Hilltops record CJFL playoff run comes to an end

Rams claim circuit semifinal in 17-14 defensive slugfest

The Rams celebrate their CJFL semifinal win. (Photo courtesy BCFCTV)

The Saskatoon Hilltops played tough and aggressive defence, but the defence of the Langley Rams might have unbelievably been a step better.

When the dust settled in a CJFL semifinal battle between the two sides Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C., the host Rams prevailed 17-14 in a defensive slugfest. The 14 points the Hilltops scored were actually the most points the Rams had given up in any game this season.

The Hilltops, who are the PFC champions, entered the fourth quarter holding a 14-7 lead, but the Rams, who are the BCFC champions, pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to claim the three-point victory.

The result ended the Hilltops CJFL record post-season game winning streak at 22 contests and the ’Toppers run of winning six consecutive CJFL championships, which was also a CJFL record. Saskatoon won six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

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

The Hilltops conclude the 2021 campaign with an 8-3 overall record, which includes a 6-2 mark in regular season play. The Rams improved to 10-1 overall, which includes a 7-1 mark in regular season play.

Langley advances to play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Rams will travel to London, Ontario, to face the Ontario Football Conference champion London Beefeaters in the Canadian Bowl on Saturday, December 4.

Brady Fossen blocked a punt for the Hilltops.

The Beefeaters, who are 8-2 overall and 6-2 in regular season play, upset the St. Clair Fratmen 15-14 in the OFC championship game held Saturday in Windsor. The Fratmen finish the 2021 campaign with a 9-1 overall record, which included an 8-0 mark in regular season play.

In Saturday’s battle between the Hilltops and Rams, the contest got off to an auspicious start for the visitors.

Hilltops receiver Lachlan Horsley fumbled away the opening kickoff, and it was recovered by Rams defensive back Beko Wande. Wande would make numerous big plays for the Rams in the contest.

Langley was only able to turn that turnover into a long 60-yard punt single from punter Darian Pritchard to go ahead 1-0.

Rams kicker Tato Ferreyro Araya had a shot at a 40-yard field goal later in the opening quarter, but he sailed his kick wide, and the Hilltops ran the ball out of the end zone to avoid giving up any points.

Early in the second quarter, Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from 27 yards out to increase the Rams advantage to 4-0.

Shortly after Ferreyro Araya hit his field goal, the Hilltops got in position to attempt a field goal from 28 yards out, but the kick attempt was never made after holder Doug Fleming covered up a bad snap.

On the ensuing Rams possession, they were stopped on a third-and-inches attempt at their own 36 yard line.

The Hilltops promptly drove down that short field for a major score, where quarterback Damon Dutton hit receiver Dillan Heintz with a seven-yard touchdown pass on an out pattern. That score put the visitors in front 7-4.

QB Damon Dutton struggled for the Hilltops on Saturday.

On the final possession of the second quarter, the Rams got in position to attempt a 25-yard field goal on the last play of the frame. Ferreyro Araya’s kicked was blocked by the Hilltops defensive line to allow Saskatoon to head into the halftime break with a 7-4 edge.

Early in the third quarter, the Rams drove down to the Hilltops one yard line. The Hilltops defence came up with a goal-line stand stopping the Rams three times from the one yard line to force a turnover on downs.

The Rams were set up on the Hilltops one yard line, when linebacker Colten Dejong made an interception and returned it to that spot.

With just over seven minutes expired in the third quarter, the Rams found themselves on the Hilltops one yard line again facing a third and goal decision. This time, the Rams elected to have Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from eight yards out to even the score at 7-7.

That field goal was set up off an interception by Rams defensive back Nathan Murray.

The Hilltops jumped back out in front with a minute to play in the third quarter. On a fake field goal, Fleming threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Presley Peterson to put the visitors in front 14-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Hilltops got the ball with great field position, when outside linebacker Brady Fossen blocked a punt from Pritchard.

The Hilltops got down to the Rams 25 yard line and elected to gamble on a third and five. Rams defensive lineman Jesse Goedman sacked Dutton on the third down play to allow the hosts to take over the ball on their own 30 yard line.

