Huskies’ Nyhus polishes up for Regina homecoming

Mason Nyhus slings a pass downfield for the Huskies.

    Mason Nyhus wants to make his Regina homecoming his best start to date with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team.

    The 21-year-old quarterback, who is in his third-year of U Sports eligibility, has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his first two starts with the Huskies. The Huskies came out of those outings with a 1-1 record.

    Nyhus’s numbers were good over that time completing 53-of-76 passes for 619 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He knows those numbers need to be better, if the Huskies, who are the defending Canada West champions, are to make significant noise this season.

    The graduate of Regina’s Michael A. Riffel High School Royals football team will have his next chance to make a big impression in his hometown in a rivalry game. On Friday, the Huskies travel to Regina to face the University of Regina Rams (1-1) at 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium in a U Sports regular season clash.

    “We still have a lot of work to work on for sure,” said Nyhus. “I’m still at home in Regina.

    “It is my hometown, so I can’t complain there. We should be good rolling into Regina here.”

    Going into the game against the Rams, Nyhus is still looking for that really big game where his total of touchdown passes and big plays in the passing game looks as impressive as his yardage total at game’s end. His longest completion this season is 33 yards.
    Last Friday at Griffiths Stadium, Nyhus guided the Huskies to a 40-7 victory over the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, but he admitted he made some throws where he tried to force a play to happen. 

Mason Nyhus has thrown for 619 yards in two games.

    He said he has a pretty good groove going with his receivers.

    “I’m very comfortable with the offence,” said Nyhus, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 200 pounds. “I know the playbook very well.

    “I had a few mistakes (against the Thunderbirds) that were just silly reads trying to make one too many plays. I’m pretty aggressive out there, so I have to know when to say when sometimes.”

    With that said, Nyhus said he still plans to take some calculated risks due to the faith he has in his teammates to be playmakers. The signal caller noted that star utility player Colton Klassen came through with a big catch on a throw that was made on trust.

    “Those are the types of plays I expect my guys to make,” said Nyhus. “I try to take care of the ball after that a bit more for sure.”

    Nyhus will be front and centre for one of the biggest storylines in Friday’s game going head-to-head against Josh Donnelly, who is the Rams new starting quarterback. Donnelly made one start for the Rams last season.

    In his two starts this season, Donnelly has completed 51-of-80 passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. His longest completion has gone for 75 yards.

Mason Nyhus sets to throw a check down pass.

    Donnelly and Nyhus rate first and second respectively throwing for the most passing yards in the Canada West Conference.

    Huskies head coach Scott Flory said he likes his guy and added the fact Nyhus now has his first win as a starter will help going forward.

    “It is going to be the first of more with him there is no doubt about it,” said Flory. “He is a special kid.

    “He is a special talent, and he is only going to get better with each snap.”

    The Huskies will be looking for their first road win in the 2019 campaign on Friday. They opened the regular season on Aug. 30 traveling to Winnipeg, Man., and dropped a 43-19 decision to the University of Manitoba Bisons.

    U of S turned the ball over seven times in that contest, while the Bisons didn’t have a single giveaway resulting in the lopsided score.

    In the upcoming encounter against the Rams, the Huskies are expecting a big contingent of their fans will travel to the game in Regina. Still, Flory, who is a graduate of Regina’s Dr. Martin LeBoldus High School, cautions his squad will still be in unfriendly territory.

    “There are obviously going to be Huskie fans down there,” said Flory, whose team is rated ninth in the U Sports Top 10 rankings. “It is not home.

Mason Nyhus (#8) calls plays for the Huskies.

    “It is not here with 6,000 fans. We have to play on the road. We have to learn how to win on the road.”

    Nyhus said it helps that his team is heading into the clash with the Rams on a winning note and has avoided falling into an 0-2 hole. While the Huskies want to improve their play in a number of areas, Nyhus said his squad has a lot of positives to build on as well.

    “We moved the ball in both games very well I thought,” said Nyhus. “We just eliminated turnovers.

    “We just protected the ball a bit better for sure. Everything is better after a win, so 1-1 is huge instead of 0-2 no doubt.”

Machart takes Canada West player of the week honours

Adam Machart had a big night in the Huskies win over the Thunderbirds.

    Running back Adam Machart was rewarded for his explosive effort in the U of Saskatchewan Huskies home opener.

    On Monday, Machart, who is in his second season with the Huskies, was named the offensive player of the week in the Canada West Conference. Machart claimed the player of the week honours for his huge outing last Friday in the Huskies 40-7 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds at Griffiths Stadium.

    In that contest, Machart carried the ball 15 times for 134 yards and scored two touchdowns. On top of that, he caught five passes for 39 yards.

    Defensive back Wesley Bookland from the U of Alberta Golden Bears was the defensive player of the week, while running back and kick returner Michael Ritchott of the U of Manitoba Bisons was the special teams player of the week.

Abrook flies to PFC player of the week honours

Ben Abrook (#32) flies through the air for the Hilltops winning TD.

    Ben Abrook has the Saskatoon Hilltops most memorable touchdown so far of the 2019 campaign, and he now has a play of the week tag added to his efforts.

