Ochs sets standard for Hilltops in post-season

Saskatoon set to face Thunder in PFC final in Regina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funk in right spot for key interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I love playing defence now.”

Can Hilltops channel spirit of 1985?

A team picture of the 1985 Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Sargeant circa 1985.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Family feeling brings Chisholm back to Hilltops

Saskatoon closes regular season with 32-17 win in Winnipeg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Chisholm spent 2020 in the working world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Chisholm caught a touchdown pass on Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilltops’ Morrow excels in dual role once again

Safety again making impact resuming punt returning duties

Brant Morrow returns a punt for the Hilltops.

Brant Morrow was all in when it came to making an old role new again.

After his rookie year in 2017, Morrow took on the dual role of starting safety and punt returner for the Saskatoon Hilltops in 2018 and 2019. After the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Morrow was at first penciled in to just be the starting safety for the storied CJFL squad.

As a safety, Morrow, who is one of the Hilltops team captains, handles calling out adjustments in the defensive secondary.

After the Hilltops dropped a 16-13 decision to the Regina Thunder on Sept. 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Saskatoon coaching staff talked to Morrow about resuming his role as a punt returner.

In that role, Morrow would be back returning punts with long time friend Ethan Godson. Both players are in their fourth full season with the team.

The pair had a lot of success returning punts for the Hilltops in 2019 helping the venerable Saskatoon side win a sixth straight CJFL title.

Before joining the Hilltops, Morrow and Godson were the punt returning duo when they were teammates on the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints football team.

Morrow thought he needed a spark, and the team was looking for a spark in the return game. The 22-year-old was more than happy to jump at that opportunity.

Brant Morrow (#22) is one of the Hilltops captains.

“Having the opportunity to make a big play and also to have the ball in my hands, I don’t get that all the time as a DB,” said Morrow, whose Hilltops (4-2) host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-4) at 1 p.m. on Sunday at SMF Field. “It brings some excitement and kind of lights a fire under your (butt).

“You’re excited every time you get out there on special teams.”

Morrow made a big impact in the punt return department in the Hilltops 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles on Sept. 26. With the Rifles holding a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Morrow nearly missed getting his first punt return touchdown of his CJFL career.

He returned a punt 56 yards before he was taken down at Winnipeg’s one-yard line. That return still set up a one-yard touchdown run from power running back Boston Davidsen.

Morrow returned two punts for 73 yards that game and had a kickoff that traveled 40 yards. He earned special teams player of the week honours for the Prairie Football Conference for his efforts in the win over Winnipeg.

Looking back at that long return against the Rifles, Morrow was happy it set up a touchdown, but he still wishes he would have scored on that play.

“I really didn’t anticipate that punter (Luke McMillan),” said Morrow, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 165 pounds. “He is a receiver too, but I didn’t anticipate he’d catch me.

“Looking back at the film and everything, you wished you would have put your head down a little bit more. I guess that is a good learning lesson, because you don’t want to leave anything on the field. Having a play like that makes you really realize like there are only a couple of plays in the game where that little extra effort will pay dividends.

Brant Morrow (#22) fills the dual role of safety and punt returner.

“I’m happy the team scored, but yeah, obviously you want to score for yourself as well.”

For the moment, Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant believes Morrow has just scratched the surface when it comes to making big plays this season. The legendary sideline boss thinks Morrow will be part of multiple big moments as the campaign moves on.

“Brant (Morrow), he is always a breath of fresh air,” said Sargeant. “He brings a lot of energy and a lot of leadership.

“He loves playing the game. He is a great competitor. He loves to make big plays, and we’re looking forward to these next two regular season games and the playoffs where he is going to be even more dynamic as a playmaker and help put us in some real good spots as a punt returner and as a safety.”

When it comes to big plays, Morrow’s signature play came on August 25, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina against the Thunder. Right before the end of the third quarter of that contest, Morrow returned an interception 113 yards for a touchdown to help power the Hilltops to a 34-16 victory.

That win was the 200^th career victory in combined CJFL regular season and post-season action for Sargeant.

