always compelling front, the two teams are natural provincial rivals who are facing off for a conference title in the CJFL playoffs for the second year in a row. The Hilltops took last year’s encounter 29-9 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

After that victory, the Hilltops fell 17-14 in a CJFL semifinal to the BCFC champion Rams at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C. The Rams advanced on to win the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions.

When the Hilltops and Thunder go at it in this year’s PFC final set for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium, there will be a little more on the line. The PFC champion hosts the Canadian Bowl this year, so the winner of the PFC final advances to host the CJFL championship game on November 12.

The followers of both the Hilltops and Thunder are aware of the team’s successful histories in recent years. The Hilltops won three straight CJFL titles from 2010 to 2012 and six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

Konner Johnson is the Hilltops big play weak side linebacker.

The run of consecutive CJFL crowns for Saskatoon was interrupted by the Thunder in 2013.

This season, the Thunder once again enter the PFC final with a perfect 9-0 record. The Hilltops placed second in the conference with a 5-3 regular season record and enter the PFC final with a 6-3 overall mark.

Statistics on paper would say the Thunder are the favourites. The observation is backed by the fact the Thunder won both regular season meetings between the two sides. The last encounter saw the Thunder post a 23-7 victory at Mosaic Stadium on September 17, where they were the better team that day on offence, defence and special teams posting a complete solid win.

Of course in rivalry games, anything can happen, and records and statistics often get thrown out of the window. Of course, both sides have prime time players to watch.

One of the best to watch on the Hilltops side is star weak side linebacker Konner Johnson, who was named the PFC’s most outstanding defensive player of the year, most outstanding linebacker and conference all-star. The Melfort, Sask., product just makes plays.

During his team’s eight regular season games, Johnson posted 31 solo defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, two special teams tackle assists, two quarterback sacks, five pass knockdowns and four interceptions. Johnson plays in the image of the cerebral Jack Ham, who was the greatest outside linebacker in the history of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carter Shewchuk is having a stellar season for the Thunder.

On the Thunder side, their most exciting player is arguably defensive back Justin Mckerracher. Mckerracher topped the PFC with five interceptions to go along with 16 defensive solo tackles, seven defensive tackle assists, one special teams solo tackle, six pass knockdowns and one fumble recovery.

Mckerracher is such a threat when it comes to making interceptions that opposing teams game plan to stay away from his area of the field. He returned one of his interceptions this season for a touchdown, and he has the ability to emulate NFL defensive back all-time great Deion Sanders every time the ball is thrown his way.

On offence, the Hilltops have always been known for their ground game. Star power running back Boston Davidsen had an outstanding 2022 regular season carrying the ball 149 times for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns.

Charles Sawi, who is a 17-year-old rookie running back, has made some of the Hilltops most exciting plays this season being named the PFC’s rookie of the year and the conference’s all-rookie team. During the regular season, he carried the ball 30 times for 342 yards and scored two touchdowns.

On special teams, Sawi returned seven kickoffs for 168 yards and one touchdown, and five missed field goals for 271 yards that included a 125 yard return for a touchdown.

Offensively for the Thunder, veteran quarterback Carter Shewchuk is the biggest star. For the second straight season, Shewchuk was named the PFC’s most outstanding quarterback and conference all-star at quarterback.

Charles Sawi is making splash plays for the Hilltops as a rookie.

During the Thunder’s eight regular season games, Shewchuk completed 157-of-250 passes for 2,351 yards and 18 touchdowns, while throwing eight interceptions.

The Thunder are loaded with talent at receiver and running back, but Shewchuk’s most explosive playmaker is arguably receiver Isaiah Woodley, who was named a PFC all-star. Woodley has loads of speed to burn having caught 34 passes for 593 yards and five touchdowns.

Both sides are also blessed with elite level coaching. Hilltops legendary head coach Tom Sargeant holds the record for most wins in Canadian amateur post-secondary football at 224, and he has been the Hilltops head coach since December of 1997.

Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay was named the PFC’s coach of the year each of the past two seasons, and he captured that honour at the CJFL level last year too. MacAulay took over the Thunder head coaching role in the off-season before the 2013 campaign.

Both coaching staffs will likely have some plays in the bag they haven’t used but will be waiting to be used in this game.

On the weather front, Environment Canada is predicting a mix of sun and cloud with a temperature of 9 C for game time on Sunday. Those are balmy conditions for this time of year in Saskatchewan, which means both clubs will be able to use their entire playbooks.