Dillan Heintz had a TD catch for the Hilltops.

Later in the fourth quarter with 5:01 remaining in the frame, Rams quarterback Michael Calvert hit running back Derek Best with a 29-yard touchdown toss to even the score at 14-14.

With 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Balucos hit a field goal from eight yards out to give the Rams a 17-14 lead. The field goal was set up by a fumble by Dutton that was recovered by Rams defensive lineman Tyler Eckert.

On the ensuing series, the Hilltops elected to pull Dutton for backup quarterback Trey Reider. Dutton had struggled for a lot of the contest completing 9-of-14 passes for 92 yards and the one touchdown toss, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling once.

Reider got two offensive series to try and move the team and was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts, while throwing one interception. On his second series, Reider was intercepted by Wande, which sealed the win for the Rams. The interception was Wande’s second of the contest.

After that Wande interception off Reider, the Rams offence ended the contest taking two knees.

While the teams didn’t have to battle any adverse weather conditions, the CJFL semifinal clash was far from a classic. The Rams turned the ball over seven times, while the Hilltops committed an unimaginable 12 turnovers.

The Hilltops got sound production from their two star running backs in Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen. McLean ran the ball 14 times for 64 yards. Teammate Boston Davidsen carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards.

Ethan Godson led all Saskatoon receivers with five catches for 45 yards.

Riece Kack had six total tackles for the Hilltops.

Calvert completed 18-of-25 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for the Rams. He also ran the ball eight times for 26 yards.

Best led the Rams in rushing carrying the ball 14 times for 67 yards to go with his 29-yard touchdown reception.

Defensive lineman Craig Torgerson had a sack for the Hilltops. Middle linebacker Matt Wist had a team high eight solo tackles and five total tackle assists for Saskatoon.

Defensive end Riece Kack had five total tackles and a tackle assist for the Hilltops.

Eckert had a pair of sacks for the Rams. Defensive back Kyle Clarot led Langley with six total tackles.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the Canadian Bowl in 2019, which also turned into a defensive slugfest at McLeod Stadium. Saskatoon pulled out an 11-6 victory in that encounter.

Before Saturday’s CJFL semifinal contest, the last time the Hilltops lost a post-season game came in the 2013 PFC final, when they fell 21-16 against the Regina Thunder at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon on October 27 of that year.

The Hilltops run of six consecutive CJFL championships and 22 straight post-season victories were CJFL records no one could ever seriously imagine could happen. While those streaks came to an end, they were truly remarkable accomplishments.

Ultimately, it took arguably the craziest of post-season games to bring those streaks to an end.

Congratulations to the @LangleyRams - who are heading to the Canadian Bowl.

A truly worthy opponent and our pick for Canadian Bowl champions based on their defence alone.

Enjoy the win Langley!

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 21, 2021

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Hilltops to face rain, hotter temperatures in CJFL title game

Rams won’t be frozen out of Canadian Bowl

Caleb Haight gets a strip sack in last year’s Canadian Bowl.

    Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant knows the Langley Rams won’t be shocked by the elements this time around.
    For the second straight year, the Hilltops (11-0 overall) and the Rams (12-0 overall) will face each other in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

    A year ago in fridge conditions with a high of -7 C at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops hammered the Rams 58-21 to win an unprecedented fifth straight CJFL title game.

    When the two sides face each other on Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C., Environment Canada is predicting showers with a high of 11 C.

    This time around, Sargeant said the Rams should have a higher comfort level playing out of familiar surroundings.

    “Number one, we are going into their barn,” said Sargeant. “Last year, it was cold, so the conditions played to us.

    “I think this year the conditions are more conducive to what they’re comfortable with. Anytime you go into someone else’s environment, that gives them a bit of an advantage. We’ve been there a few other times.”
    The Hilltops will have practised in temperatures below freezing all week in Saskatoon before departing for The Canadian Bowl early Friday morning.

Keegan Dicks, left, catches a Hilltops TD in last year’s Canadian Bowl.

    Hilltops star middle linebacker Jadyn Pingue believes the only adjustment his side will have to make it getting used to playing at full speed again.

