“Mac” on the attack as Huskies rock Thunderbirds 40-7

Adam Machart, right, celebrates his second of two touchdown runs on Friday.

    Adam Machart was running as sleek as a Porsche 911.

    The star running back for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team hit high gear on Friday night at Griffiths Stadium striking the first shock and awe blow in a U Sports regular season game with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

    With 4:58 remaining in the first quarter, Machart, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 185 pounds, broke off a 63-yard touchdown run to give the Huskies a 7-0 lead.

Adam Machart piled up 134 yards rushing for the Huskies.

    He rolled from there piling up 134 yards rushing on 15 carries and adding a second touchdown on a one-yard run early in the fourth quarter, and he caught five passes for 39 yards.

    Machart’s efforts ultimately allowed the Huskies to hammer the Thunderbirds 40-7 in front of 6,278 spectators in what was the homecoming game for the U of S side.

    For Machart, Friday’s win, which allowed the Huskies to improve to 1-1, eased the sting from a 43-19 defeat at the hands of the University of Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg on Aug. 30, which was the regular season opener for both squads. The drubbing in the Manitoba capital had a lot of self-inflicted elements as the Huskies turned the ball over seven times in that contest, while the Bisons didn’t have a single giveaway.

    “We had a lot to prove tonight, and I think we came out hard, and hit hard and ran hard,” said Machart. “I think we did just that.

Adam Machart (#20) jets home on a 63-yard touchdown run.

    “I think once you start getting success you just start maybe running a little harder and blocking a little harder. It just starts to come.”

    Machart is in his second year with the Huskies and using his third year of U Sports eligibility. He came to the Huskies after playing three seasons with the Saskatoon Hilltops from 2015 to 2017 helping them win the Canadian Junior Football League titles in each of those campaigns.

    With the Huskies, Machart became the team’s starting running back this season taking over from Tyler Chow, who exhausted his U Sports eligibility last season when the Huskies won the Canada West Conference title.

Adam Machart, right, follows his blocking towards the goal-line.

    Coming into this season, Machart believed he had something extra in his game.

    “It is probably the healthiest I have been in a long time,” said Machart. “Being able to put in a full off-season really helps.

    “We have one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country in Joel Lipinski, so having that guy around getting us on the right programs and stuff like that really helps as well.”

    While Machart’s long touchdown run to open Friday’s game gave the Huskies some early momentum, they weren’t able to shake the Thunderbirds during the first three quarters of the contest.

    Early in the second quarter, Thunderbirds rookie starting quarterback Tommy Yanchuk hit second-year receiver Jacob Patten with a 12-yard touchdown toss to even the score at 7-7.

Adam Machart (#20) tears out of the hands of a UBC tacklr.

    With 9:32 remaining in the second quarter, Huskies kicker David Solie nailed a 42-yard field goal to put the hosts up 10-7.

    On a third and goal gamble with 1:50 remaining in the second quarter, Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus hit sure-handed receiver Jesse Kuntz with a two-yard touchdown toss to extend the U of S edge to 17-7.

    That score held up until the 3:56 mark of the fourth quarter, when Machart scored his second touchdown for the Huskies on a one-yard run to increase their advantage to 24-7. Machart’s run came on a third-and-goal gamble and capped a 10-play drive that covered 85 yards.

    Huskies head coach Scott Flory is pleased with how Machart has performed in the early going of the current campaign. 

Huskie LB Ben Whiting, right, nails a Thunderbirds running back.

    The sideline boss said his skilled runner is feeling better physically compared to a year ago.
    “I know he had some lingering kind of knee pain,” said Flory. “He took some time away, and then he has been training so hard.

    “He has found another gear. To compliment that, you put in Chewy (Josh Ewanchyna). They are both really special running backs.”

    Machart’s second scoring run sparked a 23-point surge by the Huskies in the fourth quarter that included a couple of big plays.

    Receiver Daniel Perry ran a punt back 75 yards for a touchdown on a spectacular return down the left sideline to put the Huskies up 31-7. 
    Solie booted a 34-yard field goal to push the Huskies lead out to 34-7.

Colton Klassen had 135 yards receiving for the Huskies.

