Hilltops lock up first in PFC, improve to 7-0

Saskatoon thumps Thunder 36-11 at SMF Field

Datiel Fountaine makes a 26-yard TD catch for the Hilltops.

It was seemingly a perfect night under the “Saturday night lights” for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

On Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops dumped their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder 36-11 in a CJFL regular season clash played before 2,266 spectators. The host side jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and continued to methodically pull away from there.

The win allowed the defending CJFL champion Hilltops to improve to 7-0 and lock up first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference. The Hilltops will also have homefield throughout the CJFL playoffs up to the league championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Canadian Bowl will be hosted by the champion of the Ontario Football Conference.

Hilltops LB Noah Gedir tackles Thunder RB Ryland Leichert.

“Our line of scrimmage, our offensive line played outstanding today,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team has won 19 straight overall. “Our defensive line, it just came together tonight.

“This is the best we’ve played all year. Obviously, Regina is a formidable opponent. They’re well coached, and they know us well and they play hard.

“We had to come out and play hard and play aggressive, and that is what we did today. I am super happy with what took place, and now, we’ve got to keep building.”

At that point, Sargeant took a quick pause before looking to the future.

Trey Reider (#3) throws a pass behind sound protection.

“We clinched first. Good. Who cares?” said Sargeant. “Now, we’ve got to keep moving.”

The Thunder fell to 5-2 with the result of Saturday’s contest. They have lost their last five straight head-to-head encounters including action in the regular season and post-season to the Hilltops.

On offence, all the Hilltops big players had big games. Star fifth-year quarterback Trey Reider completed 14-of-25 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He ran the ball four times for 26 yards too.

Star fifth-year receiver Drake Douglas hauled in five passes for 132 yards. Breakout second-year receiver Datiel Fountaine caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Drake Douglas, left, caught five passes for 132 yards.

Emerging star third-year power running back Corbin Ebben ran the ball 29 times for 196 yards and one touchdown.

The Hilltops starting offensive line in right tackle Cody Shumanski, right guard Jack Erlandson, centre Matthew Noble, left guard Erik Barsness and left tackle Davin Johnson all had banner days.

“Our O-line played great today,” said Reider. “They controlled the line of scrimmage.

“I have to shout out to Corbin Ebben. He ran the ball great. Drake Douglas came down with every ball.

“Obviously, two touchdown catches is great for Datiel (Fountaine) coming down with those.”

On defence, the Hilltops got big contributions from a number of players in limiting the Thunder to 307 total yards of offence. Star defensive end Kai Kukurudza record two sacks and 3.5 total tackles.

Corbin Ebben ran the ball 29 times for 196 yards.

Star defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens had one sack and 2.5 total tackles. Defensive tackle Nahom Menghestab and defensive end Noah Chelsom shared a sack. Second-year outside linebacker Zaden Taylor had eight solo defensive tackles, one special teams tackle assist and one interception.

Middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk had 7.5 total tackles. Outside linebacker Noah Gedir had 5.5 total tackles and two pass knockdowns. Safetly Dalton Urban had 3.5 total tackles and one interception.

“A big focus was stopping the run, so I think really early on we stopped that,” said Kukurudza. “Our interior guys in Nahom (Menghestab) and (Johnathon) Stevens, they really did their job.

“Noah (Chelsom) on the weak side didn’t let anything up either. Our DBs were locked down. All our sacks are really DB covered sacks, so it was good.”

Zaden Taylor (#10) reacts to making an interception.

The Hilltops opened the game’s scoring on their first offensive series, which culminated with Reider hitting Fountaine with an eight-yard touchdown pass to give the hosts a 7-0 lead. Before the first quarter expired, Hilltops veteran kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas hit a field goal from 18 yards out to push the Hilltops edge out to 10-0. That marked the first of five field goals Abel-Douglas would hit on the day.

At the 8:55 mark of the second quarter, Thunder kicker Shawn Green nailed a 35-yard field goal for the visitors to trim the Hilltops lead to 10-3.

The Hilltops closed out the first half getting field goals from Abel-Douglas from 13 and 30 yards out to hold a 16-3 lead.

The Hilltop Cheerleading Team performs at halftime.

Green recorded a rouge for the Thunder on the opening kickoff to start the second half to make the Hilltops lead stand at 16-4.

On that first offensive series of the half, the Hilltops got another major score as Reider hit Fountaine with a 26-yard touchdown strike to put the host side up 23-4. Ebben would run in a major from three yards out to push the Hilltops lead out to 30-4.

While the Hilltops offence was rolling on Saturday, Reider said his team will be focusing on fixing the mistakes they did make.

“I feel it was a good game, but at the end of the day, we can always do better,” said Reider. “Every day, every week, we’re trying to get better.

“I feel like that was one of our best games of the season for sure.”

Kai Kukurudza (#73) celebrates making a sack on Saturday.

Just 10 seconds into the fourth quarter, Thunder star quarterback Carter Moberg hit receiver Benjamin Walz with a 15-yard touchdown toss to trim the Hilltops lead to 30-11.

Abel-Douglas proceeded to hit field goals from 15 and 22 yards out to round out the 36-11 final score in favour of Saskatoon.

Also in the fourth quarter, Kukurudza recorded both of his sacks on third down gambles by the Thunder.