Isaiah Woodley is the Thunder’s speedy, big play receiver.

There is hope the pleasant conditions on Sunday will be the perfect ingredient to attract casual ticket buyers. For the past eight years, fans in Canada seem to stay away from going to outdoor football games when it gets a touch cold even at the temperature of 1 C, which isn’t even that cold.

The only exceptions seem to be fans of the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and supporters of Quebec’s U Sports football teams, who still attend contests in frigid conditions.

With that noted, you can expect the Hilltops and Thunder to put on a football showcase at Mosaic Stadium. In Canada’s current media cut era, please do spread word about this game.

If you are not in the stadium for this year’s PFC final, you will be missing out.

Thunder sweep PFC player of the week awards

Eric Maximuik, right, was the PFC’s special teams player of the week.

The Regina Thunder swept the PFC’s player of the week awards this week.

On Wednesday, Thunder players took the PFC’s offensive, defensive and special teams player of the week awards after the team’s 23-14 PFC semifinal victory over the Winnipeg Rifles this past Sunday in frigid conditions at Leibel Field in Regina.

Thunder running back Ryland Leichert was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week. Leichert carried the ball 52 times for 390 yards. Leichert’s 52 carries are a record for a CJFL post-season game surpassing the old mark of 44 carries set by Hilltops running back Ben Abrook on October 27, 2019, when Saskatoon downed the Edmonton Huskies 30-14 in that year’s PFC final.

Defensive end Reece McCormick took honours as the PFC’s defensive player of the week. McCormick had four quarterback sacks and a fumble recovery in the win over the Rifles.

With the four sacks McCormick was one sack away from equaling the record for most sacks in a CJFL post-season contest. Roger Rourke of the Richmond Raiders of the then BCJFL had five sacks in a post-season game on October 12, 1985 for the CJFL record.

Finally, Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik took honours as the PFC’s special teams player of the week. In the win over the Rifles, Maximuik made all three of his field goal attempts coming from 35, 18 and 19 yards out.

Maximuik made both his converts. In the punting department, Maximuik kicked the ball seven times for 225 yards for an average of 32.1 yards per kick. He also kicked off three times for 122 yards for an average of 40.7 yards per kick.

McCormick and Maximuik accounted for three of the 13 PFC all-star selections the Thunder picked up this season. McCormick was an all-star on the defensive line, while Maximuik earned all-star selections as both a place kicker and punter.

The Thunder’s other PFC all-stars on defence included Reed Rabbetz on the defensive line, Stephen Smith at linebacker and defensive backs Justin Mckerracher and Adam King.

The Thunder’s PFC all-stars on offence included quarterback Carter Shewchuk, offensive linemen Riley Schick and Connor Klassen and receivers Isaac Foord, Rylan Sokul and Isaiah Woodley.

Thunder offensive lineman Ben Schmidt and defensive back Cooper Filazek were named to the PFC’s all-rookie team.

The Thunder also took home five of the PFC’s major awards with Shewchuk being named the most outstanding quarterback, Klassen the most outstanding offensive lineman, Foord the most outstanding receiver, McCormick the most outstanding defensive lineman and Maximuik as the most outstanding special teams player.

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

No conference awards for 1,000-yard rusher Davidsen

Hilltops RB Boston Davidsen was shutout of awards from the PFC.

Saskatoon Hilltops star power running back Boston Davidsen was the recipient of the top snub, when the PFC handed out its major awards and all-stars.

The 21-year-old led the PFC in rushing carrying the ball 149 times for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns in eight regular season games. Davidsen was the only player in the PFC to reach the 1,000-yard plateau in rushing yards.

Despite the lofty numbers Davidsen put up, he didn’t receive any awards. He should have been at least one of the PFC’s two all-star running backs.

To be fair, Edmonton Huskies star running back Alex Gayle earned full marks for the PFC awards haul he had. He finished second in the PFC in rushing with 150 carries for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.

Davidsen wasn’t the same threat making catches out of the backfield hauling in three passes for 20 yards during the regular season.

Gayle was named the PFC’s most valuable player, most outstanding offensive player and most outstanding running back as well as a PFC all-star.

While Gayle was deserving of all his big honours, Davidsen should have still been a conference all-star.

WWCFL champion Valkyries hand out awards

Jaime Lammerding won the Valkyries Green and White award.