“It is something that you like to get hyped up on,” said Morrow. “Being my fifth year here, sometimes you feel like you are almost expected to make plays.

“Really, our coaches put us in good spots. I trust that my coaches are put me in a spot to make big plays like that and not necessarily that I’ll have to do something out of the ordinary to make a play like that. I think I’ll just be doing my job and something great can happen out of that.”

Brant Morrow has been the Hilltops starting safety since 2018.

So far this season on defensive side of the ball, Morrow has 20 total tackles, one quarterback sack and two pass knockdowns.

While the Hilltops were able to practice for six weeks in September and October of 2020, Morrow felt like he had to shake off some rust to get back to game speed due to not playing any games last year.

Morrow believes he is starting to get back to where he was.

“I think personally I could be playing better,” said Morrow. “I’ve been getting better every game.

“That year off really, definitely took something to me. It has taken a lot to get it back, but I feel like I’ve got my feet under me. For the rest of the season, I’m going to be looking a lot different than the first half.”

The Hilltops are looking to close out the regular season by winning their last two games in order to lock up second place and earn a bye to host a PFC semifinal contest in the CJFL playoffs.

The Wildcats head into Sunday’s game with running back Nathan Zacharias posing a big threat on the ground. Zacharias sits second in the PFC in rushing carrying the ball 94 times for 549 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

The Hilltops head into the contest with the Wildcats after posting a huge 34-20 victory over the 4-2 Edmonton Huskies on Oct. 3 at SMF Field.

“Hey, (Wildcats head) coach (Darcy) Park has been around for a long time and does a good job with his group and his staff,” said Sargeant. “Hey, they are playing the Saskatoon Hilltops, so he is going to come in fired up and motivated.

Brant Morrow (#22) is all fired up for the stretch run.

“They are going to put in a lot of time and energy into getting ready for this game. We have to make sure that we show up, and we play our Sunday best. The reality is we had a great first half against the Edmonton Huskies.

“I wasn’t as happy in the second half. I’m looking to see if we can come out and play a 60-minute game. There is no better time to do it than against the Edmonton Wildcats.”

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Godson emerges as Hilltops big play threat

Ethan Godson has been a big playmaker for the Hilltops.

Ethan Godson is showing that big things can indeed happen, when preparation meets opportunity.

Playing in his fourth full season at receiver for the CJFL powerhouse Saskatoon Hilltops, Godson is having a breakout campaign. Godson sits fifth in the Prairie Football Conference for most receiving yards at 376 after six regular season games.

The 22-year-old has put up career highs in catches (20) and receiving touchdowns (five) to go along with his career high in receiving yards.

In addition to his receiving totals, Godson sits second in the PFC for most punt return yards at 204 coming on 22 return attempts.

“I think I’m just getting a couple of more opportunities being an older guy now, and I’m making my plays,” said Godson. “I think that is all it is.

“I think I’m just capitalizing on every chance I get, and I get some confidence in the coaches to keep giving me the ball.”

During the 2021 campaign, Godson has been one of the Hilltops most consistent performers on offence. Saskatoon’s offence was plagued with inconsistencies in four of the club’s six regular season contests.

The inconsistencies haven’t stopped Godson from emerging as a big play threat, which is a development legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant has enjoyed seeing.

“He (Godson) is a great kid,” said Sargeant. “He has evolved coming in his fourth year.

“He has arrived. He is one of the biggest play receivers in the league. His punt return game is awesome.

“He hadn’t scored a touchdown in the league, and this year I think he has had five. It is good to see him get rewarded for putting a lot of time in during the off-season. He is an explosive talent for us.”

When Godson first began playing football in Saskatoon’s Kinsmen Football League, he actually started out as a quarterback. During his Grade 10 season of high school football with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints, Godson elected to move to receiver as the Saints were being guided by a quarterback in his senior season.

Ethan Godson hauls in one of his five TD catches this season.

He found it wasn’t that hard to make the switch between the two positions.

“It wasn’t too bad, because obviously as a quarterback, you know all the plays,” said Godson, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 200 pounds. “It is not too hard with transition.