    With 39.5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Huskies third-year defensive back Nelson Lokombo intercepted Thunderbird backup quarterback Gabe Olivares and raced 95 yards for the final U of S major. Solie hit the post on the extra point attempt making the final score sit at 40-7 in favour of the Huskies.

    Flory was pleased to see his team rebound with a victory after dropping their opener to the Bisons, but he said his squad still needs to get better.

    “It was clearly a better effort,” said Flory. “We were physical.

    “There are still some mistakes. We have to clean up penalties. There is always stuff to correct.

    “That was more like us than last week was and that is good. It is good to be back at home in front of a great crowd here. It was a good football game.”

    Nyhus completed 26-of-37 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception in picking up his first U Sports victory as a starting quarterback. The Regina, Sask., product spent the last two campaigns backing up Kyle Siemens, who exhausted his U Sports eligibility last season.

Daniel Perry, left, returns a punt 75 yards for a touchdown for the Huskies.

    During the 2016 campaign, Nyhus redshirted with the Huskies.

    “It is awesome to come out here and get a win,” said Nyhus. “The crowd was amazing out here.

    “It wasn’t a surprise by any means. We have a great atmosphere every time we come play at home. It is a great feeling for sure.”

    Huskies star offensive utility player Colton Klassen led the team in receiving hauling in eight passes for 135 yards.

    Defensive linemen Evan Machibroda and Nicholas Dheilly each had a sack for the Huskies. First year defensive back Logan Bitz topped U of S with eight total tackles, while second-year defensive back Nixen Voll had an interception for the Huskies.

Nelson Lokombo (#25) is congratulated for his major score off a pick.

    Yanchuk completed 16-of-31 passes for 151 yards, one touchdown and one interception as the Thunderbirds fell to 0-2. 
    Linebacker Nick Cross topped the Thunderbirds with 12 total tackles.

    Linebacker Lake Korte-Moore had a sack and an interception for the Thunderbirds, while defensive back Chris Thelasco had a sack for UBC.

    With the win over the Thunderbirds in the books, the Huskies return to action this coming Friday, when they travel to Regina to take on the University of Regina Rams (1-1) at 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium. 
   Machart said his squad has to keep improving in practice leading up to that contest.

Yol Piok (#81) lets out a cheer after the Huskies win on Friday.

    “I think we are in a good place, but we definitely have a lot to work on,” said Machart. “We’re going to hit that this week at practice.

    “We know what we have to do.”

    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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Giddings relishes role as Hilltops’ shutdown man

Saskatoon rallies past Huskies 24-22 in Edmonton

Jared Giddings makes an interception for the Hilltops last season.

    Jared Giddings didn’t want to have any letdowns or at least minimize the letdowns this season.
    Last season, the defensive back from Humboldt, Sask., was a Prairie Football Conference all-star for the Saskatoon Hilltops and helped them with a fifth straight Canadian Junior Football League title. This season, Giddings is playing his fourth campaign with the team, and he wants his squad to play as well as they did last year despite the fact the Hilltops experienced a sizable roster turnover.

    On defence, rush end Tristan Hering and defensive tackle Jesse McNabb were the only returning starters on the defensive line, while the linebacker group has three new starters. The defensive secondary returns four starters with Giddings manning the boundary corner position.

    “My expectation for myself was just to keep getting better and keep improving,” said Giddings, who stands 6-feet and weighs 185 pounds. “As a whole group as DBs, we’re the old guys on the defence.

    “We want to be able to lead this defence and prove that we are the number one team.”

    On Sunday, the reloading Hilltops won another early big season game traveling to Edmonton and downing the Huskies 24-22 in a CJFL regular season clash at Clarke Park. 

Jared Giddings made an interception this season.

    The Huskies led 14-0 after the first quarter and 19-7 at halftime.
    With Edmonton holding a 22-17 lead, Hilltops power running back Ben Abrook ran in the winning touchdown with 1:47 remaining in the fourth quarter to deliver the Hilltops to victory. Saskatoon improves to 3-0 with the win starting the 2019 campaign with three straight road games, while Edmonton falls to 2-1.