“It just feels good when you go all game like doing your job, and then finally, you can really do what you need to do at the end when it matters most on those third downs,” said Kukurudza. “It is good.”

Moberg completed 17-of-31 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions for the Thunder. Star veteran running back Ryland Leichert topped Regina with 88 yards rushing on 15 carries. Walz had record 55 yards receiving on six catches to go with his touchdown through the air.

Dalton Urban (#17) returns an interception for the Hilltops.

Star middle linebacker Stephen Smith led the Thunder with 9.5 total tackles.

The Thunder return home to close out their regular season schedule on Sunday, October 6, when they host the Calgary Colts at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

The Hilltops will also conclude their regular season schedule on Sunday, October 6. They will travel to Edmonton to face the Huskies at 1 p.m. local time at Jasper Place Bowl.

Looking forward to the rest of the season, Sargeant is pumped his squad will have homefield advantage through the CJFL playoffs until reaching the Canadian Bowl. With that noted, he wants his team to focus on playing well in their final regular season contest first.

“We love playing at home,” said Sargeant. “We’ve worked hard to be in the spot we’re in, and now, we’ve got to take advantage.

“We’re off to the Edmonton Huskies next week. We could be playing them two weeks in a row. You know what?

The Hilltops do a breakdown cheer after Saturday’s win.

“We just can’t give an inch to anything or anyone. This is the type of group that they’re pretty locked and loaded right now. I’m very pleased with the performance of all 65 players that we dressed tonight.”

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Mowles settles in as playmaker on Hilltops defence

Two pick game versus Thunder was big highlight

Jace Mowles tops the Hilltops with three interceptions this season.

Jace Mowles prides himself on ensuring rare bad games don’t last.

Back on August 25, Mowles’ Saskatoon Hilltops had a banner day crushing the Colts 52-19 at Shouldice Athletic Park in Calgary. The Hilltops veteran standout cornerback thought he didn’t have one of his better days as the Colts collected 274 yards passing as team.

After that contest, the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference which the Hilltops play out of went on a bye week. Mowles, who is in his fourth year with the team, was determined to have a better outing when the Hilltops returned to action on September 7 against their provincial rivals the Thunder at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

In that contest, Mowles recorded three defensive solo tackles, three defensive tackle assists, two interceptions and one pass knockdown helping the Hilltops post a 29-15 victory. While the Thunder piled up 348 yards passing, Mowles’ interceptions came at key times to stall the Regina side’s momentum.

For his efforts, Mowles, who is a graduate of the Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders Football Team, was named the PFC’s defensive player of the week.

“It was good,” said Mowles. “It helped motivate the offence too and helped me elevate my game from having a bad game to having a good game.”

On Saturday, Mowles and the defending CJFL champion Hilltops (6-0) get to see the Thunder (5-1) again when the two teams meet at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops are rated first in the CJFL’s Top 10 Power Rankings, and the Thunder are listed as fourth in those ratings.

If the Hilltops win that contest, they will lock up first place in the PFC and home field advantage through the CJFL playoffs up until the league’s title game in the Canadian Bowl, which will be hosted by the champion of the Ontario Football Conference. If the Thunder win, first place will still be up for grabs between the two squads heading into the final week of the PFC’s regular season.

Mowles is looking forward to the upcoming heavyweight encounter between the two sides.

Jace Mowles secures an interception for the Hilltops.

“It will be fun to be at home,” said Mowles. “It will be better for us, and I’ll enjoy it.”

On the season, Mowles has three interceptions, which is one behind Calgary Colts defensive back Keon Raymond II. To go along with his three picks, Mowles has recorded seven defensive solo tackles, five defensive tackle assists, four special teams solo tackles, one special teams tackle assist and one pass knockdown.

Mowles said during the season he hasn’t seen many passes get thrown his way, but he believes that is more due to his position on the field as opposed to a strategy of trying to avoid him.

“They’re throwing weak (side) more than strong (side),” said Mowles, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 170 pounds. “Most teams do.

“I just play my game, and play it true.”

Last Sunday, the Hilltops gave up 374 yards passing to the Edmonton Wildcats in a 45-19 home victory at SMF Field. Mowles didn’t think the Hilltops had to make any adjustments in the secondary outside of executing better.

He gave credit to Wildcats quarterback Marcos Soltero and his receivers group for having a good game. Mowles said the Wildcats are a better team than their 0-6 record indicates.

“They had really good receivers,” said Mowles. “They all played high-level football.

“Their quarterback surprised us. He threw the ball really well.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against the Thunder, legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant would love to see Mowles have another big game.

“At the end of the day, he is one of our better players,” said Sargeant. “We put him in all situations, whether it be man or zone.

Jace Mowles has provided strong play at cornerback for the Hilltops.

“He is always willing to do whatever he is asked to. He loves being around the ball, and he has a knack for being around the ball. I think he has got three interceptions so far this year and a few knockdowns.

“He is a primetime player, and everybody knows who he is.”

Sargeant served as the principal of Walter Murray Collegiate when Mowles was a student there. Thanks to that development, the sideline boss knew he was getting a quality person when he recruited Mowles to join the Hilltops.

“When you’re the principal of a high school, you’re always going to the games to your student-athletes,” said Sargeant, who retired from his position as principal at Walter Murray Collegiate this past June. “He (Mowles) was just an excellent high school player.