“You just go out there. I think I didn’t know any better. I just tried to make good plays.”

Godson enjoyed playing for Saints head coach Donnie Davidsen, who is also the Hilltops long time offensive line coach. The receiver credits the sideline boss for being one his biggest influences in helping him out in the game.

“He (Davidsen) has been around for quite a bit,” said Godson, who helped the Saints win a 3A provincial championship in 2016. “Him being around the Hilltops kind of got me to come here.

“I think Donnie (Davidsen) has helped me out quite a bit there.”

Godson helped the Hilltops win CJFL championships in each of his first three seasons with the team in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Of course, the 2020 campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, but the Hilltops were able to hold six weeks for regular practices in September and October of that year.

The speedy pass catcher said he has improved considerably since joining the Hilltops.

“You come out every day for five years, I think you are going to get a lot better,” said Godson, who played baseball for the Saskatoon Giants under-18 AAA program. “I think I am a way different player than I was five years ago.”

Sargeant said Godson has become a more rounded receiver during his time with the venerable CJFL club.

“(Godson has improved) his hand placement and how he catches the ball,” said Sargeant. “He is really good at breaking tackles.

Ethan Godson has the fifth most receiving yards in the PFC.

“He just absolutely is the full package now. He is a great blocker in the run game. He is a full receiver, and he is a great special teamer.

“Ethan Godson is a heck of a football player.”

As the Hilltops head down the stretch run and into the post-season, Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, said the team is going to try and create more situations to allow Godson to make more explosive plays.

“We are going to wear him (Godson) out as much as we can,” said Sargeant. “Our quarterback play is developing with Damon Dutton.

“They are building chemistry. We want to wear him out. Every game, we should be throwing him the ball at least eight targets a game, because he always gives us big potential to make big plays.”

With two games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Hilltops sport a 4-2 record to sit second in the PFC. They hold a standings tiebreaker over the 4-2 Edmonton Huskies having swept the seasonal series between the two sides 2-0.

The Hilltops are looking to hold on to second place, which would allow them to earn a bye past the first round of the post-season and the opportunity to host a PFC semifinal game.

The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, October 17, when they host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-4) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops downed the Huskies 34-20 at SMF Field. The Hilltops piled up 444 yards of total offence for their best overall outing of the season on that side of the ball.

Godson said the members of the Hilltops offensive unit believed they could have an outing like that.

“I think we’ve known the whole time that were only a couple of mistakes away from being where we were on Sunday (against the Edmonton Huskies),” said Godson. “It has been tough, and we’ve had to work through it.

“I think we knew what we had in us the whole time.”

Ethan Godson wants to continue making key plays for the Hilltops.

Godson said the confidence of the offensive unit grew from that performance.

“I think it is pretty good for sure,” said Godson. “That was a huge game for us, especially that first half.

“I think we were rolling pretty good. Just knowing that we can do it, I think that is the biggest thing.”

As the Hilltops move forward in the campaign, Godson is looking forward to the fact the Hilltops coaches are going create opportunities for him to make more explosive players in games.

“I think that is huge confidence with the coaching staff,” said Godson. “That is all you can ask for.

“I think it is great to have that.”

Hilltops’ Davidsen gets player of the week nod

Boston Davidsen got player of the week honours for a monster game.

Boston Davidsen’s monster game for the Saskatoon Hilltops has resulted in a player of the week accolade.

On Tuesday, the 20-year-old running back was named the offensive player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference of the CJFL. The nod for the weekly honour came as a result of Davidsen’s performance in the Hilltops key 34-20 victory over the Edmonton Huskies last Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

In that regular season contest, Davidsen ran the ball 31 times for 221 yards and scored three touchdowns.

With the win, the Hilltops improved to 4-2, while the Huskies fell to 4-2. Thanks to sweeping the seasonal series against the Huskies 2-0, the Hilltops sit second in the Prairie Football Conference.

The top two teams in the PFC earn byes to host conference semifinal games in the post-season.