    “I feel like we’re going to come out there, and we’re going to be a lot faster,” said Pingue. “We’re practising on this field.

    “It is kind of icy, so we have to focus on being lower. When we get up there, we are looking forward to being able to be on the turf and being able to get our speed going. It is pretty much the exact opposite.
    “It is minus-10 here. It is supposed to be plus-10 there. I’m just looking forward to going to B.C. and playing a game.”

    Hilltops quarterback Tyler Hermann said the weather won’t have that much effect on the strategies used by his club’s side.

    “It (the weather) is significant in a sense,” said Hermann. “Our game plan doesn’t waiver too much.

Rams’ Nathan Murray (#34) in action in last year’s Canadian Bowl.

    “We’re going to be physical. We are going to be tough, and we’re going to mix in a little bit of deep ball and passing kind of stuff as well. That is pretty much what we are going for at the moment.

    “We’re just going to prepare in the cold for now I guess.”

    Besides meeting in the Canadian Bowl for the second straight year, the Hilltops and Rams will be going at it in the CJFL title game for the fourth time in eight years. 
    The Hilltops claimed the first two encounters, which were both played in Langley.
    In 2012, the Hilltops squeaked past the Rams 23-21. In 2014, the Hilltops posted a convincing 39-14 victory over the Rams, which started Saskatoon’s current run of winning the CJFL championship for five consecutive years.

    “None of my players on this team on this team have ever been out to Langley, so you know as coaches, we have to try and communicate and tell them about the environment and get them ready,” said Sargeant. “You look at the Langley Rams they are super athletic, they are very well coached and they love to make a lot of plays.”

“Sarge” appreciates well wishes from record 209^th win

Tom Sargeant has 209 career wins as Hilltops head coach.

    Tom Sargeant didn’t expect numerous heartwarming messages would pour in after his latest milestone win.

    On Nov. 2 in London, Ont., Sargeant picked up his 209^th career victory as the Saskatoon Hilltops head coach, when squad hammered the host Beefeaters 51-1 in a CJFL semifinal contest. The total put Sargeant one win ahead of retired Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal for the most in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks.

    Sargeant has a 209-30-2 career record in CJFL regular season and post-season action since becoming the Hilltops head coach before the start of the 1998 campaign.

    McCrystal was the head coach of the Rams from 1984 to 2014, and they played 15 seasons in the CJFL and 16 campaigns in U Sports over that time as the University of Regina Rams. Over those 31 seasons, McCrystal compiled a 208-104-2 record as head coach in the regular season and post-season in both the CJFL and U Sports.

    After news spread about Sargeant’s latest milestone, the message of congratulations poured in.

    “There have been some very night gestures,” said Sargeant. “If you know me, I am a little embarrassed and humbled by it, because anything that I do as a coach, these are group accomplishments.

    “I can’t do anything alone without the support, the love of my family and then the loyalty and commitment of my coaches. Whatever comes my way I will take it, because I hope that everyone understands that it is filtering down to them too. I’ve had some extremely loyal coaches that are integral to any success that we have.”

    Sargeant has always said he isn’t a guy that keeps track of numbers. When he does achieve a milestone, he does worry that those around him might not get the credit they deserve as well.

    “Anything that comes my way, I hope I do a good enough job of spreading it,” said Sargeant. “A lot of times, I don’t do anything about it.

    “It doesn’t affect me. I just know I have to work harder the next day and get this team more better and more ready for the next task at hand. I’m certainly thankful for all of that.

    “As I said, it is a reflection of everyone around me way more so than me myself.”

Hilltops trio named CJFL defensive all-Canadians

Jadyn Pingue was named a CJFL all-Canadian all-star.

    Knowing the fact they will play for an unprecedented sixth straight CJFL championship, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Saskatoon Hilltops led the way in CJFL all-Canadian all-star selections on the defensive side of the ball.

    The CJFL announced its defensive all-Canadian all-stars on Wednesday, and the Hilltops had the most selections at three.

    Middle linebacker Jadyn Pingue was named an all-Canadian all-star after an outstanding campaign that saw him post 33.5 total tackles, one pass knockdown, one fumble recovery and one interception in seven regular season games.