“He did all the right things and got involved in all the different teams. In a short period of time, he became a pretty good impact player for us. By his second year, he was getting some quality opportunities to compete.

“You get to know who the kids are (as a principal in high school), which is awesome. At any school, I like to phone the coaches and get a flavour for what they’re saying, because at the end of the day, we want good character kids in this program.”

Mowles got his start playing football in the KFL in Saskatoon for three seasons before joining the Marauders. In his KFL years, Mowles spent his first two campaigns as a receiver before switching over to defence.

He said he enjoys football because it is fun to throw the ball around and he loves the team environment the sport provides. During the winter months, Mowles was also playing AA hockey, but there was no doubt that he would continue football after high school with the Hilltops.

“It was the only real option,” said Mowles. “I had hockey, but I chose football, because I loved it more.

“I enjoy playing this more than any other sport.”

Since joining the Hilltops in 2021, Mowles said the thing he loves the most about being part of the storied CJFL team is how tight-knit everyone is with the club.

Jace Mowles (#23) looks to enjoy more big plays with the Hilltops.

“Everyone is basically family,” said Mowles. “We all get along, so we all enjoy coming out here every day and having fun.”

Last season, Mowles said one of his biggest thrills came was helping the Hilltops win their 23^rd CJFL title with a 17-10 victory over the Westshore Rebels at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. As this season continues, he would love for it to finish with him helping the Hilltops capture the Canadian Bowl to claim another CJFL title.

“It would be amazing,” said Mowles. “I loved going down to B.C. there and winning it.

“It was the best moment of my life, and I’d like to enjoy that again in Ontario.”

Reider tabbed as PFC player of the week

Trey Reider is the PFC’s offensive player of the week.

For the second time this season, Trey Reider has been named a PFC player of the week.

On Wednesday, Reider, who is the Saskatoon Hilltops star quarterback, was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his efforts in his team’s 45-19 victory over the Edmonton Wildcats last Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In that victory, Reider completed 15-of-22 passes for 278 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

On the season, Reider, who is playing out his fifth and final season of CJFL eligibility, has completed 86-of-130 passes for 1,258 yards and 14 touchdowns, while throwing one interception. He has been tabbed as the PFC’s offensive player of the week twice in the 2024 campaign.

Winnipeg Rifles linebacker Cohen McCluskey was the PFC’s defensive player of the week due to his efforts to help his squad down the visiting Calgary Colts 23-9 at Maple Grove Rugby Park. In that contest, McCluskey recorded eight solo defensive tackles, two defensive tackle assists and three interceptions. He returned one of his interceptions 46 yards for a touchdown.

Rifles kicker Evan Guercio was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week for his contributions in his team’s win over the Colts. Guercio made all three of his field goal attempts with a long from 27 yards out. He made both his one-point converts and kicked off five times for 252 yards for an average of 50.4 yards per kick.

Big SMF Field crowd leaves positive impression

Part of the crowd of 3,534 that came out to the Hilltops game last Sunday.

The Saskatoon Hilltops got a boost from their big home crowd.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops hammered the visiting Edmonton Wildcats 45-19 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. A crowd of 3,534 spectators came to check out the contest, which was the Hilltops highest attendance for a home regular season game in at least over a decade.

That contest was the team’s Kinsmen Family Day/Young Hilltops Day game. Those that came out on Sunday could take part in the various fun promotions that took place around the game.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was pumped to see the huge turnout.

“I think it is absolutely fantastic,” said Sargeant, who is the all time leader in career head coaching win in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks with 242 victories. “Family day and we have a Hilltop family here that we’re very proud about.

“When you get a lot of people rallying and supporting that, number one, great job by the directors to have that initiative and get a lot of people, a lot of friends and family out and supporters. It really filtered down to the players, and they felt real good about the energy that was in the crowd. It gave them a boost and enabled them to play exciting football for the fans.

“It was just a good day all in all, especially when you win.”

Hilltops fourth-year cornerback Jace Mowles appreciated the atmosphere the crowd brought to the stadium.

“It was great, because you get all the family out,” said Mowles. “Everyone is having fun.

“The kids are having fun, and even the intermission there, everyone was having fun. I enjoyed it. It was electric.”

Clark to appear at End Zone Scholarship Dinner

Dan Clark calls signals for the Roughriders in 2019.

Dan Clark will be the special guest at the Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner set for September 28.

Clark was a star centre for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2009 to 2022. He was on the Roughriders practice roster in 2009 and 2010 and was on the main roster from 2011 to 2022 appearing in 131 games. During his years on the Roughriders practice roster, Clark was playing for the CJFL’s Regina Thunder.

Clark gained fame catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from legendary Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant in a 37-0 romp over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game played at historic Taylor Field on July 21, 2013. Following that contest, Clark and the Roughriders would later win the Grey Cup with a 45-23 victory over the Tigers-Cats on November 24, 2013 at Taylor Field.

In 2019, Clark was the unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was also named a CFL all-star.

The Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner will be held in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located at the south end of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The doors for the dinner will open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

The presenting sponsors of the event are TCU Financial and SaskTel. It is hosted in conjunction with the Hilltops community partners in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. The official beverage sponsor is the Crossmount Cider Company.

All proceeds of the event go towards the Saskatoon Hilltop Scholarship Fund.