So far this season, Davidsen sits fourth overall in rushing in the PFC carrying the ball 69 times for 464 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

Linebacker Austin Daisy of the Calgary Colts was named the defensive player of the week for the PFC, while Colts placekicker Austin Griffiths was named the special teams player of the week for the PFC.

Daisy and Griffiths earned their accolades in the Colts 28-26 setback to the Rifles in Winnipeg last Sunday.

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Hilltops ship it up to Boston

Davidsen rumbles for 221 yards in win over Huskies

Boston Davidsen had a monster game Sunday for the Hilltops.

The Saskatoon Hilltops shipped the ball up to Boston Davidsen to find their offensive groove.

The 20-year-old running back, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds, ran the ball 31 times for 221 yards and scored three touchdowns to power the Hilltops to a 34-20 victory over the Edmonton Huskies in a CJFL regular season clash on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Davidsen’s performance allowed the Hilltops to build a 17-0 edge in the first quarter and hold a 20-0 advantage at halftime. The power running back’s legs ensured the Hilltops held off a Huskies surge in the second half to preserve the victory.

When asked if this contest was a statement to show he had arrived, Davidsen deflected credit to his offensive line.

Boston Davidsen (#24) powers his way to a 10-yard touchdown run.

The Hilltops starting offensive line including left tackle Mason Ochs, left guard Jordan Bisson, centre Luciano Jolly, right guard Ethan Paslowski and right tackle Jayson Kehler allowed the Hilltops to pile up 444 yards of total offence.

“It is more the O-line’s time has arrived,” said Davidsen, whose father Donnie Davidsen is the Hilltops long time offensive line coach. “This is probably their best game of the year.

“When the O-line has a good game, the running back is going to have a good game. I think just O-line play and coaching plan led to the game today.”

The win was a big one for the Hilltops as it allowed them to improve to 4-2, while the Huskies fell to 4-2. 

Boston Davidsen (#24) celebrates his second of three majors.

The victory allowed the Hilltops to sweep the regular season series with the Huskies 2-0, which means Saskatoon holds the standings tiebreaker between the two sides and moved into second place in the Prairie Football Conference.

Both clubs have two games remaining on their respective regular season schedules. The Regina Thunder sit first in the PFC with a 6-0 mark with two games remaining on their regular season schedule.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said Boston Davidsen has emerged thanks to the work he put in during an extended break when the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

Boston Davidsen, left, scores his third rushing TD on Sunday.

Davidsen helped the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints win 3A provincial championships in 2016 and 2018 before joining the Hilltops for their 2019 CJFL championship season. Following the Hilltops 2019 CJFL title season, Sargeant said Davidsen worked to get bigger, stronger and faster.

“Carter (McLean) is our starter, but he (Davidsen) just kept coming and coming,” said Sargeant. “Carter got a little nicked up, and at the end of the day, hey, he (Davidsen) is starting to make his plays, and it is fun to watch.

“Everyone rallies around him. To have Boston and Carter in our backfield and Jordan Tabin who played a great game today as well, our three backs were absolutely exemplary today. A big credit to the O-line.

Boston Davidsen piled up 221 yards rushing on Sunday.

“When you put all that together, yeah, we should be tough to stop, and we want to keep going in that direction.”

The presence of Davidsen and McLean gives the Hilltops a huge one-two punch at the running back position, while Tabin has taken on the role of short-yardage specialist. McLean had a solid outing too in Sunday’s win carrying the ball 14 times for 64 yards.

Davidsen said McLean, who is in his third full season with the Hilltops, has been a good mentor.

“The running back ahead of me, Carter McLean, he has been a really big influence on me,” said Davidsen. “He has been really helping me out teaching me and has been a big supporter of mine.

“A lot of credit goes to him.”

Josh Wiebe had a big opening kickoff return on Sunday.

The Hilltops came out the gate flying on Sunday. Receiver Josh Wiebe returned the opening kickoff 39 yards into Huskies territory to give the Hilltops offence good field position.