    Giddings had one interception in each of the Hilltops first two games. He is usually in the middle of most of the traffic in the secondary, and he likes it that way.

    “There is not a whole lot of pressure,” said Giddings. “Coaches, they trust me.

    “They trust me that I will do my job. I want to go out there and execute my job and play with a lot of enthusiasm. I’ve just been playing here for a long time it actually seems like that now.

    “Just every year, I keep getting better. They keep trusting me more and keep wanting me to do more things. I’m excited to do it.”

    When Giddings played high school football with the nine-man Humboldt Collegiate Institute Mohawks, he was a standout at slotback, safety, kick returner and kicker. He followed in the footsteps of older brother, Josh, who played for the Hilltops in their 2012 CJFL championship season and in 2013.

    Jared Giddings attended winter camps with the Hilltops, went to spring camp in 2016 looking to crack a roster spot and made the team. He said there was a big adjustment going from high school to the junior level.

Jared Giddings made a tackle during the Hilltops Alumni Game.

    “The game was a lot quicker,” said Giddings. “In high school, we didn’t do a whole lot of footwork.

    “We just kind of went out and just played. Here, it is focus on fundamentals and being part of a unit. You had to get used to playing with everybody and getting used to the different footwork.”

    Giddings said he got a lot better playing in the defensive secondary during his time with the Hilltops.

    “I’ve improved a lot,” said Giddings. “I don’t know how much, but I’d say 100 per cent.

    “I’m 100 per cent better than when I started, because I wasn’t all there with my feet and stuff. The coaches got me right and put me in good spots.”

    Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant figured his team had a winner in Giddings.

    “A great kid out of Humboldt,” said Sargeant. “We had his brother a few years beforehand, so we knew he came from good stock.

    “Boy, he has just been a proven player year in and year out. He has been playing in some big moments. He has made some big plays.

Jared Giddings secures an interception for the Hilltops.

    “He is our shutdown corner for the Saskatoon Hilltops. We are real proud to see his progress over time. As I said, he has become a very integral part of our success.”

    Sargeant said Giddings had a number of traits that make him a good shutdown corner.

    “He is real competitive,” said Sargeant. “He has that good ball sense, that ball hawking skill.

    “He loves getting after it. As I said, he looks good in our uniform. We always put him on the top receiver week in and week out, and he never lets us down.

    “After two games, he has two interceptions, so it sort of shows you his ability and his presence on the field. He certainly makes us a better team.”

    With the turnover the Hilltops experienced, Sargeant said Giddings moved up the depth chart in the leadership department, and the coaches expect him to make plays at an all-Canadian level. The legendary sideline boss believes Giddings could earn a CFL shot one day.

    “They are always looking for good Canadian DBs,” said Sargeant. “Certainly, the sky is the limit.

    “He (Giddings) is going to have to pay the price, put his nose to the grindstone and keep working hard to get bigger, stronger and faster. I’d never sell any of my players short. As I said, if he has the type of year we expect, you never know what opportunities lay ahead.”

    While CFL shot may come one day, Giddings is focused on helping the Hilltops in the present. He said the defence is still adjusting to the departure of seven starters from last season.

Jared Giddings (#6) celebrates the Hilltops CJFL title win last season.

    “They all left, and like last year they led the defence and they led the team,” said Giddings. “Coming in this year, we were kind of a little more inexperienced as a whole.

    “We have most of our DB group except (Logan) Bitz, so we felt pretty confident in that. We are still sorting some stuff out as you can see.”

    Ultimately, Giddings would like to help the Hilltops run their string of consecutive CJFL championships to six.

    “I’d love to finish it off with another title,” said Giddings. “Sarge probably says it every time you play for the fifth years.

    “We want to let them leave as champions, so that is what we are going to do. I’d say we are going to do everything in our power to get there anyway.”

    Sunday’s game was deemed a big one with both the Hilltops and Huskies sporting undefeated records and having met in last year’s PFC final that was won by Saskatoon 28-9. Sunday’s contest marks the only time the Hilltops and Huskies face each other in the 2019 CJFL regular season, which means the Hilltops hold the head-to-head standings tiebreaker between the squads due to their win.