Single tickets for the event are $100, and a table of eight goes for $725. Ticket purchases include admission to that night’s CJFL regular season contest between the Hilltops and the Regina Thunder set for 7 p.m. at SMF Field. Tickets for the End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

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

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Raiders concluded junior A history with last lap title win

The team photo of the 1981-82 Raiders.

The 1981-82 season provided the perfect ending to the junior A history of the Prince Albert Raiders with a championship final bow.

In the regular season, the Raiders posted an impressive 57-3 record to top the SJHL standings outscoring their opposition 429-192. They won all 30 of their home games and had an overall winning streak that reached 30 games. Prince Albert continued to roll in the post-season going 20-3.

The post-season run concluded with the Raiders sweeping away the Guelph Platers from Ontario 4-0 in a best-of-seven Centennial Cup Championship Series where every game was played at the Art Hauser Centre, which was then known as the Comuniplex. In 1982, the Centennial Cup was awarded to the national junior A championship team in a best-of-seven series played between an Eastern and Western Canadian champion.

During the regular season, the Raiders had 10 players who recorded 20 or more goals and 11 players who recorded 50 or more points. They also received solid play in goal from the netminding duo of Tiger Pierce and Gil Hudon.

The Raiders were guided by their iconic head coach and general manager in Terry Simpson, whose disdain for losing has created many stories his players love to share to this very day. Still when Simpson looks back to that last junior A season in 1981-82 before the Raiders joined the major junior ranks in the WHL, the 57-3 regular season and the 20-3 post-season records jump out at him.

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

Power running back Ebben energized by Hilltops family

Third-year ground gainer fuels Saskatoon’s route of Wildcats

Corbin Ebben jets into the open field for the Hilltops.

Corbin Ebben will never doubt how real the term “Hilltops family” is.

Last year as a second year player with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops, Ebben suffered an injury that caused him to miss the last four games of the regular season. While the power running back was down at first about missing time, he was surprised how much the team’s coaches and players were crushed that he was going to be out of the lineup.

To Ebben, it seemed like everyone with the squad was empathetic. It helped motivate the Delisle, Sask., product to get back.

“When I went out, I could tell especially running back coach Andre Lalonde and ‘Sarge’ (Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant) and coach (Shane) Reider, they seemed like a little down,” said Ebben. “I was definitely down for sure, but they helped pick me up.

Corbin Ebben cuts past a Wildcats defender.

“My goal was just to get back on the field as soon as possible for sure.”

Ebben could feel the support from Lalonde, Sargeant and Reider, who is the Hilltops offensive coordinator. The graduate of the Delisle Composite High School Rebels nine-a-side football program made it back to the Hilltops lineup for the start of the post-season.

He played all four of the Hilltops post-season games as they won the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions for a 23^rd time in team history. While Ebben was playing, he didn’t feel like he did on the field before he got injured.

“It was just kind of a hit to the confidence when I got hurt last year and then had to take I think it was four games off,” said Ebben. “It was nice getting back to it, but it wasn’t the same for sure.”

Corbin Ebben, right, makes an acrobatic TD catch.

Going into the 2024 campaign in his third year with the team, Ebben earned the starting job at tailback with the Hilltops having graduated Boston Davidsen after winning the CJFL title in 2023. Ebben said his confidence has improved as the season had gone on.

On Sunday, Ebben looked like he fit the role of star running back. The 20-year-old was powering through tacklers, high hurdling defenders and make sweet cuts in the open field.

He would carry the ball 16 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns. As a receiver, Ebben hauled in three catches for 58 yards and a major score. Ebben’s efforts helped power the Hilltops past the visiting Edmonton Wildcats 45-19 in a CJFL regular season clash.

Corbin Ebben caught three passes for 58 yards.

“It felt great,” said Ebben, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 205 pounds. “Every game we’re just getting better.

“We’re on the same page. It was just a great team effort today for sure.”

The win allowed the Hilltops to improve to 6-0 and guaranteed the venerable CJFL club would host a Prairie Football Conference semifinal contest. The Wildcats fell to 0-6 and were eliminated from post-season contention.

Ebben made sure to give a plug to the massive crowd that came out to support the Hilltops on Sunday. Sunday’s contest was the Hilltops’ Kinsmen Family Day/Young Hilltops Day game, and a crowd of 3,534 spectators came to check out the contest and take part in various fun promotions that took place around the game. Sunday’s contest was the Hilltops highest attended regular season game in at least over a decade.

Corbin Ebben ran the ball 16 times for 108 yards and two TDs.

“It was awesome,” said Ebben. “There were just so many fans in the stadium.

“I had never seen that many. It has to be record or something. The energy was high.

“It was loud. It was great. It was just an overall great day.”

Sargeant said the team’s coaches believed Ebben could do big things. While Ebben did win the starting job, Sargeant said there was concern the games the young ball carrier missed in 2023 could hamper coming into the current campaign.

“You’ve got to get reps and you’ve got to play, and so that is a thing,” said Sargeant. “His (Ebben’s) confidence has absolutely grown with each game, and it is just looking so natural for him now his decision making and how decisive he has been.

Corbin Ebben (#34) celebrates a TD with Drake Douglas.

“It has rallied the offence. This was his best game of the year, and I’m looking forward to many, many more. He is only a third-year player, so we’ve got lots of opportunity to grow and develop him.”