    On Wednesday, Abrook was named the offensive player the week for the Prairie Football Conference for helping the five-time defending Canadian Junior Football League champion Hilltops improve to 4-0.

    Last Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Abrook carried the ball 30 times for 128 yards and scored two touchdowns to push the Hilltops past their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder 28-21. The Hilltops improved their overall winning streak to 23 games with the victory.

    With the Thunder holding a 21-20 lead, Abrook dived into the end zone from a yard out with 33.4 second remaining in the fourth quarter to score the winning touchdown for the Hilltops. Saskatoon added a two-point conversion after Abrook’s winning major.

    Defensive back Brandyn Martin of the Thunder was the PFC’s defensive player of the week. Martin had six-and-a-half total tackles, an interception and a pass knockdown in the setback to the Hilltops.

    Linebacker and kick coverage specialist Hunter Lawson of the Edmonton Wildcats was the PFC’s special teams player of the week.

    The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m. against the Calgary Colts (1-3) at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Hilltops add “J.F.” stickers on helmets for Filteau

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, left, embraces Ron Filteau, middle.

    The Saskatoon Hilltops have added “J.F.” stickers on their helmets to remember the late Justin Filteau.

    Filteau played linebacker for the Hilltops from 2010 to 2014 helping them win Canadian Junior Football League titles in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. He was a CJFL all-Canadian all-star in the 2014 championship campaign.

    Filteau, who was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Sask., died in a small plane crash on June 1 at age 26.

    The Hilltops are wearing “J.F.” stickers on their helmets this season to remember Filteau. They invited Filteau’s parents, Ron and Nancy, to their game last Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, where they downed the Regina Thunder 28-21.

    Ron and Nancy came out to centre field before the game for a moment of silence with family member of two Hilltops directors who passed away this past off-season.

    Filteau was a member of the U of Saskatchewan Huskies from 2015-17 and his memory was honoured last Friday in the Huskies 40-7 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds at Griffiths Stadium. Ron and Nancy were on hand having been invited to that game as well.

    Filteau was an assistant coach for the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints football team. This season, the Saints are remembering Filteau by wearing yellow game socks with “J.F.” stitched on one sock and his #45 stitched on the other sock. 
    The Saints are also wearing stickers on their helmets to remember Filteau.

Ron and Nancy Filteau visit with Andrea Eccleston, right.

    Filteau was an assistant coach for the Saskatoon Valkyries of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League. He passed while en route to meet up with the Valkyries for a regular season game in Regina.

    The Valkyries wore stickers on their helmets to remember Filteau and dedicated their season to him. They finished the 2019 campaign winning the WWCFL title posting a perfect 9-0 overall record.

    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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Home is still where the heart is for CJFL champion Hilltops

Saskatoon finally plays home opener Saturday versus Thunder

Ben Abrook, left, has piled up the yards for the Hilltops.

    They are riding a 26 game winning streak on the road, but the Saskatoon Hilltops are still elated to finally be playing at home.
    The Hilltops, who has won the last five straight Canadian Junior Football League championships, have opened the current regular season sporting a 3-0 record having won all three of those contests on the road. In the process, the Hilltops have extended their road winning streak to 26 straight games including three victories in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

    Saskatoon also extended its overall winning streak to 22 games including action in the regular season and playoffs.

    On Saturday, the Hilltops will host their home opener against their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder (2-1) at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football field.

    Hilltops third-year running back Ben Abrook said his team is really looking forward to playing at home. He said the players can’t wait to see lots of family and friends in the crowd along with the team’s fans.

    Abrook added that not everyone can take the time to follow the team on the road.

    “It is super nice,” said Abrook. “We get to be in our regular routine.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, right, hit a couple of big milestones.

    “We don’t have to be on the road, on the bus and everything. We’re super excited to get out there. We’re super excited to get the fans out and everything, so it should be good.”

    One of the Hilltops three season opening road wins game against the Thunder. On Aug. 25, the Hilltops downed the Thunder 34-16 at Mosaic Stadium giving Saskatoon head coach Tom Sargeant his 200^th career CJFL victory including action in the regular season and playoffs.

    Last Sunday at Clarke Park in Edmonton, the Hilltops slipped past the Huskies 24-22. Sargeant hit another milestone with that victory as it was his 150^th career win in CJFL regular season play.

    Sargeant, who has been the Hilltops head coach since 1998, has a 150-21-2 career record in the regular season and a 51-9 record in the post-season for a combined 201-30-2 mark. He by far the CJFL’s all-time career wins leader in regular season, post-season and overall.

    After opening with three straight road games, Sargeant is looking forward to defending home turf.

    “It certainly wasn’t an easy schedule at the beginning, but hey, you know what, we are through it now,” said Sargeant. “What I like is we are going to dress 65 players this weekend.

Ryder Klisowsky (#61) locks up on a block for the Hilltops.

    “A lot of the guys have been practising. Now they are going to have a little different zip about them with the opportunity to maybe have some playing time this week in getting on some special teams or maybe getting on an offence or defence. We know we are going to have a high end week of practice, and we are going to have great energy for Saturday night.”