The Hilltops offence proceeded to drive the ball after Wiebe’s return for an opening series touchdown drive that was capped by a four-yard scoring run by Davidsen to take a 7-0 lead. That score marked the first time the Hilltops offence scored a major on their opening possession of the game this season.

Saskatoon quickly got the ball back again thanks to an interception near midfield by outside linebacker Konner Johnson, who had seven total tackles in the contest.

“That was one of our big talking points in practices,” said Davidsen. “It was let’s have a good drive and let’s stay on the field, especially on that first drive and hit them hard.

Konner Johnson came up with a big first quarter interception.

“I think we did that, and it helped for the rest of the game.”

The Hilltops drove down and got a 17-yard field goal from kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas on their ensuing possession to go up 10-0.

Before the first quarter ended, Davidsen ran in a touchdown up the gut from 10-yards out to increase Saskatoon’s advantage to 17-0.

In the second quarter, the Hilltops scored a safety to go up 19-0, when Huskies star quarterback Declan O’Flaherty was penalized for intentional grounding for throwing the ball away while in his own end zone.

Abel-Douglas added a single from a missed 37-yard field goal to put the Hilltops up 20-0 going into halftime.

Two Hilltops defenders make a big hit on a Huskies receiver.

Hilltops safety Brant Morrow said his team had a really good vibe heading into Sunday’s game.

“It was more of a feeling,” said Morrow, who had three solo tackles and a pass knock down in the win. “We came out with more energy.

“We were giving each other more high-fives. We were excited for each other making plays. That energy just really took us into the game, and we played a better game.”

The Huskies didn’t go away. On the first series in the second half, the Huskies put together a long offensive series that culminated on an 11-yard touchdown run from star running back Alex Gayle to cut Saskatoon’s lead to 20-7.

Huskies receiver De Shawn Le Jour gets tackled after a catch.

The Hilltops responded with a touchdown drive of their own that was capped by a 21-yard run from Davidsen to push the host side’s advantage to 27-7. Morrow was impressed with what Davidsen and the Hilltops ground game was able to do.

“Boston was amazing, but I also have to give a shout out to the O-line,” said Morrow. “They were awesome as well.

“He (Davidsen) was hitting the holes hard. Yards after contact, he can get a lot of those. He was special today.”

Before the third quarter ended, the Huskies got on the board again, when O’Flaherty hit star receiver De Shawn Le Jour with a 35-yard touchdown pass. Huskies kicker Ethan Hartman hit the crossbar on the ensuing convert to see the Hilltops lead sit at 27-13.

Declan O'Flaherty (#4) had 306 yards passing for the Huskies.

Just 75 seconds into the fourth quarter, O’Flaherty hit receiver Caleb Akerley with a four-yard touchdown toss on a third-and-goal gamble. The Huskies major further trimmed Saskatoon’s advantage to 27-20.

That was as close as the Huskies would come to making a comeback.

Hilltops quarterback Damon Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 27-yard touchdown pass with 8:42 remaining in the fourth quarter to conclude the scoring in the 34-20 win by the host side.

“We’re a work in progress, but at the end of the day, this was by far our best game of the year,” said Sargeant. “You know what, the guys stuck together and played together.

Ethan Paslowski, left, sets to make a block in pass protection.

“Our O-line really stepped up. Our quarterback was good. Boston Davidsen is an emerging superstar.

“At the end the day, the defence was great in the first half.”

Doubling as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, Sargeant gave his offence, which has been inconsistent this season, an extra plug.

“The Edmonton Huskies had the best offence in the league,” said Sargeant. “That was our challenge is whose got the best offence.

“I think we proved today putting 34 points on it right now that the Saskatoon Hilltops offence is pretty good. We’re only going to get better.”

Carter McLean carried the ball 14 times for 64 yards on Sunday.

Dutton completed 16-of-24 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no inceptions for the Hilltops.

O’Flaherty connected on 26-of-40 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception for the Huskies. Gayle carried the ball 22 times for 119 yards to go with his major score, while Le Jour caught seven passes for 114 yards to go with his catch for a major score for the visitors.