    The fifth-year veteran was named the most outstanding defensive player and most outstanding linebacker for the Prairie Football Conference earlier in the post-season.

    Defensive tackle Jesse McNabb took home honours as an all-Canadian all-star for the second straight season. Playing out his final campaign of CJFL eligibility, McNabb posted 26.5 total tackles and three sacks appearing in all eight of the Hilltops regular season games.

    The CJFL showed major respect to Hilltops defensive back Colton Holmes naming him an all-Canadian all-star. Holmes played in only four of the Hilltops eight regular season games due to injury posting 17.5 total tackles, two pass knockdowns, one fumble recovery and one interception.

    Earlier in the post-season, Holmes was named the most outstanding defensive back for the PFC. He has yet to suit up for the Hilltops in the current post-season.

    Holmes attended the training camp of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and was on the team’s practice roster until rejoining the Hilltops.

    The Hilltops will face the Langley Rams in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – on Saturday in Langley, B.C.

    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’ win streak hits 30, Beefeaters fall 51-1 in CJFL semi

“Sarge” picks up milestone 209th career victory

Tyler Hermann threw for 297 yards and three TDs for the Hilltops.

    The milestones piled up almost as fast the points they put up on the scoreboard.
    Saying the venerable Saskatoon Hilltops had a banner Saturday at TD Stadium in London, Ont., might even be a minimal way to describe how the night went.

    The Hilltops, who are the five-time defending CJFL champions, hammered the host London Beefeaters 51-1 in a CJFL semifinal contest. With the win, the ’Toppers advance to the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – for a sixth straight year.

    Saskatoon will travel to Langley, B.C., for the CJFL championship tilt on Nov. 16 against the host Rams.

    The Rams, who are 12-0 overall, downed the Westshore Rebels 35-12 in the British Columbia Football Conference championship game on Saturday in Langley to advance to host the Canadian Bowl. The Rebels, who are based in Langford, B.C., closed the 2019 campaign with a 9-3 overall record.

    In last year’s CJFL title tilt held in Saskatoon, the Hilltops hammered the visiting Rams 58-21.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant picked up his 209th career win.

    The Hilltops, who are 11-0 overall this season, are the only team in the history of the CJFL to win five straight league titles, and they have claimed eight of the last nine CJFL championships. Saskatoon will be shooting to win six in a row and claim nine of the last 10 CJFL championships in the upcoming Canadian Bowl.

    On top of moving into position to possibly hit new benchmarks in CJFL championship wins, the Hilltops rolled off their 30^th overall win in a row with their victory over the Beefeaters on Saturday including action in the CJFL’s regular season and playoffs.

    The Hilltops last loss came back in a regular season contest on Sept. 9, 2017, when they fell 29-26 to the Regina Thunder at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    Along with hitting 30 straight victories in their overall winning streak, the Hilltops have won their last 28 straight games on the road including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season. Due to their current run of consecutive championships, the Hilltops extended their CJFL record for consecutive post-season wins to 19.

Ben Abrook had 110 yards rushing for the Hilltops.

    On a personal front, Saturday’s victory was the 209^th win in the career of legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. The total moves Sargeant ahead of retired Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal for the most wins in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks.

    Sargeant has a 209-30-2 career record in CJFL regular season and post-season action since becoming the Hilltops head coach before the start of the 1998 campaign.

    McCrystal was the head coach of the Rams from 1984 to 2014, and they played 15 seasons in the CJFL and 16 campaigns in U Sports over that time as the University of Regina Rams. Over those 31 seasons, McCrystal compiled a 208-104-2 record as head coach in the regular season and post-season in both the CJFL and U Sports.

    As for Saturday’s CJFL semifinal game itself, the contest was a big display of Hilltops might. Hilltops rookie defensive back Bailey Taylor intercepted Beefeaters quarterback Jake Pow on London’s first offensive series.

    Saskatoon turned that turnover into a 22-yard field goal from receiver/kicker Rylan Kleiter and a 3-0 lead.
    The Hilltops edge increased to 10-0 on their next offensive series thanks to a four-yard touchdown run by star power back Ben Abrook.