The WWCFL champion Saskatoon Valkyries handed out their team awards on October 15 in the main banquet hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building with established stars taking the three big honours.

Quarterback Alex Eyolfson was named the Valkyries offensive MVP. The 25-year-old had a career campaign putting up numerous big games. If she hadn’t before, Eyolfson cemented herself was one of Canada’s best quarterback in the female game.

Defensive end Danaye Holynski was named the Valkyries defensive MVP. Holynski has the gifts of both power and speed. She is able to sack the quarterback, make devastating hits and even run down receivers in the passing game.

Holynski made plays all over the field this past season for the Valkyries.

The Valkyries Green and White award for dedication to the team and the overall women’s game went to defensive tackle Jaime Lammerding. Lammerding is an original member of the Valkyries joining the team in their inaugural season in 2011, and she served as president of the WWCFL.

She retired as a player following the completion of the 2022 WWCFL campaign, which was a winning one. The Valkyries posted a perfect 7-0 record in 2022 taking the WWCFL title game 36-6 against the Manitoba Fearless on June 25 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

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Hilltops aim for redemption in PFC final against Thunder

Low point loss in Regina fresh memory for Saskatoon side

The Hilltops charge on to the field this past Sunday.

The Saskatoon Hilltops haven’t forgotten the loss that truly humbled them.

On September 17 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Hilltops fell to the host Thunder 23-7. The setback to their provincial rivals saw the Hilltops losing streak grow to three games. At 2-3, the Hilltops had lost three games during an entire regular season for the first time since 1993, when the Saskatoon side posted a 5-3 mark.

During the three game losing skid, the Hilltops dropped a 19-16 decision to the Rifles at East Side Eagles Field in Winnipeg, Man., on August 28, and they feel in an overtime heartbreaker 29-21 to the Thunder at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on September 10. In both of those games, the Hilltops could have pulled out victory by making one or two more plays.

The setback to the Thunder on September 17 at Mosaic Stadium was a definite one for the Hilltops where they got outplayed on offence, defence and special teams.

The two sides are slated to go at it again this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in the PFC final. The winner advances to host the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 12.

Hilltops star weak side linebacker Konner Johnson said his team was disappointed by the September 17 showing and wants to make up for that effort this time around.

“It is definitely a motivator,” said Johnson. “We want to give them that back and just play our best game of the year on Sunday.”

Since that September 17 loss to the Thunder, the Hilltops have won four straight games. They took their last three regular season outings to finish second in the PFC at 5-3.

Ryland Leichert had a monster playoff outting for the Thunder.

The Hilltops hosted the Edmonton Huskies in a PFC semifinal this past Sunday at SMF Field and pulled out a gutty 20-15 victory.

The Thunder are a perfect 9-0 overall in the 2022 campaign. This past Sunday, they won their PFC semifinal match 23-14 over the Rifles at Leibel Field in Regina.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said the September 17 loss to the Thunder was a shock to the system reality check for his club.

“That game changed our season,” said Sargeant. “Since then, we haven’t lost another football game.

“You break it down sometimes you get smacked in the mouth and then you have to decide what you are going to do about it. I think we addressed a lot of things that transpired during that game. As I said, we haven’t lost since then.

“We feel really good about that path we are in, the direction we are in and the team that we’re coaching. We’ve seen a lot of growth, so now, hey, great character win, gut check win on Sunday (against the Huskies) and we’re going to build on that and we’re going to play our best game of the year.”

The Hilltops and Thunder met in last year’s PFC final, which was also held at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatoon posted a 29-9 victory to take the conference title for a seventh straight year.

The last time the Hilltops fell in the PFC final came way back in 2013, when the Thunder pulled out a 21-16 victory at Griffiths Stadium on the grounds of the University of Saskatchewan. The Thunder advanced to win the CJFL title interrupting the run where the Hilltops won three straight CJFL crowns from 2010 to 2012 and six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

As the weather gets cooler in the post-season, both teams will be looking to their ground games to make an impact. Hilltops star power running back Boston Davidsen topped the PFC in rushing during the regular season carrying the ball 149 times for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns.

Thunder star running back Ryland Leichert finished second in the PFC in rushing carrying the ball 124 times for 724 yards and four touchdowns. 

Boston Davidsen led the PFC with 1,037 yards in the regular season.