While Davidsen took up the bulk of the carries for the Hilltops last season, Sargeant said the coaches had plans and plays designed to get Ebben the ball had he not gotten injured.

“The one thing with Corbin (Ebben) he has got excellent hands,” said Sargeant. “He is a great receiver out of the backfield too.

“He got a touchdown today on another big catch. He is a player that gives you a lot of different varieties. We’re going to keep showcasing that.”

The Hilltops drew 3,534 spectators to their game on Sunday.

Ebben came into the campaign having to fill Davidsen’s big shoes. Davidsen concluded his career with the Hilltops breaking the 1,000-yard barrier in rushing in each of his final two regular seasons. For Ebben, it was big getting to be teammates with Davidsen for two seasons.

“It was just great to learn from Boston (Davidsen),” said Ebben. “If I could, you know, get any part of his game and play like him, I think that would just be a great season.”

Looking ahead for the rest of the 2024 campaign, Ebben said it was important to keep focused on the present and continuing to improve.

The Hilltops Cheer Team members get pictured with two young fans.

“I think the expectations are, as ‘Sarge’ says, just get better one per cent every day,” said Ebben. “As long as we just keep going up and up, I think we’ll all be happy with that.”

As for Sunday’s game, the Hilltops got a single on the opening kickoff from kicker Ryden Gratton to go ahead 1-0. The Wildcats put together a long opening offensive series that culminated in a 12-yard field goal from kicker Nik Dokken to jump in front 3-1.

The Hilltops responded before the first quarter ended, when star quarterback Trey Reider hit star receiver Drake Douglas with a seven-yard touchdown pass to put the host side back in front 8-3. In the second quarter, the ’Toppers pushed their advantage out to 22-3 on a four-yard rushing major from Ebben and Reider hitting Douglas with a five-yard touchdown pass.

Drake Douglas caught seven passes for 109 yards and three TDs.

With 1:24 remaining before halftime, Dokken hit a 15-yard field goal for the Wildcats to trim the Hilltops lead to 22-6. With 46.7 seconds remaining before halftime, Ebben plunged into the end zone for a one-yard rushing major to give the Hilltops a 29-6 lead at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Ebben made an acrobatic one-yard touchdown catch on a toss from Reider to push Saskatoon’s edge out to 36-6. Reider proceeded to hit Douglas with a 17-yard touchdown pass to give the Hilltops a 43-6 advantage. Before the third quarter expired, the Wildcats conceded a safety to make the score stand at 45-6 in favour of the Hilltops.

The Wildcats rounded out the game’s scoring in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Marcos Soltero. He hit receivers Mekhi Tyrell with a 15-yard scoring toss and Gabe Hiebert with a nine-yard pass for a major. Edmonton was unsuccessful in going for a two-point conversion after Tyrell’s touchdown catch.

Kai Kukurudza forces a fumble for the Hilltops.

“The Wildcats came out, and they had a good game plan, and they exposed us in certain areas,” said Sargeant. “The coaches did a good job.

“We started a little slow. Then, we hunkered down, and we went out there and played good hard-nosed football.”

Reider completed 15-of-22 passes for 278 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Douglas hauled in seven passes for 109 yards to go with his three receiving scores. Xander Pierce caught three passes for 90 yards for the Hilltops.

Soltero completed 27-of-38 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing two interceptions. Tyrell caught nine passes for 125 yards to go with his major score. Mark Mryglod caught six passes for 105 yards for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats posted just 25 yards rushing as a team in the game.

Justin Adamko returns an interception for the Hilltops.

Linebackers Isaac Michayluk and Noah Gedir each had 5.5 total tackles for the Hilltops. Gedir also recovered one fumble. Defensive end Kai Kukurudza 3.5 total tackles, one quarterback sack, one pass knockdown and one forced fumble.

Defensive end Ryan Adamko had one quarterback sack, while defensive backs Justin Adamko and Nate Gallant each had one interception.

Hilltops kicker/punter Teijon Abel-Douglas recovered one of his own punts to keep a series alive.

Linebacker Tyson Krushelniski led the Wildcats with 8.5 total tackles and forced one fumble. Defensive back Aidan Bonnet had a fumble recovery for Edmonton.

The Hilltops return to action this coming Saturday when they host their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder (5-1) at 7 p.m. at SMF Field. If the Hilltops win that contest, they clinch first place in the PFC and home field advantage through the CJFL playoffs until reaching the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl.

The Adamko family poses for a picture after Sunday’s game.

“We’re not worried about that,” said Sargeant. “We’re just worried about coming out next week and playing our best game of the year.

“It will be game seven. What is Regina? It is our archrival, so we’re not going to get worked up about first place or any of that stuff.

“We just want to come out and play better than what we played this week. That is the bottom line. One day at a time.”

Clark to appear at End Zone Scholarship Dinner

Dan Clark calls signals for the Roughriders in 2019.

Dan Clark will be the special guest at the Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner set for September 28.

Clark was a star centre for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2009 to 2022. He was on the Roughriders practice roster in 2009 and 2010 and was on the main roster from 2011 to 2022 appearing in 131 games. During his years on the Roughriders practice roster, Clark was playing for the CJFL’s Regina Thunder.