Ben Abrook had the winning major for the Hilltops on Sunday.

    The Hilltops have now won their last 22 straight overall games including action in the regular season and playoffs. They have won their last 26 straight games on the road including three victories in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

    The Hilltops return to action this coming Saturday when they host their home opener against the Regina Thunder (2-1) at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    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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Hilltops’ fifth years hammer home “drive for five”

Saskatoon wins fifth straight Canadian Bowl, 21^st CJFL title

The Hilltops players get five fingers up for five straight CJFL title wins.

    It was only fitting head coach Tom Sargeant sent the all of the Saskatoon Hilltops fifth years on to the field for the final snaps of the Canadian Bowl.

    On Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field with a 58-21 final cemented on the scoreboard in favour of the Hilltops over the visiting Langley Rams, all eight of the Hilltops fifth year players were sent on to the field to take the final kneel down snaps in a dominant Canadian Junior Football League championship performance. 

    When fifth-year star quarterback Jordan Walls took a final knee with zeros on the scoreboard clock, the Hilltops completed a perfect 11-0 season and became the first team to ever win five straight CJFL titles.

The Hilltops fifth-year players lead the team on to the field.

    At that moment, the Hilltops fifth-year players in Walls, receiver Jason Price, right tackle Kirk Simonsen, receiver Adam Ewanchyna, defensive end Connor Guillet and linebackers Cody Peters, Bobby Ehman and Adam Benkic all got to be first to celebrate and experience the euphoria of the win.

    “It is special,” said Walls, who finishes with an overall 22-1 career record as the Hilltops starting quarterback. “We’ve spent a lot of time together and shared a lot of moments.

Hilltops DE Tristan Hering sacks Rams QB Duncan Little.

    “That was definitely one I will never forget. This will be for the rest of my life.

    “I am going to go and definitely enjoy this one, celebrate, and I look forward to see what happens next.”

    With the win, the Hilltops added to their lengthy list of growing accomplishments. They captured their eighth CJFL championship in the last nine years and 21^st CJFL title in team history.

    The Toppers extended their current overall winning streak to 19 games and post-season winning streak to 16 games. They only trailed on the scoreboard for a combined 81 seconds all season.

    Finishing at 11-0, the Hilltops completed their fourth perfect season in team history. Saskatoon pulled off that feat for the first time since going 12-0 in 2003. The two other perfect seasons came in 1978 at 12-0 and 1958 at 11-0.

Hilltop RT Kirk Simonsen blocks out a Rams pass rusher.

    In Saturday’s, romp the Hilltops piled up the second most points ever in a CJFL title game. The 2003 Hilltops team holds the record for scoring the most points in a CJFL title game having crushed the Victoria Rebels 59-0 in the Canadian Bowl in Chilliwack, B.C., that season.

    Saskatoon showed very little signs having gone 19 days between playing games after downing the Edmonton Huskies 28-9 in the Prairie Football Conference final at SMF Field on Oct. 28.

    Playing before 1,465 spectators on Saturday, the Hilltops started making big plays on the game’s second play, when fourth year defensive lineman Tristan Hering came off the edge and nailed Rams quarterback Duncan Little with a thunderous sack deep in the Langley end of the field.

Hilltops receiver Jason Price slips out of bounds after a 44-yard reception.

    The Rams, who finished at 10-4 overall, had to concede a safety two plays later due to the bad field position to give the Hilltops a 2-0 lead.

    The big plays continued and ended with Hilltops star third-year defensive tackle Garth Knittig recovering a fumble inside of the final two minutes of the fourth quarter to set up the series, where the Hilltops ultimately ran out the clock with kneel downs.

    “These kids weren’t going to be denied today,” said Sargeant, who picked up his 15^th CJFL title win with the Hilltops including 12 victories as head coach, two as an assistant coach and one as a player. “It was pretty obvious.

    “As I said, I couldn’t be more proud of the coaching staff and the players to accomplish a tremendous goal. To win five, you think that is easy. Come on now. That is unreal, because those are unreal kids.”

Jordan Walls finished his CJFL career 22-1 as the Hilltops starting QB.