Defensive lineman Josh Lenz had a sack for the Huskies.

The entire PFC now heads off on a bye week.

The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, October 17 at 1 p.m. when they host the Edmonton Wildcats (2-4) at SMF Field.

Matthew Turple, left, and Luciano Jolly are all smiles after Sunday’s win.

Davidsen said the focus now shifts toward building for the post-season.

“We’re getting ready for the playoffs here,” said Davidsen. “We have two more games.

“We have to try and ramp up the intensity, so that when we go into the playoffs, we are ready to go, and it is our best game when we are heading into Week 1 of the playoffs.”

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Hilltops and Huskies to battle in big money game

Ethan Godson and the Hilltops have a big game on Sunday.

It is a contest the Saskatoon Hilltops have to win, if they want to have a bye in the post-season.

On Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops (3-2) host the Edmonton Huskies (4-1) in a CJFL regular season clash where the winner will sit second in the Prairie Football Conference standings.

The Hilltops claimed the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton. 

A win by Saskatoon on Sunday would allow the Hilltops to sweep the season series 2-0 and give them the standings tiebreaker with the Huskies.

If the Huskies win on Sunday, the Hilltops chances of finishing in the top two positions of the PFC could potentially be finished. The Huskies would be left to jockey with the Regina Thunder (5-0) for first in the PFC over the final two weeks of the campaign.

This season, all six teams in the PFC make the playoffs. The first and second place teams earn byes to host conference semifinal games.

 “That (Sunday’s contest with the Huskies) is an absolute money game,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “There is lots at stake there.

Boston Davidsen (#24) has run tough inside for the Hilltops.

“We certainly have to improve our performance and our play if we are going to put ourselves in some meaningful situations in the future. Right now, we are making still too many mistakes that get in our way and don’t allow us to play a game of energy and momentum.”

Sargeant is well aware of the test that awaits his team. Huskies running back Alex Gayle leads the PFC in rushing yards with 547 and rushing touchdowns with seven.

Gayle piled up those statistics on 87 carries, which means he is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

Huskies star quarterback Declan O’Flaherty has completed 76-of-135 passes for PFC high 1,350 yards and a PFC leading 13 touchdowns, while only throwing two interceptions.

Huskies receiver Adner St. Hilaire sits second in the PFC with 409 yards receiving coming on 22 catches, and he has scored a pair of touchdowns. De Shawn Le Jour is also having a big season playing receiver for the Huskies catching 13 passes for 341 yards and six touchdowns. His receive yardage total ranks fourth best in the PFC.

Sargeant liked how his defence has played this season, especially in the Hilltops 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles this past Sunday at SMF Field. The legendary sideline boss knows that unit faces a big test against the Huskies.

LB Noah Gedir (#36) and the Hilltops defence aims to come up big.

“Our defence certainly put on some good game tape this weekend especially after the first quarter,” said Sargeant. “I’m really pleased with how they played.

“They have a tough matchup ahead of them, because they (the Huskies) got the leading rusher. They have two of the top four receivers. Their quarterback has thrown 13 touchdowns and 1,300 yards passing, so by far the best in the league.

“They have a lot of weapons offensively. Their defence is aggressive. There is lots in front of us.”

Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson said a key to taking on the Huskies is trying to make them one-dimensional on offence.

“We have to stop the run first of all like we did with the Rifles,” said Johnson, who leads the Hilltops with three interceptions this season. “The run is dangerous.

“Once we can do that, the game gets easier for us on defence, and that is the goal.”

Offensively, the Hilltops are looking for better consistency on that side of the ball. They’ve been able to rely on their ground game as running back Carter McLean sits third in the PFC in rushing with 421 yards coming on 92 carries, and he has scores three touchdowns.

The Hilltops need to hit the end zone a few times on Sunday.

Running back Boston Davidsen, who is in his second full season with the Hilltops, has carried the ball 38 times for 243 yards and scored one touchdown this season. He sits seventh in the PFC for rushing.

The Hilltops air attack is showing glimpses over the past two weeks that it can be dangerous. Speed receiver Ethan Godson has caught 16 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns. He has the fifth most receiving yards in the PFC.