Clark gained fame catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from legendary Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant in a 37-0 romp over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game played at historic Taylor Field on July 21, 2013. Following that contest, Clark and the Roughriders would later win the Grey Cup with a 45-23 victory over the Tigers-Cats on November 24, 2013 at Taylor Field.

In 2019, Clark was the unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was also named a CFL all-star.

The Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner will be held in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located at the south end of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The doors for the dinner will open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

The presenting sponsors of the event are TCU Financial and SaskTel. It is hosted in conjunction with the Hilltops community partners in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. The official beverage sponsor is the Crossmount Cider Company.

All proceeds of the event go towards the Saskatoon Hilltop Scholarship Fund.

Single tickets for the event are $100, and a table of eight goes for $725. Ticket purchases include admission to that night’s CJFL regular season contest between the Hilltops and the Regina Thunder set for 7 p.m. at SMF Field. Tickets for the End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

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

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“Pound the rock!” – Hilltops wise to keep focus on running game

Hilltops RB Corbin Ebben makes a jump cut past a defender.

By tradition, the Saskatoon Hilltops have always strived for balance on offence, but they are synonymous with the power running game in their history.

While the Hilltops overall are having a strong season running the ball, there have been a couple of hiccups that have caused concern. In their 38-13 regular season opening victory at Saskatoon Minor Football Field over the Edmonton Huskies, the Hilltops as a team posted 116 yards rushing coming off 25 carries.

That included rushing touchdowns from quarterback Trey Reider from 41 and six yards out and a one rushing plunge from power running back Corbin Ebben. Ebben topped the team with 60 yards rushing as an individual, but it is rare when the Hilltops don’t have a player record at least 100 yards rushing in a game.

On September 7 taking on the Thunder in Regina at Mosaic Stadium, the Hilltops collected only 78 yards rushing as a team on 26 carries for their fourth regular season outing. Reider recorded the lone major on the ground from five yards out on a scramble out of trouble run.

The Hilltops prevailed 29-15 thanks to Reider’s passing. He completed 17-of-27 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception.

Out of the Hilltops first four contests, they had two outings where their running game wasn’t up to their sturdy form. Following their CJFL championship win last season, the Hilltops graduated star power running back Boston Davidsen, who closed out his junior football career with back-to-back regular season of rushing for 1,000 or more yards.

One had to wonder if the Hilltops running game was taking a step backwards due to the fact Davidsen was no longer with the team.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops did their best to work out their struggles on the ground against the winless Winnipeg Rifles. In a 57-14 romp, the Hilltops as a team ran the ball 34 times for 253 yards and five touchdowns.

Corbin Ebben, left, celebrates scoring a TD for the Hilltops.

Ebben led the way for the Hilltops on the ground carrying the ball 17 times for 132 yards and one touchdown. Saskatoon’s rushing statistics also got a boost in that contest from a 70-yard run by backup fourth-year quarterback Brexton Elias.

The Hilltops running attack looked like it was back in form as the team improved 5-0. They will aim to keep perfecting their work on the ground this coming Sunday as they host the Edmonton Wildcats (0-5) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Wildcats need to win to keep their post-season hopes alive.

Ebben currently sits second in the Prairie Football Conference with 470 yards rushing coming off 80 carries. He has reached the end zone on the ground three times.

On Wednesday, Ebben, who is in his third-year of CJFL eligibility, was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his efforts in the Hilltops latest victory of the season over the Rifles. On top of his rushing totals, Ebben had one catch for 15 yards against Winnipeg last Sunday. 

On the season, the 20-year-old has caught 10 passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns. He has been named the offensive player of the week for the PFC twice.

Ebben, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 205 pounds, is one of the most popular players in the Hilltops dressing room, because he brings a strong work ethic into every practice and game. The graduate of the Delisle Composite High School Rebels nine-a-side football program is really coachable too. He missed time in the second half of the 2023 regular season due to injury, but he made it back for the post-season.

Still, the Hilltops were hoping to get the ball a little more than they did to Ebben in 2023. One wonders if those missed repetitions with the ball by Ebben might have contributed to a slower start on the ground.

Ebben did record his first 100-yard rushing game of the campaign in the Hilltops second regular season contest on August 18, when they downed the Rifles in Winnipeg 47-1. He ran the ball 20 times for 104 yards and one touchdown in that contest.

The Hilltops have always aimed to be 50/50 team on offence, because they are playing football in Canada. When the temperatures get colder at the end of the regular season and through the post-season, the elements often force teams to have success running the ball.

Last season, the snow and cold was only a partial concern for the team. The Hilltops had to win a pair of games in absolute monsoon like rainy conditions.

Corbin Ebben sits second in the PFC with 470 yards rushing.

On September 30, 2023 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops grinded out a 19-10 victory over the Thunder. In a constant downpour, the Hilltops won by running the ball 40 times for 152 yards.

In the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – played on November 11, 2023 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., against the Westshore Rebels, the Hilltops again played in rain that came down in Biblical proportions. Saskatoon posted a 17-10 victory for a 23^rd CJFL title in team history. As a team, the Hilltops ran the ball 30 times for 187 yards and one touchdown.

While the weather calls for a mix of sun and could and a high of 20 C for the Hilltops upcoming home clash against the Wildcats, you never know when Mother Nature is going to add a surprise in the contests that follow.

Due to that possibility, the Hilltops are wise to keep their focus on continually improving their game on the ground.