Leichert turned heads with an insane outing in the Thunder’s PFC semifinal win this past Sunday against the Rifles, where he carried the 52 times for 390 yards.

Leichert’s 52 carries are a record for a CJFL post-season game surpassing the old mark of 44 carries set by Hilltops running back Ben Abrook on October 27, 2019, when Saskatoon downed the Huskies 30-14 in that year’s PFC final. The Thunder had Leichert run the ball a bunch due to the frigid field conditions in Regina last Sunday, which saw the PFC semifinal encounter with the Rifles delayed by an hour and 45 minutes as parents, players, fans and volunteers cleared a large snowfall to allow the game to be played.

“They (The Thunder) are obviously a great team,” said Johnson. “I think we are too.

“This is PFC football weather. It is getting cold out. We’re excited, but we have a lot of work to do at practice this week and learn to stop the run a bit better than we did this past weekend.”

Johnson was referring to the fact the Hilltops gave up 207 yards rushing as a team in their PFC semifinal win over the Huskies.

With tale of the tape in the running game noted, Environment Canada is predicting the upcoming PFC final in Regina will be played in sunny conditions with an 8 C temperature. Those conditions would allow the passing game to be a factor, and the Thunder have the edge in that department.

During the regular season, Thunder star quarterback Carter Shewchuk completed 157-of-250 passes for 2,351 yards and 18 touchdowns, while throwing eight interceptions.

The Hilltops quarterbacks have had their ups and downs this season resulting in Damon Dutton starting five regular season games, while Trey Reider has started three regular season contests. During the regular season, Dutton completed 74-of-119 passes for 790 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions. Reider in regular season action has completed 63-of-95 passes for 756 yards and seven touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions.

Sargeant said he is watching how the Hilltops week goes at practice before making a decision on who will start at quarterback in the PFC final. The sideline boss said he can see why his team would be overlooked in the PFC final but his Hilltops shouldn’t be written off.

Tom Sargeant looks to guide his team to a win in the PFC final.

“Obviously if you are a betting person, you’re going to put your money on the team that has the better numbers,” said Sargeant. “As I said, it is who is playing their best at this time of the year is the team that is going to win a championship, and that is what the Saskatoon Hilltops are really good at doing.”

When the Hilltops playoff run does end, they will graduate 20 players who will exhaust their CJFL eligibility including Johnson. Johnson said it has gone through his mind that the end of his Hilltops career is near, but the team’s graduating players are focused on living in the moment.

“There are a lot of fifth year guys out here,” said Johnson. “There are like 20 of us that are definitely going to be leaving it all on the field every time we get out there now.

“We believe we have two games left, but we’re definitely only worried about this weekend so far.”

Former ’Toppers star QB Bradshaw passes away at age 33

We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Chase Bradshaw.

Chase was an incredible football player, an amazing friend and teammate and a part of our family.

Our condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew him. We will miss him dearly.

RIP QB1 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/840WPZthGV

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) October 27, 2022

The Saskatoon Hilltops and the football community of Saskatoon are mourning the passing of former Hilltops championship winning quarterback Chase Bradshaw.

Bradshaw passed away on Monday at age 33 after a two-and-a-half year battle with glioblastoma/brain cancer. He played five seasons with the Hilltops from 2007 to 2011.

In 2007, Bradshaw was a rookie backup quarterback as the Hilltops won the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – over the St. Leonard Cougars 26-3 at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg, Man.

He was the Hilltops star starting quarterback when they won CJFL titles in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, Bradshaw was at the controls of the offence helping the Hilltops down the Vancouver Island Raiders 34-23 at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus to win the Canadian Bowl.

Bradshaw called signals in his final CJFL game on November 14, 2011 helping the Hilltops down the host Hamilton Hurricanes 29-1 at Ivor Wynne Stadium to win the Canadian Bowl for a second straight year.

Before joining the Hilltops, Bradshaw helped the Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls win a Saskatoon city high school championship in 2006. After graduating from the Hilltops, Bradshaw played one season in the U Sports ranks for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team in 2012.

Bradshaw will forever be part of the long list of great quarterbacks the Hilltops have had come through their storied program.

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Hilltops’ Johnson, Sawi pick up major PFC awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dutton, Sawi keep Hilltops season alive

Saskatoon advances to PFC final with 20-15 win

Charles Sawi, right, speeds to the end zone on his winning TD run.

The X-factors kept the Saskatoon Hilltops season alive.