    After falling behind 2-0, the Rams put up a fight in the first quarter against the Hilltops. They stopped Saskatoon on the goal-line and Rams defensive back Nathan Murray made an interception deep in his own end to stall another Hilltops offensive series.

    At that point, the flood gates opened.

    Hilltops star running back Josh Ewanchyna, who would be named the game’s most valuable offensive player, ran in a major score from a yard out to give the Hilltops a 9-0 lead late in the first quarter. It was the first of three rushing touchdowns Ewanchyna would score on the afternoon.

    Kicker David Solie added a single early in the second quarter from a missed 32 yard field goal to bump the Hilltops lead up to 10-0.

The Hilltops celebrate defensive TD by Logan Bitz (#23).

    The Hilltops then proceeded to complete a three play drive that covered 102 yards that resulted in the game’s second touchdown. On the drive, Walls hit Price with a deep 44-yard pass, Ewanchyna broke a 44 yard run and receiver Keegan Dicks hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Walls.

    With 2:25 remaining before halftime, Hilltops defensive back Logan Bitz, who would be named the game’s most valuable defensive player, returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown to give the host a 24-0 advantage.

    The Rams showed life, when on the ensuing kickoff, kick returner A.J. Blackwell ran the ball back 100 yards for Langley’s first major score to cut the Hilltops lead to 24-7.

    Saskatoon responded to that score with a seven yard rushing major from Ewanchyna coming with 14.9 seconds remaining in the first half giving the Hilltops a 31-7 lead.

    “It was like anything,” said Sargeant. “We were going to be aggressive.

Josh Ewanchyna, left, darts home on a 40-yard touchdown run.

    “Certainly, that (102-yard scoring drive) was good, and then I also liked the answer at the end of the half, when they got the kick return, and we answered back and scored. It is just a group of men that they knew what they needed to do and how they needed to do it.

    “It is one thing talking about it, and it is another thing to execute it. They were locked in and focused. It is a great game by our coaches and players.”

    Early in the third quarter, Solie hit a 32-yard field goal to put the Hilltops up 34-7.

    The Rams answered back when Little hit star receiver Jevon Cottoy with a 42-yard touchdown pass to cut the Hilltops edge to 34-14.

The crowd at SMF Field cheers on the Hilltops.

    Saskatoon answered by piling up 24 straight points to surge ahead 58-14.

    Ewanchyna ran in a major from 40 yards out, Solie hit a 38-yard field goal and Walls hit receiver John Brown with a 41-yard touchdown pass to give the Hilltops a 51-14 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

    Knittig was inserted in at fullback on offence in a short yardage situation near the start of the fourth quarter and he ran in a touchdown from a yard out to round out the Hilltops scoring increasing their lead to 58-14.

    Cottey ran in a touchdown from four yards out for the Rams with 3:57 to play in the contest to conclude the 58-21 final.

 

DE Caleb Haight gets a strip sack for the Hilltops.

  Guillet was pumped about the fifth straight championship win at game’s end.

    “I’m speechless,” said Guillet. “I don’t know how to put it into words to be completely honest.

    “It is just an incredible feeling.”

    The veteran defensive end, who was playing his final CJFL game, was pleased to get a quarterback sack in the fourth quarter, when the Rams put in a package that featured Cottoy at quarterback.

    “It felt pretty good to get that sack,” said Guillet. “They put (Jevon) Cottoy back there.

    “It was a special formation that they use once in a while. It felt pretty good to stop that.”

    Walls completed 16-of-21 passes for passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Ewanchyna ran the ball 28 times for 245 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

    Price was the Hilltops leading receiver hauling in three passes for 75 yards.

    Bitz had making four total tackles to go with his 48 yard interception return for a touchdown. Defensive ends Connor Delahey and Caleb Haight each had sacks for the Toppers.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant contemplates a play call.

    Little completed 20-of-31 passes for 265 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the Rams. He was knocked out of the game due to injury late in the third quarter on Delahey’s sack.

    Cottoy hauled in five passes for 109 yards to go with his major score through the air and on the grounds.

    The Hilltops defence held the Rams to 40 yards rushing total as a team.