Doug Fleming threw a TD pass on Saturday.

    The Beefeaters proceeded to tally their lone score on a 29-yard missed field goal single by kicker Leo Centeno from 29-yards out to cut the Hilltops edge to 10-1.

    Before the first quarter came to a close, Hilltops fifth-year quarterback Tyler Hermann hit fifth-year receiver Connor Graham with a 75-yard pass-and-run touchdown to increase Saskatoon’s advantage to 17-1.

    In the second quarter, Hermann hit Graham for a 52-yard touchdown pass and then connected with third-year receiver Keegan Dicks for 20-yard touchdown strike to give the Hilltops a 31-1 lead.

Kleiter proceeded to boot a 22-yard field goal to give the Hilltops a 34-1 lead at halftime.

    Early in the third quarter, Kleiter hit a 20-yard field goal and backup quarterback Doug Fleming hit Graham for a touchdown strike to push the Hilltops lead out to 44-1.

    Second-year running back Jordan Tabin rounded out the game’s scoring in the fourth quarter with a nine-yard touchdown run for the Hilltops.
    Hermann completed 11-of-18 passes for 297 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Graham hauled in four passes for 154 yards to go with his three majors.

    Abrook carried the ball 16 times for 110 yards to go with his major score.

    Pow connected on 14-of-28 passes for 155 yards and was intercepted twice guiding the Beefeaters offence.

Connor Graham had four catches for 154 yards and three TDs.

    London was held to 58 yards rushing as a team in the contest.

    Defensive end Tristan Hering had three tackles and three sacks for the Hilltop. Caleb Haight had two sacks for Saskatoon, while Jesse McNabb and Brady Fossen each had a single sack.

    Hering, Haight and McNabb are all playing out their final campaigns of CJFL eligibility.

    Defensive back Jared Giddings had an interception for Saskatoon.

    Defensive back Codey McRoberts led the Beefeaters with seven defensive tackles.

    The Beefeaters, who finished with an 8-3 overall record, turned the ball over eight times including twice on interceptions, once on a fumble and five times on downs.

    Saskatoon didn’t have any giveaways in the contest.

    Now, the Hilltops will try to win their 21^st CJFL title in team history. While the Langley Rams will be playing at home in the Canadian Bowl, they will be hard pressed to stop the momentum this Saskatoon train has built.

WE’RE GOING TO THE ‘SHIP!

The Saskatoon Hilltops are heading back to the Canadian Bowl after a 51-1 win over the London Beefeaters.

Thank you to all the fans who joined us in London and everyone who watched back home. 💙💛#playoffszn pic.twitter.com/yvGG2PBQ5d

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 3, 2019

    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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Haight family tradition nearing a close on field with Hilltops

Caleb Haight has been a great Hilltops ambassador on and off the field.

    Caleb Haight believes his mom, Lana, might go through the toughest Saskatoon Hilltops withdrawl, when his career with the team comes to a close.

    Caleb is playing out his final campaign of CJFL eligibility with the Hilltops, and he has just two possible games remaining with the five-time defending CJFL champions.

    On Saturday, the Hilltops (10-0 overall) travel to London, Ont., to face the London Beefeaters (8-2 overall) in a CJFL semifinal contest. The winner advances to the CJFL national championship game – the Canadian Bowl – to be played Nov. 16 at the winner of the British Columbia Football Conference championship game.

    The BCFC title game will be held Saturday, when the Langley Rams (11-0 overall) face the Langford based Westshore Rebels (9-2 overall) in Langley.

    Caleb has suited up at defensive end for the Hilltops since the beginning of the 2017 campaign. He followed his three older brothers to the club, who suited up for the Hilltops at different times from 2009 to 2014.

Caleb Haight (#53) runs down a Huskies receiver.

    Caleb’s oldest brother, Aaron, was the first to come to the ’Toppers playing slotback for three seasons. Jared and Joel followed Aaron to the venerable junior club.

Jared played four seasons on the defensive line and Joel suited up for four campaigns as a defensive back.