Clark to appear at End Zone Scholarship Dinner, other notes

Dan Clark calls signals for the Roughriders in 2019.

Dan Clark will be the special guest at the Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner set for September 28.

Clark was a star centre for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2009 to 2022. He was on the Roughriders practice roster in 2009 and 2010 and was on the main roster from 2011 to 2022 appearing in 131 games. During his years on the Roughriders practice roster, Clark was playing for the CJFL’s Regina Thunder.

Clark gained fame catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from legendary Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant in a 37-0 romp over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game played at historic Taylor Field on July 21, 2013. Following that contest, Clark and the Roughriders would later win the Grey Cup with a 45-23 victory over the Tigers-Cats on November 24, 2013 at Taylor Field.

In 2019, Clark was the unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He was also named a CFL all-star.

The Annual Hilltops End Zone Scholarship Dinner will be held in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located at the south end of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The doors for the dinner will open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

The presenting sponsors of the event are TCU Financial and SaskTel. It is hosted in conjunction with the Hilltops community partners in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. The official beverage sponsor is the Crossmount Cider Company.

All proceeds of the event go towards the Saskatoon Hilltop Scholarship Fund.

Single tickets for the event are $100, and a table of eight goes for $725. Ticket purchases include admission to that night’s CJFL regular season contest between the Hilltops and the Regina Thunder set for 7 p.m. at SMF Field. Tickets for the End Zone Dinner can be purchased by clicking right here.

• On Wednesday, Calgary Colts defensive back Cody Anglo was name the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his performance in his team’s 24-16 victory over the visiting Edmonton Huskies at Shouldice Athletic Park. Anglo recorded seven defensive solo tackles, four defensive tackle assists, one special teams solo tackle, two pass knockdowns and one interception.
• On Wednesday, Regina Thunder linebacker Devin Baumann was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week for his performance in his club’s 51-16 victory over the visiting Edmonton Wildcats at Leibel Field. Baumann blocked two punts and recovered one for a touchdown to go along with two special teams tackle assists.
• The Saskatoon Hilltops topped the CJFL’s Top 10 Power Rankings that were released on Thursday. The Regina Thunder were rated fourth, the Calgary Colts placed eighth and the Edmonton Huskies came in at 10^th.
• The Saskatoon Hilltops are wearing decals on the back of their helmets to honour the memory of long time director Jeff Gould. Gould passed away on August 26 at age 73 due to complications following a recent cancer diagnosis. Gould was serving in his 15^th year as a Hilltops director and was the team’s game day convener and was also a vice-president of the PFC. Gould also held roles in the past as the Hilltops manager and team president.
• The Winnipeg Rifles (0-5) need to beat the Calgary Colts (3-2) in order to keep their post-season hopes alive. The two squads meet at 1 p.m. local time on Sunday at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg.
• Rob Vanstone, who is the senior journalist and team historian of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, put together a fabulous piece on Saskatoon Hilltops power running back Corbin Ebben. The feature goes into Ebben’s beginnings in the sport of football with the Delisle Composite High School Rebels nine-a-side team. That piece can be found by clicking right here.
• Darren Zary, who is outstanding forever sports writer at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, put together a great emotional piece on legendary Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant undergoing open-heart, double-bypass surgery this past March. After the surgery, Sargeant successes in being able to return to the Hilltops sidelines for the start of the current campaign. That piece can be found by clicking right here.

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

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

Raiders’ Rudolph ready for WHL, scores equalizer in debut

Pats spoil party claiming 3-2 OT victory

Daxon Rudolph had a solid first outing for the Raiders.

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – Maybe it was just a little too early for the Hockey Gods to allow Daxon Rudolph to write a storybook finish in the WHL.

The 16-year-old rookie defenceman, who was the first overall selection in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, nearly played hero on Friday night for the Prince Albert Raiders making his major junior regular season debut. Facing the Regina Pats in the regular season opener for both clubs, the Raiders found themselves down 2-1 late in the third period.

Raiders 20-year-old right-winger Niall Crocker had the puck behind the Regina net and put a backhand pass to Rudolph, who pinched down from the right point into the right faceoff dot. Rudolph fired home his first goal of his WHL career to even the score at 2-2 with two minutes remaining in the third. That tally fired up the faithful at the Raiders storied home in the Art Hauser Centre and sent the contest to overtime.

The Raiders celebrate a goal from Daxon Rudolph (#10) on Friday.

Just over two minutes into overtime, Rudolph found himself with the puck in the left slot of the offensive zone with a glorious chance to net the winner. His drive was swallowed up by Pats veteran netminder Kelton Pyne.

With 46.4 remaining in extra time, the Pats played spoiler. Inside the final minute of overtime, the visitors got the puck into the Prince Albert zone creating a lot of frantic play. Pats sophomore 17-year-old left-winger Cole Temple got control of the puck in the left corner of the Prince Albert zone below the icing line.

Temple passed the puck to the front of the net to Pats veteran 19-year-old centre Zachary Shantz. Schantz wired home the winner to the top right corner of the Prince Albert goal to deliver the Pats to a 3-2 victory.

Daxon Rudolph was selected first in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

When the dust settled, Rudolph imagined what the scene would have been like had he netted the overtime winner.

“That would have been awesome,” said Rudolph, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds. “The crowd would have went crazy.