    Following the game, Simonsen had a blooper moment, when the Canadian Bowl broke apart at the neck during the Hilltops on field celebrations.

    “I don’t know what happened there,” said Simonsen with a laugh. “I just lifted it, and it fell apart.”

    He was overjoyed to help the Hilltops win five straight CJFL titles and be part of all those wins.

The Hilltops fifth-year player take the final kneel down play.

    “This is crazy,” said Simonsen. “When you start, you are never thinking you are going to win five for five.

    “No one has ever done it, so that is an awesome feeling for sure.”

    Sargeant admitted it seemed fitting that the Hilltops capped their “drive for five” with a perfect season.

    “It is real cool and very deserving, and we are very proud of that,” said Sargeant. “To go to our new facility, you just don’t know how things are going to go.

    “These kids, they just locked in. They are a tough team. They are tough and physical. 

The Hilltops celebrate with three parts of the Canadian Bowl.

    “They really went after things today. I’m very proud.”

    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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Abrook goes beast mode in Hilltops 41-7 romp at Mosaic

Ben Abrook (#32) jets home on a 22-yard touchdown run for the Hilltops.

    REGINA, Sask. – The Regina Thunder likely saw enough of Ben Abrook for one night.
    The third-year Saskatoon Hilltops running back left a host of would be Thunder tacklers laid out all over the turf at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday making the first start of his Canadian Junior Football League career.

    When the dust settled, Abrook ran the ball 27 times for 171 yards and scored three touchdowns as the four time defending CJFL champion Hilltops rumbled over the Thunder 41-7 in the regular season opener for both sides played before 2,043 spectators.

    Abrook’s biggest run came with 32 seconds remaining in the first half. With the Hilltops holding a 13-7 lead and gambling on a third-and-one situation at the Thunder 22 yard line, Abrook powered the ball on a run off the left off tackle and darted home for his second touchdown of the game to put the Toppers up 20-7.

Hilltops RB Ben Abrook powers his way through all obstacles.

    The 20-year-old’s dash to pay dirt capped a 105-yard touchdown drive.

    “It was awesome to get our (offence) all the way down the field and get a touchdown,” said Abrook. “It felt awesome to the team. It gave us confidence.”

    Abrook was looking forward to running behind the Hilltops starting offensive line made up of right tackle Kirk Simonsen, right guard Taylon Elderkin, centre Patrick Arno, left guard Ryder Klisowsky and left tackle Mason Ochs.

    “The O-line couldn’t have played better,” said Abrook. “I owe it all to them honestly.

    “It is just a veteran O-line group. They do it.”

The Hilltops celebrate a third touchdown from Ben Abrook (#32).

    Lost in Abrook’s overpowering performance was the fact Hilltops fifth-year starting quarterback Jordan Walls had an outstanding night. Walls hit eight different receivers completing 20-of-29 passes for 316 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

    Still with the Hilltops having lost Adam Marchart to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team in the U Sports ranks and Joshua Ewanchyna sitting out Saturday’s game with a minor ailment, Abrook’s impact was a welcome sight to Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant.

    “Ben Abrook is a third year, and this is his time,” said Sargeant. “He was ready to go.

    “What we thought we knew, now we know. He is a primetime player, played his butt off today and everyone rallied around him. We all know that Josh (Ewanchyna) is a key player to what we are going to be doing this year.

Receiver Connor Graham comes down with a circus catch for the Hilltops.

    “Ben has moved up the ladder. He has got more opportunity. He is going to get more touches to continue to impact games like he did today.”

    Abrook scored his first touchdown on a six-yard run that capped the Hilltops first offensive series of the game early in the first quarter, which happened to be the first offensive possession of the contest.

    The Thunder tied things up at 7-7 later on in the opening 15-minutes, when quarterback Brock Sich hooked up with receiver Tanner Zaharia on a deep 41-yard touchdown pass.

    Saskatoon exited the first quarter holding a 10-7 lead after David Solie booted home a field goal from 42 yards out. 

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz sacks Thunder QB Brock Sich.

    Near the midway point of the second quarter, Solie hit a 36-yard field goal to give the Hilltops a 13-7 lead.