With the Hilltops offence seemingly stuck in quicksand in the second half of a PFC semifinal with the Edmonton Huskies on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the host side turned to a couple of players who had been watching the proceedings from the bench for a lot of the day. Midway through the third quarter, the Hilltops inserted 22-year-old veteran quarterback Damon Dutton into the game in place of 20-year-old starter Trey Reider.

In the fourth quarter, the Hilltops starting substituting dynamic 17-year-old rookie running back Charles Sawi at tailback to change up the pace with 21-year-old star power running back Boston Davidsen.

Charles Sawi, middle, had 63 yards rushing on four carries.

With 2:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, Huskies kicker Ethan Hartman booted a 31-yard field goal to give the visitors a 15-13 lead.

With Dutton at the controls, the Hilltops started on a two-minute drill drive from their own 35 yard line. On the second last play of the march, Dutton hit veteran receiver Presley Peterson with a pass over the middle in traffic for a 19-yard gain. Dutton and Peterson were both teammates with the North Battleford Comprehensive Viking Football Team before joining the Hilltops.

On his big 19-yard catch against Edmonton, Peterson held on to the ball after getting decked by a couple Huskies defenders setting the Hilltops up on the Edmonton 33 yard line.

Damon Dutton engineered a winning two-minute drill drive.

On the very next play, Dutton gave the ball to Sawi, who creased the Huskies with an electrifying 33-yard touchdown run to put the Hilltops up 20-15 with 65 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The Huskies ended up with two more possessions before the game ended but Hilltops star weak side linebacker Konner Johnson and standout defensive back Steve Gilewicz came up with drive killing interceptions. Those efforts preserved the 20-15 score as a final outcome in the CJFL post-season match in favour of the Hilltops.

“The heart of a lion stepped up today,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team has won four straight games. “Our fifth year players were outstanding.

“We just hung and we stuck together, and we played hard. Full credit to the Edmonton Huskies, holy cow, were they on point. We knew what they were going to do, and we couldn’t stop them.

Boston Davidsen scores the Hilltops first TD on a one-yard run.

“You know what, we willed ourselves to a win, and it was great to see Damon Dutton step up – the North Battleford connection him to (Presley) Pederson. Then Charles (Sawi) made that big splash play, and then the defence dug deep and found a way to finish the game off for us.”

Sawi finished the contest with 63 yards rushing on just four carries, which included his 33-yard touchdown run. The graduate of Saskatoon’s Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team was pumped to come through with the winning score.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that before in my life,” said Sawi. “That is probably one of the happiest moments I’ve ever had in my life in football.”

Alex Gayle ran for 175 yards for the Huskies.

The youngster was happy his Hilltops survived to play another week.

“I honestly thought we were going to lose this game,” said Sawi. “I was very worried.

“As soon I got in there, I gave it my all and just played like it was my last.”

Dutton was also elated the Hilltops survived. He is one of 20 Hilltops players who will graduate from the storied CJFL club once the team’s 2022 post-season run comes to an end.

The veteran signal caller said the graduating players did not want Sunday’s PFC semifinal to be their last game. Last year, Dutton engineered a two-minute drill drive to beat the Huskies 33-31 in a PFC semifinal played at SMF Field.

Jemanie Watkis had a 32-yard TD catch for the Huskies.

He thought he and his team were locked in on Sunday, especially when it came to making that game-winning two minute drill drive that ended in Sawi’s winning run.

“We just have to stay cool,” said Dutton. “We run the two-minute drill in practice every night.

“We’ve been here before. We just have to stay within ourselves and do our thing. You can’t get too excited.

“You can’t get too down. You just have to stay level headed and try to make some plays.”

The Hilltops got out to a fast start in Sunday’s contest going ahead 10-0 by the 9:16 mark of the opening quarter thanks to a 23-yard field goal from kicker Connor Green and a one-yard touchdown run by Davidsen.

Huskies QB Jordan Lane, left, throws a pass under pressure.

The game’s complexion proceeded to turn as the Huskies put together a scoring drive that covered about 105 yards in length. The march ended on the final play of the first quarter, when Huskies starting quarterback Jordan Lane hit receiver Jemanie Watkis with a 32-yard touchdown pass on a go route down the right sideline to cut the Hilltops lead to 10-7.

