Hilltops’ Dutton unquestioned starter, captain in final season

Damon Dutton set to throw the ball for the Hilltops.

Damon Dutton has two titles he didn’t have a year ago with the Saskatoon Hilltops – starter and captain.

The 22-year-old quarterback went into last season as the backup to Doug Fleming. After Fleming had struggles early in the season, Dutton was inserted as the starter in the team’s fourth game and held that position for the rest of the campaign.

Throughout the off-season, Dutton was slated in as the starting quarterback going into the 2022 campaign, and he’s been named one of the team’s captains. He has taken on the responsibilities with a calm and businesslike demeanour in playing through his final season with the team.

“It puts a little bit of a different perspective on the start of the season having that spot and being able to begin the season in that position,” said Dutton, whose Hilltops opening their CJFL regular season schedule hosting the Winnipeg Rifles on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. “It is exciting.

“I think it will be good.”

Last season, Dutton helped the Hilltops finish second in the PFC with a 6-2 record. During those eight regular season games, the North Battleford, Sask., product put up solid numbers completing 127-of-183 passes for 1,528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions.

In the playoffs with Dutton at the controls, the Hilltops downed the Edmonton Huskies 33-31 in an all-time classic in the PFC semifinal. In the PFC final, the Hilltops romped past the Thunder in Regina 29-9 for a seventh consecutive conference title.

Damon Dutton was named Hilltops starting QB four games into last season.

The Hilltops 2021 playoff run came to an end with a 17-14 CJFL semifinal loss to the Rams in Langley, B.C. The Rams proceeded to win the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions.

The loss to the Rams was a tough one for the Hilltops, who entered the fourth quarter holding a 14-7 lead before falling by three points. The Hilltops turned the ball over an unimaginable 12 times, while the Rams turned the ball over seven times themselves.

Dutton said sting of that loss was not forgotten through the off-season.

“It is definitely something that motivates us to get out and even play harder this year and work towards achieving the ultimate goal of winning the Canadian Bowl,” said Dutton, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 195 pounds. “It kind of just lit a fire under us for the beginning of this year.”

Going into the 2022 campaign, Dutton believes the Hilltops offence has the potential to do some really good things. He really likes the group of returning receivers he has in Dillan Heintz, Lachlan Horsley, Presley Peterson, Boden Marley, Matthew Turple and Noah Flaman.

Star running backs Boston Davidsen and Carter McLean are back in 2022 and that position got even stronger with the addition of dynamic 17-year-old Holy Cross High School Crusaders football team grad Charles Sawi.

Damon Dutton gained experience under pressure last season.

The offensive line is anchored by returning starters in centre Luciano Jolly, left guard Jayson Kehler and right guard Ethan Paslowski.

“We have the chemistry, but it is not just receivers,” said Dutton, who is a graduate of the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings football team. “I remember at the beginning of last season I think there were 17 new starters coming into positions.

“This year we’ve retained a lot of those guys. We have a lot of guys who played a significant starting role last year who are going back into that role this year. We’re going to come out as a more mature team with less nerves and more drive.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant really likes seeing how Dutton has matured from the start of last season going into the start of the current campaign.

“It is night and day,” said Sargeant, whose 218 career wins are the most for Canadian amateur football in the post-secondary ranks. “Number one, he has come back, and he is about 15 pounds bigger and stronger.

“He is a captain of the football team. He has had the number one title all off-season, and that didn’t happen last year. He was taking backup reps all last year until about game four.

Damon Dutton likes the receivers group the Hilltops have.

“The maturation and the growth has been excellent. It is like anything. Hey, 2022 his first start as a captain at home, and we’re expecting him to have an unbelievable game. We’re expecting this team to have an unbelievable game, and he needs to be a big piece of that.”

Sargeant believes Dutton is going to get even better as the 2022 campaign moves along.

“It is still evolving,” said Sargeant. “I think he (Dutton) will be starting his ninth game.

“He still has lots to go, and he knows that. He is asking different questions when we are in film study. He is understanding what we are seeing and what we need to do to improve.

“It is just those great conversations, and you can tell that he is getting it more and more. As I said, he is excited as I am to play on Sunday against Winnipeg.”

The Hilltops defence is expected to be strong again too in 2022. Their entire starting defensive line returns from 2021 including inside tackles Jaxon Funk and Dylan McNutt along with defensive ends Riece Kack and Daylen Hartz.

The linebacker core is anchored by Konner Johnson on the outside and Matt Wist on the inside. The defensive secondary will be steadied by Evan Mantyka and Steven Gilewicz.

Damon Dutton has taken a calm and businesslike approach as a starter.

Sargeant said he is looking forward to Sunday’s game with the Rifles in order to take a firm step in moving past the memory of the CJFL semifinal loss to the Rams.

“Any time you lose in a marquee game it is just awful,” said Sargeant. “The thing of it is you have to live with it for eight months.

“It is still in my mind until we play on Sunday. When we play the Rifles, that is when the 2022 season truly starts. We have to create a new identity, a better identity.

“We know what bad looks like. Now, let’s see what great looks like, and that is our challenge. We just have to come out and be a dominant football team.”

The Hilltops will be opening their regular season at home for the first time since 2016. In the 2016 home and season opener, the Hilltops downed the Rifles 40-13 at SMF Field.

On top of the home and regular season opener, the Hilltops are hosting a number of alumni events to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the modern version of the club that first took the field in 1947. The team’s alums will be saluted at halftime of Sunday’s game.

Dutton believes Sunday will be a special day for the storied and historic team.

Damon Dutton (#19) hopes to enjoy lots of big plays in 2022.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it, and the fact that it is the 75^th anniversary I think it will be special to get out there and have a lot of fans watching and to be able to put on a good show for them,” said Dutton.