    Late in the second quarter, it appeared the Hilltops would be pinned deep in their end of the field, when they started a drive at their own five yard line. On a fairly well-executed march that included a couple of circus catches from receiver Connor Graham, the Hilltops drove for a key score that put them in control of the contest at halftime holding a 13-point lead.

    “That is just experience,” said Sargeant. “We went with a different formation.

    “We were able to put some guys in spots. Connor Graham made some big catches all the way down the field that set that up. That was Connor’s touchdown.”

    Early in the third quarter, Abrook ran in his third touchdown of the contest to give the Hilltops a 27-7 edge.

QB Jordan Walls threw for 316 yards for the Hilltops.

    Just 12 seconds into the fourth quarter, Walls hit Matt Turple with a six-yard touchdown toss to give the Hilltops a 34-7 advantage. After substituting in a number of backup players, the Hilltops rounded out the game’s scoring with 2:22 to play, when running back Kelton McLean scored on a one-yard plunge.

    Sich completed 13-of-24 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The Thunder gained 233 yards as a team through the air and 66 yards on the ground.

    Hilltops third-year defensive back Logan Bitz helped disrupt the Thunder passing game with three well-timed halfback blitzes. He picked up a key sack in the third quarter after the Hilltops went ahead 27-7.

    “That is how I got on the field last year is that coach likes me blitzing,” said Bitz. “That is my kind of calling card I guess.

    “It is nice to get out there and show I can get do something different that everybody else doesn’t do, like get out there and make my mark. Hopefully, I will get a couple more this year.”

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz (#23) and LB Landon Schutte (#46) make a tackle.

    Bitz said this was the first campaign he was slated to be a full-time starter on the Hilltops defence. The graduate of Saskatoon’s St. Joseph High School received a boost of confidence with how Saturday’s game played out.

    “I woke up this morning in a minor panic attack,” said Bitz. “I was flailing everywhere. I didn’t know what to do.

    “I just finally got here, and I think after the first quarter it was finally out when I make a couple of plays and couple of tackles. It was just like, ‘OK, I can play in this league and not be an average player and make some plays. Overall, I can make my mark.’”

Hilltops RB Kelton McLean picked up a few fourth quarter carries.

    Fifth-year receiver Jason Price topped the Hilltops with 74 receiving yards coming off three catches. Veteran Thunder receiver Lee Brown led all pass catchers with eight receptions for 113 yards.

    The Thunder return to action this coming Saturday, when they host the Winnipeg Rifles at 4 p.m. at Leibel Field.

    The Hilltops return to Saskatoon to host their home opener this coming Saturday against the Calgary Colts at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    Overall, Sargeant liked what he saw from his squad in the opener, but he still sees room for improvement going forward.

    “I’m very proud,” said Sargeant. “At the end of the day, I wasn’t happy with how we started with a lot of little mistakes, but you know first game jitters.

The Hilltops celebrate their season opening victory.

    “Once we got through that, the team started to roll with the flow. Young guys were making plays. We had a lot of guys running around making plays, and we felt good about that and lots to build on.

    “There are a lot of correctable things I am still not very happy about, if you know my style. We’re going to pound on these guys hard and keep the expectations even higher, so we come out and play even better.”

    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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Bitz thankful for Hilltops blitz surprise

Rookie DB gets first sack in 43-9 romp of Wildcats

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz sacks Wildcats QB Austin Ericson.

    Logan Bitz almost couldn’t believe the Thanksgiving Day weekend surprise the Saskatoon Hilltops coaching staff had in store for him.

    Shortly before halftime of the Hilltops clash with the Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the rookie defensive back received a play call from the Saskatoon coaching staff for him to blitz the quarterback from the halfback position. As Hilltops defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie very rarely calls a blitz play, Bitz looked towards the bench to see if the call was for real.

    Looking at Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, Bitz knew the call was indeed a genuine one.

    “Sarge looked at me, and he gave me that look that if I don’t do good it is never going to be called again,” said Bitz. “I just made the most of my opportunity and had a good time with it.”

    The Saskatoon St. Joseph High School graduate came clean off the edge and blindsided Wildcats backup quarterback Austin Ericson. Bitz could feel a surge of excitement as he neared the Edmonton signal caller.