“The boys would have went crazy. To get a win there would have been awesome, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way.”

Still, Rudolph’s first outing in the WHL was memorable one, and one most players wish they could have when they break into the major junior ranks. The Lacombe, Alta., product recorded one goal, four shots on net and a plus-two rating in the plus-minus department. He said the fans in “Hockey Town North” made it a blast to suit up for the Raiders on home ice.

Sam Oremba scored the Pats first goal on Friday.

“It was really fun,” said Rudolph. “All the guys were amped up, and it is too bad we didn’t come out with the win.

“We pushed into overtime for a good game.”

Of course Rudolph is never going to forget his first goal, especially when it came at a critical moment for his club in forcing a 2-2 tie with two minutes remaining in the third period.

“It was awesome,” said Rudolph. “I mean the last two minute of the game to get one to get us back to even is big for our team.

Kelton Pyne stopped 37 shots for the Pats.

“It was great to hear the building go wild and get us kind of back into the game and get some energy heading into overtime. It is too back we didn’t come out with a win, but we got a (standings) point.”

Raiders head coach Jeff Truitt was pleased to Rudolph net his first career goal. The veteran bench boss believed Rudolph would get that milestone tally sooner than later.

“These kids are all good players, and it is just a matter of time before they score,” said Truitt. “Dax (Rudolph) got this one tonight and good for him.

“It is quite an accomplishment to get your first one.”

Overall, the Raiders dressed five 16-year-old rookies on Friday including Rudolph, defenceman Benett Kelly, left-winger Ty Menuier and right-wingers Riley Boychuk and Jonah Sivertson. While they lack experience at the WHL level, Truitt thought the 16-year-olds showed that they belong.

Niall Crocker had a goal and an assist for the Raiders.

“You know what, they might be 16, but they don’t look like 16 sometimes,” said Truitt. “Sometimes when you’re the home team you get the matchup.

“We were chasing the game a little bit. Do you rely on them at this point in time? Not always.

“We gave them some chances here and there, but we wanted to fight back and usually you go with your older group a little bit. Those younger guys I thought fit in real well.”

In Friday’s clash, the Raiders came out of the gate with some jump recorded the first three shots on goal in the contest. The Pats would turn away the host side’s early moment netting a power-play goal at the 7:07 mark of the opening frame.

While working with the man advantage, Pats 20-year-old centre Braxton Whitehead broke into the Raiders zone on a rush down the right wing. He centred a pass across the face of the Prince Albert net to linemate Sam Oremba, who popped home the contest’s opening tally to give the visitors a 1-0 edge.

Samuel Laplante scored his first WHL goal on Friday.

With 2:01 one remaining in the opening frame, the Raiders evened the score at 1-1 on a gritty goal from 20-year-old right-winger Niall Crocker. Raiders sophomore 17-year-old left-winger Luke Moroz tried to pop home a shot during frantic action around the Regina net.

Pyne got a piece of the shot, but the puck sat loose in the crease of the Regina goal. Crocker swooped in and popped the loose puck home for the equalizer.

Just 2:21 into the second, the Pats went ahead 2-1 thanks to positive bounce goal. Pats 17-year-old rookie defenceman Samuel Laplante floated a puck from the right point towards the Raiders net.

Laplante’s floater deflected off Raiders 20-year-old defenceman Cedricson Okitundu into the Prince Albert net to give the visitor’s their one-goal edge. The tally was also Laplante’s first career WHL regular season goal.

Luke Moroz had an assist for the Raiders on Friday.

Okitundu, who spent last season with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, was signed by the Raiders earlier in the day. He had been released by the Bulldogs and was able to join the Raiders after clearing waivers.

That set the stage for the dramatics late in the third period and in overtime.

“I thought that at times we were sloppy with the puck and just the pace of play here a little bit,” said Truitt. “It is going to smooth out.

“It is going to take some time, and we know that. We had our chances. We had some chances here that we could have obviously scored on, but we didn’t finish and that seems to be the difference.

Cole Temple picked up an assist on the Pats OT winning goal.

“They score a power-play goal. They score on some of their chances, and we don’t and that is the difference.”

Max Hildebrand turned away 22 shots to take the setback in net for the Raiders. Pyne stopped 37 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Pats.

Both clubs were still missing players who were away at pro training camps.

The Raiders have three players attending NHL training camps including centre Tomas Mrsic (St. Louis Blues), defenceman Lukas Dragicevic (Seattle Kraken) and import defenceman Norwin Panocha (Buffalo Sabres). Raiders import 20-year-old left-winger Krzysztof Macias is at the training camp of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

Zackary Shantz (#42) reacts to scoring his OT winner.

Pats star left-winger and Prince Albert product Tanner Howe is still at the training camp of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pats return home to host the Brandon Wheat Kings (6 p.m., Brandt Centre).

The Raiders return to action on Saturday when they travel to Moose Jaw to face the Warriors (7 p.m., Moose Jaw Events Centre). It will banner raising night for the Warriors, who won their first WHL championship last season.

Rudolph is ready to get after it in his upcoming second career regular season game against the Warriors on Saturday.

“I think you can always get better every day,” said Rudolph. “We have to build off this one for sure.

The Pats celebrate their OT win on Friday.

“We have a few things to work on, but yeah, we’re looking forward to it tomorrow, and we’ll be in for a good one in Moose Jaw.”

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