    “It has been a family tradition,” said Caleb. “To play for another team would certainly feel weird.

    “You talk about being in the last few games, it is going to feel weird for my mom, because we have no more home games. That is the end of Haight’s playing at Gordie Howe Bowl (which is now Saskatoon Minor Football Field). Coming out of high school, it was really the only option.

    “It was the only team I thought I wanted to play for. They wanted me, because I knew some coaches. It has been a good experience.”

    Caleb Haight was a graduate of the Clavet School Cougars six-man high school football team in Clavet, Sask. After graduating from high school, he took a year off to travel and spent a following year rehabbing an injury.

    Along with healing up an injury, Haight worked out and believes he came to the Hilltops physically stronger than he would have been right out of high school.

Caleb Haight (#53) runs down an Edmonton Wildcats ball carrier.

    “It ended up being a blessing,” said Haight, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 260 pounds. “Coming a little bit later, it meant that I’ve traveled or dressed for every single game except one in my rookie year.

    “That is a unique blessing that a lot of guys I guess don’t get.”

    Helping the Hilltops win CJFL titles in each of the past two years, Haight said his time with the team has flown by.

    “It is crazy,” said the 22-year-old. “I don’t know how long I have been playing organized football.

    “I think (Hilltops defensive coordinator) Jeff Yausie coached me when I was probably eight or nine. I’ve thrown the ball with my brothers as soon as I could walk. To think that I might not be playing football again after this weekend or in three weeks, it is emotional.

    “Obviously, I will miss it, but there is a time for everything, so I just want to embrace the last few games and make the most of it.”

    Haight had a huge outing in the Hilltops PFC final win on Sunday over the Huskies recording three defensive tackles, two defensive tackle assists, one special teams tackle and one quarterback sack. 

Caleb Haight (#53) had a big performance in the PFC final.

    Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant was pumped about Haight’s performance.

    “I said in front of the team he had his best game in the uniform and played inspired football and helped to motivate our team,” said Sargeant. “It is great to see a guy in his fifth year on limited time come out and play with such energy and passion.

    “He just played smart. He red the scenarios and got himself in all the right spots and made his plays. As I said, that Edmonton Huskies offence is certainly a good offence.

    “Caleb (Haight) was a massive part in helping us shut them down.”

    Away from the football field, Haight engages in numerous community initiatives with the club. He claimed the PFC’s Al Park Community Service awards this season.

    Sargeant said all the members of the Haight family who have played for the Hilltops have been high character persons.

    “Number one, Caleb he comes from such a great family,” said Sargeant. “We had all the other boys in our program, so the Haight family has certainly been a big part of the fabric of the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Caleb Haight (#53) walks to the field with parent Lana and Jeff.

    “Great parents (in Jeff and Lana) who do a great job of modeling, and they teach them the proper things about service. He (Caleb Haight) certainly gives back, and as I said, those are the players that we look for within our roster.

    “As I said, he deserves a lot of credit for who he is and what he has been doing.”

    The community work has become such a lifestyle thing with Haight that he can’t really put a finger on how many things he has been involved with.

    “It is hard to number,” said Haight, who usually is supported by a huge contingent of family and friends at each Hilltops game. “Obviously with the Hilltops, there have been a lot of things whether it has been the punt, pass or kick (or) a couple of high school camps.

    “In the community, I’ve been involved with a lot of church related stuff whether it is youth groups or chaperoning high school students on trips. I guess my family in general has always been big into volunteering and everything.”

Haight family gatherings are a common site at Hilltops games.

    Haight said he encountered a high from his community work this season, and it didn’t involve him getting the PFC’s community service award.

    “It has always meant a lot to volunteer,” said Haight. “Actually, a really cool moment is I helped lead a youth group two years ago to church.

    “This year one of the guys that I had in my youth group (linebacker Abe Fimbo) won the rookie of the year out in the B.C. Conference. That was actually a really cool moment is seeing a guy that I mentored and watching him grow in football and having him play really well in Kamloops (with the Broncos).

    “That is a pretty cool thing that came with that award.”