In the second quarter, the Hilltops had to concede a safety due to bad field position to allow the Huskies to close to within 10-9. On the final play of the second quarter, Hartman hit a field goal from 16 yards out to give the Huskies a 12-10 lead at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Green had a chance to put the Hilltops back in front, but he hit the upright on a 27 yard field goal attempt. A short time later, the Huskies had a 15-yard touchdown run by Epharh Oyama nullified due to an illegal participation penalty.

Hilltops receiver Drake Douglas, left, breaks past a defender.

After that scoring play was nixed due to a penalty, Hartman had a chance to extend the Huskies advantage, but his 21-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Hilltops defensive back Evan Mantyka.

At that point in the game, the Hilltops inserted Dutton in at quarterback for Reider. Reider completed just 4-of-12 passes for 26 yards, while throwing two interceptions. Dutton gave the Hilltops offence a little more poise as he completed 4-of-6 passes for 46 yards, and his completions came at critical times.

“That is the heart of a fifth-year player,” said Sargeant. “He stepped up, and he made a couple of big plays and got us going.

“Damon Dutton doesn’t go in there we don’t win this football game. It is about as simple as that. As I said, he is a proven commodity.

Riece Kack (#47) celebrates a fumble recovery.

“We know what to expect. It is great to see him rise up and answer to the challenge.”

On the final play of the third quarter, Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack recovered a Huskies fumble about 40 yards away from the Edmonton end zone.

The Hilltops ensuing offensive series to start the fourth quarter ended with Green hitting a 26-yard field goal to give the host side a 13-12 advantage. That set the stage for the dramatics in the game’s final three minutes.

“I was just happy to be able to help this team win,” said Dutton. “The defence played amazing.

“The offence was rolling. We just needed one last kick, and I was happy to be part of it.”

Hilltops DB Evan Mantyka (#15) makes a big hit in the secondary.

Davidsen led the Hilltops with 114 yards rushing coming on 28 carries including his major score run. Rookie receiver Drake Douglas was the Hilltops top pass catcher making four catches for 36 yards.

Jordan completed 15-of-27 passes for the Huskies for 150 yards and one touchdown, while throwing three interceptions.

Huskies star running back Alex Gayle led all ground gainers carrying the ball 34 times for 175 yards. Edmonton posted 207 yards rushing as a team.

Johnson had three solo defensive tackles, five defensive tackle assists, three solo special teams tackles and one pass knockdown to go with his one interception. Veteran defensive tackle Jaxon Funk had six solo defensive tackles and six defensive tackle assists.

Hilltops DB Joe Yausie makes a diving tackle from behind.

Hilltops cornerback Joe Yausie came up with a fourth quarter interception.

Linebacker Teryll Sherman had a big day for the Huskies making five solo defensive tackles, three defensive tackle assists, one solo special teams tackle and one interception. Defensive back Paul Loggale also had an interception for the Huskies, who finished the 2022 campaign with a 5-4 overall record.

The Hilltops, who are 6-3 overall, advance to the PFC final to face their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. The Thunder downed the Winnipeg Rifles 23-14 in Sunday’s other PFC semifinal held at Leibel Field in Regina.

Damon Dutton fires a pass downfield for the Hilltops.

Due to challenging winter storm conditions in Saskatchewan, the contest between the Thunder and Rifles originally slated to start at 1 p.m. local time didn’t begin until 2:45 p.m. local time as parents, players, fans and volunteers cleared a large snowfall to allow the game to be played.

The Rifles finished with a 4-5 overall record, while the Thunder improved to 9-0 overall.

The PFC final between the Thunder and Hilltops is slated to be held this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. The Hilltops won last year’s PFC final played between the two sides 29-9 at Mosaic Stadium.

“We’ll get in the lab and start getting ready for that,” said Sargeant. “We live another week and that is all I care about.”

NOTES – On Saturday at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, B.C., the host Okanagan Sun blanked the Westshore Rebels 38-0 to win the BCFC title. The Sun improved their overall record to 12-0, while the Rebels complete the 2022 campaign with an 8-4 overall mark.

The Huskies and Hilltops shake hands after Sunday’s game.

Also on Saturday at Acumen Stadium in Windsor, Ont., the host St. Clair Saints dumped the London Beefeaters 38-7 to win the OFC championship. The Saints improve to 10-0 overall, while the Beefeaters conclude the 2022 campaign with a 7-3 overall mark.

The Saints will host the Sun this coming Saturday in a CJFL semifinal at Acumen Stadium.

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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