Huskies defensive back Cheyvez Campbell tops the PFC with five interceptions, and he will try to keep making life tough for the Hilltops offence.

“We just have to be consistent,” said Godson. “I think that is the biggest thing.

“We have some good drives, but then we can’t finish them. I think just being consistent is the biggest thing.”

Hilltops’ Morrow gets PFC’s weekly special teams honour

Brant Morrow jets downfield on a 56-yard punt return.

Saskatoon Hilltops safety Brant Morrow turned heads with his abilities on special teams, and it allowed him to capture a weekly award.

On Tuesday, Morrow was named the special teams player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference. This past Sunday in a 25-10 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Morrow returned two punts for 73 yards and kicked off once for 40 yards.

In the first quarter in the win over the Rifles, Morrow returned a punt 56 yards down to the Winnipeg one yard line. That set up a one-yard touchdown plunge from Hilltops running back Boston Davidsen.

Edmonton Huskies running back Alex Gayle was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his efforts in a 57-14 romp over the Colts in Calgary this past Sunday.

Gayle carried the ball 19 times for 149 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 29 yards.

Regina Thunder linebacker Matthew Schill took honours as the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his efforts in a 22-10 victory over the Wildcats in Edmonton. Schill had 11 solo tackles, one quarterback sack and one interception in the win.

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Johnson’s takeaways help Hilltops return to winning ways

Konner Johnson runs back an interception for the Hilltops.

Konner Johnson prefers to play football on Sundays instead of watching it on TV.

The 21-year-old Melfort, Sask., product will never discount how great it is to play games for the Saskatoon Hilltops after the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

After being a backup linebacker during his first two CJFL championship seasons with the Hilltops in 2018 and 2019, Johnson took part in six weeks of practices the team was able to hold in September and October of 2020.

In the CJFL’s return in 2021, Johnson is a starter at outside linebacker. On Sunday, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery to allow the Hilltops to end an two-game losing skid as they got past the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 25-10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Konner Johnson had two interceptions for the Hilltops on Sunday.

“Practice is fun, but this is what we practice for is the game day,” said Johnson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds. “Last year and last fall, it was pretty boring just going to practice and being on the weekends doing nothing watching NFL.

“I like playing myself.”

The win for the Hilltops, who improved to 3-2, was far from a masterpiece against the Rifles, who fell to 1-4. Saskatoon committed a lot of fundamental errors turning the ball over seven times on three interceptions, two fumbles and twice on downs to go along with botches on a number of long snaps on special teams.

The Hilltops celebrate a fumble recovery from Konner Johnson, centre.

The Hilltops defence led by Johnson created six takeaways coming on three interceptions, one fumble recovery and stopping the Rifles twice on third down gambles.

Winnipeg jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the first quarter, but the visitor’s momentum was stalled as Johnson had his fumble recovery and one of his interceptions in the contest’s first 15 minutes.

“I love being on the field as much as I can making plays,” said Johnson. “That is what I like to do.”

Johnson said he likely had his best game of the season for this point in the year. He was well aware Sunday’s game wasn’t a work of art, and everyone on the team needs to play better.

RB Ivan Jaque runs in a touchdown for the Rifles.

“I think we have a lot more as a team to go,” said Johnson, who is a graduate of the nine-man Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Comets football team. “I think we can all play better, so that is what we are looking forward to.”

Heading into Sunday’s action, Johnson sat second in the PFC with 61 defensive points coming on 24 total tackles, one quarterback sack, three pass knockdowns and one interception.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant thought Johnson was on the verge of a major game-breaking performance, which came in Sunday’s win.

“Konner has to be one of the most dominant players in the CJFL, and he proved that today that he is at that caliber,” said Sargeant. “We have to keep building on that.

Brant Morrow runs back a long punt return for the Hilltops.

“He is starting to set the tone as being a difference maker and a playmaker. If we get more guys playing like him, it is going to really tighten this field up and make it tough for offences to have a lot of success. It was great to see.