Logan Bitz has turned heads as a rookie.

    “It is pretty good as a DB to get your first sack of your career,” said Bitz, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. “It felt good.

    “Normally I am in pass coverage, so it feels nice to get an open shot on some guy and then just celebrate with my teammates.”

    The Hilltops made a whole host of big plays in a 43-9 romp over the Wildcats in the Canadian Junior Football League regular season clash. Saskatoon piled up 625 yards of net offence, while holding Edmonton to 126 offensive yards. During the onslaught, the Wildcats lost started quarterback Colton Hippe to a broken leg in the second quarter on what seemed like a routine tackle.

    For Bitz, the win and his sack continued what has been a memorable rookie campaign. He was named a co-winner of the Prairie Football Conference’s special teams player of the week award after the Hilltops thumped the Okanagan Sun 58-2 on Sept. 17 in Kelowna, B.C.

    Bitz has earned a spot on the 40-man travel roster for three of the Hilltops four road games so far this season. Overall, he loves the atmosphere with the team.

    “It is amazing,” said Bitz. “It is a real family oriented thing. Everyone is friends with everybody.

    “It is really good. They do lots of family activities. Families are just really involved.”

    Against the Wildcats on Sunday, the Hilltops jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first quarter and increased their advantage to 40-7 by halftime.

    Starting quarterback Jared Andreychuk completed 11-of-16 passes for 279 yards, four touchdown passes and no interceptions. He connected with Sam Mike on two aerial TDs from 65 and nine yards out. Andreychuk also hit Jay Price with a 48-yard touchdown strike and Ryan Turple with a 25-yard major through the air.

Hilltops DB Logan Bitz celebrates his quarterback sack.

    Late in the second quarter, the Hilltops coaches pulled Andreychuk to allow backups Jordan Walls and Tyler Hermann to finish out things in relief.

    Price had three catches for 118 yards, while Mike caught five passes for 106 yards. Rooking running back Joshua Ewanchyna piled up 106 yards rushing on seven carries and scored one touchdown along the ground.

    Defensive end Blake Hermann had a sack and blocked a punt. The Hilltops also received another punt block from defensive lineman Riley Pickett.

    James Vause kicked two 25-yard field goals for the hosts.

    Receiver Isaac Fagnan accounted for the Wildcats lone major score on a 95-yard kickoff return. Both teams conceded one safety touch.

    Bitz wants to help the Hilltops win a third straight Canadian Bowl, and he believes in the team’s mantra of helping send the fifth year players out on a big high. On a personal level, he said a national championship win would set a big standard for the rest of his own career.

Receiver Ryan Turple jukes a Wildcats DB on a 25-yard TD reception.

    With that in mind, Bitz knows it is a big challenge for a rookie to keep making the Hilltops 40-man travel roster and later the playoff roster. He aims to keep playing well enough to stay on the field.

    “I am just excited to keep going and hopefully keep playing,” said Bitz. “This game was a game that it was helping decide that top 40 going into playoffs and obviously next week going to Winnipeg. I am just excited to see if I do go or not.”

    With the win, the Hilltops improve to 7-1 to stick second in the PFC. They are trying to chase down the Calgary Colts, who fell to 7-1 on Sunday after dropping a 30-23 decision to the Thunder in Regina. The Thunder sit fourth in the PFC with a 4-4 mark.

    The Colts hold the tiebreaker in the standings over the Hilltops taking the only head-to-head meeting between the two squads 36-21 back on Aug. 28 in Saskatoon.

Hilltops guard Drayke Unger rumbles downfield on a rare carry.

    Saskatoon can still finish first in the PFC depending on a couple of results in the final weekend of play for the regular season. The Hilltops need to down the Rifles (2-6) this coming Sunday in Winnipeg and hope the Colts fall to the Edmonton Huskies (5-3) this coming Saturday in Edmonton. The Huskies, who are third in the PFC, and Thunder have locked up the conference’s final two playoff berths.

    The Wildcats fell to 0-8, and they close their schedule this coming Sunday in Edmonton against the Thunder.

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