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Ochs sets standard for Hilltops in post-season

Saskatoon set to face Thunder in PFC final in Regina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funk in right spot for key interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I love playing defence now.”

Can Hilltops channel spirit of 1985?

A team picture of the 1985 Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Sargeant circa 1985.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilltops versus Thunder PFC final has unique big game feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mason Ochs makes a block for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carter Shewchuk throws a pass downfield for the Thunder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow enjoyed Funk interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rams claimed last PFC final played in Regina in 1998

The Rams take home the PFC championship trophy in 1998.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huskies praised for saving life, other notes

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

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) November 8, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Their actions made a difference this evening.”

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

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

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Ochs is a Hilltops all-time great

Left tackle named top offensive lineman for PFC

Mason Ochs, left, was named the PFC’s top O-lineman.

Mason Ochs finally got a big individual honour that had eluded him for the first four years of his CJFL career.

On Friday, Ochs, who helped the Hilltops win four CJFL championships from 2016 to 2019, was named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman. One day earlier, the Saskatoon Hilltops left tackle was named a PFC all-star for the fourth consecutive season, but he finally captured the most outstanding offensive lineman award in his final season of eligibility.

With the Hilltops, newcomers usually spend two seasons as a backup or practicing and don’t usually move into a starting position until at least their third year.

Ochs, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds, became a starter at left tackle in his sophomore season in 2017. A PFC all-star and a CJFL all-Canadian all-star nod came during that campaign.

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers football team earned both PFC all-star and CJFL all-Canadian all-star accolades again in 2018 and 2019.

Ochs also earned an invite to the training camp of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019.

While he piled up honours, the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman award eluded him. It should be noted that Ochs had stiff competition for that award, when he became a Hilltops starter.

In 2017 that honour was taken by Ochs’ then fourth-year teammate in right tackle Kirk Simonsen.

In 2018 and 2019, Regina Thunder left tackle Logan Ferland claimed the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman award. Ferland now plays for the Roughriders and is the team’s starting left guard.

Had Ochs been named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman before the current campaign, he would have been deserving of that honour.

Mason Ochs (#73) walks out to the field with his parents on Oct. 17

With all that said, the fact Ochs got that award this year was extra special due to the fact the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world.

The Hilltops practiced together for six weeks in September and October of 2020, but did not take part in any game action. Ochs took part in those sessions hoping he would get a chance to play his final season of eligibility in 2021.

On September 8 of 2020, the CJFL announced players that were slated to turn 22-years-old and 21-years-old for the 2020 campaign would be granted an extra year of eligibility. Those players that would have been 22-years-old in 2020 could play in 2021, and players that would have been 21-years-old in 2020 could play through to 2022.

Ochs was pumped world events broke that he could return to play out his final season of CJFL eligibility in 2021 as a 23-year-old. When the Hilltops were in training camp in August, Ochs said it felt like Christmas to be back playing the game he loved.

He was just one of three players that remained with the Hilltops from the club’s 2016 roster along with right tackle Jonathan Chisholm and boundary corner Jared Giddings.

While this big award finally came, Ochs is honestly one of those players that views team accomplishments as being more important than individual ones.

He helped the Hilltops post a 6-2 regular season record to finish second in the PFC. The Hilltops have won the CJFL title the last six straight times it was contested.

The storied CJFL club will take on the Edmonton Huskies (5-3 regular season, 6-3 overall) in a PFC semifinal on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Hilltops are aiming to continue on to try and claim another CJFL title. It would write the ultimate ending for the CJFL careers of Ochs, Chisholm, Giddings and linebacker Emmarae Dale if they could graduate as league champions.

Ochs was the only Hilltops player to capture a major PFC award this year.

Konner Johnson (#42) was named a PFC all-star at linebacker.

He was joined by three teammates on the PFC all-star team on Thursday along with another teammate on the PFC’s all-rookie team.

The three other Hilltops players named to the PFC all-star team included defensive tackle Jaxon Funk, outside linebacker Konner Johnson and safety Brant Morrow.

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

The Huskies had two players pick up major PFC awards. Alex Gayle was named the most outstanding running back and Cheyvez Campbell took honours as the most outstanding defensive back.

The Huskies had eight players named PFC all-stars including offensive lineman Carson Lethbridge, Gayle, receivers Adner St Hilaire and De Shawn Le Jour, quarterback Declan O’Flaherty, defensive lineman Josh Lenz, Campbell and defensive back Maurice Dubois.

Huskies kicker Liane Santos made the all-rookie team.

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

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

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

Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay was named the PFC’s coach of the year with the Thunder posting a perfect 8-0 regular season record.

Sokul, Shewchuk, Maximuik and McCormick were all named to the PFC all-star team. Maximuik claimed his all-star nod at place kicker.

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

Alex Gayle (#33) was named the PFC’s top running back.

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

The Thunder host the Winnipeg Rifles (2-6 regular season, 3-6 overall) in a PFC semifinal contest slated for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

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

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Funk solidifies middle of Hilltops defensive line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilltops focus on Rifles, not bye

Damon Dutton and the Hilltops are focused on the Rifles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Davidsen has scored six touchdowns this season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DT Jaxon Funk has handled unglourious work in the trenches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik continues to be clutch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilltops run wild over Wildcats

Saskatoon romps to 44-7 victory to earn playoff bye

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Davidsen scores his first of two TD on Sunday.

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

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

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

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

Damon Dutton threw three TD passes for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hilltops celebrate an interception from Dylan Cook, left.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Yausie returns an interception for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hilltops reserve defenders enjoyed making big plays.

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

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