“We’ve been waiting for it to happen. As I said, it happened today.”

The Rifles started the contest taking the opening kickoff and executing a quick kick play. The Winnipeg kick returner kicked the ball up field, and an onside man recovered the boot to allow the visitors to start their first offensive series just inside the Hilltops side of the 55 yard line.

Winnipeg proceeded to march that opening series downfield culminating in a three-yard touchdown run from running back Ivan Jaque to go ahead 7-0.

Mason Ochs, left, makes a big block for the Hilltops.

Just over three minutes later, the Hilltops offence got set up on the Winnipeg one yard line after a 56-yard punt return from safety Brant Morrow.

Running back Boston Davidsen plunged in from a yard out to even the score at 7-7.

Before the first quarter ended, the Rifles got a 14-yard field goal from kicker Matt Kennedy to go ahead 10-7. Kennedy’s field goal was set up, when Hilltops punter Doug Fleming’s knee touched the turf fielding a bad long snap.

With 5:09 remaining in the second quarter, the Hilltops went ahead on the scoreboard, when quarterback Damon Dutton hit second-year receiver Lachlan Horsley with a five-yard touchdown pass. The Hilltops weren’t able to get the kick away on the ensuing convert due to a bad snap causing their advantage to sit at 13-10.

Luciano Jolly, right, opens a hole for Boston Davidsen, left.

On their first drive of the second half, Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 22-yard touchdown pass to put the Hilltops up 19-10. The convert attempt from kicker Carter Sirman was blocked.

Before the third quarter ended, Dutton connected with Godson on a 25-yard touchdown toss to go ahead 25-10. The Hilltops attempted to go for a two-point conversion, but Dutton’s pass was incomplete.

“We’re kind of riding some waves right now,” said Godson, who caught eight passes for 123 yards to go with his two major scores. “We’re having some good drives, but little mistakes are holding us back.

Bryce Marino returns an interception for the Rifles.

“We just have to get a little more consistent and start driving the ball all the way down the field and finishing our drives.”

Johnson made his second interception of the contest in the fourth quarter to help the Hilltops preserve their 15-point win. While the victory wasn’t pretty, Johnson is happy it came and hopes give his team a boost.

“I hope it gives us the confidence we need,” said Johnson. “We have a long season to go yet.”

Davidsen had a big outing on the ground for the Hilltops piling up 137 yards on 21 carries to go with his rushing major. Dutton completed 22-of-33 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions.

Ethan Godson, left, scores his second of two major for the Hilltops.

Rifles starting quarterback Thomas Hubbard completed 15-of-28 passes for 135 yards, while throwing two interceptions. Backup Bryson McNeil got in for a handful of series scattered through the contest, but he was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts throwing one interception.

Defensive lineman Daylen Hartz and middle linebacker Matt Wist each had sacks for the Hilltops, while defensive back Evan Mantyka had an interception.

Linebacker Brayden Clarke had a sack for the Rifles. Winnipeg defensive back Kyle Chorney had nine total tackles and an interception, while defensive back Bryce Marino and linebacker Brandon Kamenz had single interceptions.

Hilltops DT Dylan McNutt, left, chases down Rifles QB Bryson McNeil.

The Hilltops 3-2 record places them third in the Prairie Football Conference standings behind the first place Regina Thunder (5-0) and the second place Edmonton Huskies (4-1). The Rifles sit fifth in the six-team conference.

The Hilltops host the Huskies this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field in a battle for second place in the PFC. Saskatoon took the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton.

Sargeant was pleased with how his defence played in the win over the Rifles, but he know his offence and special teams have to be a lot better in the clash with the Huskies.

The Hilltops faithful enjoyed their team’s win on Sunday.

“I think our pass rush was better today,” said Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator. “Our coverages were better today.

“Everything that we wanted to improve on defensively we did. The problem is the things we wanted to improve on offence and special teams we did not. We’re going to keep building on that defensive performance, but we have to improve the other two areas if we are going to be the team we want to be next week against the Edmonton Huskies.”

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