    Haight is looking forward to Saturday’s clash with the Beefeaters. He adds film study can only tell you so much and there is always an element of mystery, when the Hilltops play clubs from the other conferences in the CJFL.

Caleb Haight won the community service award for the PFC.

    “In that first quarter, that is really going to tell us a lot in terms of how physical they are,” said Haight. “They have a lot of really good athletes.

    “They have a running back specifically where I’ve seen some plays and been very impressed. They have an O-lineman who came down from the college ranks where he was a really dominant player. We give them a lot of respect.

    “It should be a good battle on Saturday.”

    The Hilltops have a number of milestones on the line too. They have won their last 29 overall games in a row including action in the regular season and playoffs, claimed victory in a CJFL record 18 straight post-season games and have won their last 27 contests in a row on the road including action in the regular season and post-season.

    Saskatoon is trying to extend its current run of winning five straight CJFL titles. Sargeant needs one more win to pass retired Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal for the most career head coach victories in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks.

    Sargeant has a career 208-30-2 record in the regular season and playoffs since becoming the Hilltops head coach before the start of the 1998 campaign. McCrystal compiled a 208-104-2 record in the regular season and playoffs guiding the Rams as head coach from 1984 to 2014 including 15 campaigns in the CJFL and 16 seasons in U Sports as the University of Regina Rams.

Caleb Haight (#53) pictured with the Hilltops D-line after the PFC final.

    Once again, Sargeant said he is not a guy that tracks numbers.
    “I’m just one piece of any puzzle,” said Sargeant. “It is just the Hilltops.

    “Every one of my coaches has a job to do. Every one of my players has a job to do. We have to go out there and do the best job that we possibly can to make sure our fifth-year players leave as champions that is what it is all about.

    “As I said, I’m blessed to be the head coach of the Saskatoon Hilltops. That provides me with a lot of pride and adds a lot of confidence with what I am doing with the men I am doing it with. As I said, I just can’t wait to play Saturday night and go out and play our best game of the year.”

Abrook gets weekly award in record game

Ben Abrook (#32) follows the block of Taylon Elderkin, centre.

    Saskatoon Hilltops running back Ben Abrook gained a player of the week tip of the cap after breaking a long standing playoff record.

    On Sunday, Abrook carried the ball 44 times for 246 yards and two touchdowns as the Saskatoon Hilltops downed the Edmonton Huskies 30-14 in the PFC final at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Abrook’s 44 carried set a new record for most carries in one CJFL playoff game.

    The old mark was held by Chris Curran of the Regina Rams, who carried the ball 38 times for 225 yards on October 12, 1991 in a 22-14 victory over the Calgary Colts.

    Thanks to Abrook’s big performance on Sunday, he was named the PFC’s player of the week for a fourth time this season, when the CJFL announced its weekly awards on Wednesday.

    During the eight-game regular season, Abrook topped the PFC in rushing carrying the ball 199 times for 1,215 yards and eight touchdowns. Abrook was named a PFC all-star.

Kleiter captures fifth weekly special teams award

Rylan Kleiter boots a 34 yard field goal for the Hilltops.

    Saskatoon Hilltops receiver/kicker Rylan Kleiter can pretty much keep the PFC’s weekly special teams award.
    Kleiter was named the PFC special teams player of the week for the fifth time in the last six weeks, when the CJFL announced its player of the week awards on Wednesday. The honour came due to Kleiter’s performance in the Hilltops 30-14 victory in the PFC final on Sunday against the Edmonton Huskies at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    In that win, Kleiter made all three of his field goal attempts connecting form 27, 34 and 14 yards. He also connected on all three of his conversion attempts.

    Kleiter, who is a star curling skip, punted the ball twice for an average of 31.5 yards per kick. He kicked off six times for 275 yards for an average of 45.8 yards per kick.

    Offensively, Kleiter led the Hilltops in receiving catching three passes for 47 yards.

    During the regular season, Kleiter led the PFC in scoring with two touchdowns, 18 field goals, 33 converts and one single. He was a PFC all-star at the place kicker position and was named the PFC’s most outstanding special teams player.

    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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