    During the regular season, CJFL teams are allowed to dress 65 players for home games as opposed to a travel roster of 45 players, which is what all teams are allowed to dress in the post-season.

    Sargeant said the home date will allow the players who haven’t traveled with the club for road games to feel more part of the team. The veteran sideline boss is aware a sizable number of players on the Hilltops roster haven’t seen a regular season game in the current campaign.

    “They’ll get the whole field of flavour, the energy and the compete level,” said Sargeant. “It is different.

    “Ultimately, we have to get our 12 starters on offence, defence and special teams playing better. That has been the work of the coaches. When we coach our starters hard, that just raises the level of everybody else.

    “I want to have great practises this week, and I want to finish it off with our best game of the year. Going into a bye, there is nothing better than playing your best game and feeling good about everything. That is certainly the goal, but that is easier said than done.”

Jaxon Funk was the PFC’s defensive player of the week.

    Hilltops defensive lineman Jaxon Funk was named the defensive player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference for posting 11 solo tackles and a pass knockdown in last Sunday’s win over the Huskies.

    Over the first three weeks, Abrook has been on a tear taking over as the Hilltops starting running back this season. He leads the entire CJFL in rushing piling up 514 yards on 93 carries and scoring two touchdowns.

    Abrook said the Hilltops starting offensive line of left tackle Mason Ochs, left guard Ryder Klisowsky, centre Patrick Arno, right guard Taylon Elderkin and right tackle Jonathan Chisholm have really helped make things roll.

    “They’ve been going pretty good,” said Abrook. “The O-line has been blocking and making some holes.

    “We’ve been able to capitalize on a few things and run the ball pretty well.”

    Abrook said his comfort level gets higher every time he starts a game with for the team.

    “It is a different role for sure,” said Abrook. “You have to bring a little different intensity to every game and everything.

    “It has been good so far. I am definitely more confident after three games now. Hopefully, I get more confident as the season goes on.”

The Hilltops aim to celebrate some big moments on Saturday.

    Sargeant said Abrook and the Hilltops offensive line have some good chemistry going. On top of that, Sargeant said backup running back Carter McLean has done well in his reps and backup quarterback Doug Fleming has run the quarterback draw well.

    During this encounter with the Thunder, Sargeant wants to see his team’s passing game start heating up a little more.

    “We’re very happy with our run game,” said Sargeant. “We know we have to enhance our pass game.

    “We know we want to become a better 50/50 offensive pass/run team, and we are going to get there. It is just going to take us a little more work. Ben Abrook’s performance for the first three games has been exemplary that is for sure.”

Filteau to be remembered before Hilltops home opener

Justin Filteau in action for the Hilltops in 2014.

    The Saskatoon Hilltops will remember former linebacker in the late Justin Filteau before Saturday’s game.

    Filteau passed away in a plane crash on June 1 at the age of 26. The Moose Jaw, Sask., product played for the Hilltops from 2010 to 2014 helping the club win four CJFL titles in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

    He was a CJFL all-Canadian all-star in that final championship campaign.

    The Hilltops will hold a moment of silence before Saturday’s game for Filteau and two team directors who passed away in the off-season.

    Filteau’s parents in father, Ron, and mother, Nancy, are being brought up Saskatoon on a pair of invites.

    On Friday night, they have been invited by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team to their home opener and homecoming game at 7 p.m. at Griffith Stadium against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

    Justin played for the Huskies from 2015 and 2017 and will be honoured in the break between the first and second quarters.

    Ron and Nancy have been invited to the Hilltops home opener on Saturday night against the Thunder set for 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

    Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said the moment of silence before Saturday’s game will have a lot of meaning for his team.

    “It is going to be a special moment, because he was such a great kid,” said Sargeant. “He is what this Hilltop program is all about.

    “I remember being very blessed to have coached him for five years and being around his family knowing how much he meant to us and how much he cared about the blue and gold and how much he enhanced our tradition. We’ll certainly be proud at that moment and happy for their family.

    “We’re all still grieving in different ways, but that is the great thing about football. It can help you out of places sometimes that you don’t need to be. We’ll look forward to that special night and lots of thoughts and prayers toward the Filteau family and lots of fond memories of Justin.”

    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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Valkyries resolve remarkable

The Valkyries won their sixth WWCFL title in memory of Justin Filteau.

    The Saskatoon Valkyries had a season that could have come off the rails, but they were able to rally around an unexpected tragedy.

    The Valkyries came in with a team in 2019 capable of winning the Western Women’s Canadian Football League title for the first time since 2016.

    On May 11, the Valkyries downed the Regina Riot 38-13 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field ending a four game head-to-head skid against their provincial rivals. The Riot won the WWCFL title in back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018.

    The Valkyries rolled to a 4-0 start that included winning a pre-season game in Las Vegas and had first place in the Prairie Conference locked up going into their final regular season game on June 2 against the Riot in Regina.

The late Justin Filteau, left, during a Valkyries win on May 11.

    At that moment, the unthinkable happened on the night of June 1 involving the team’s beloved defensive line coach Justin Filteau.

    Filteau was in Medicine Hat, Alta., and boarded a small American Aviation AA-5B plane with Moose Jaw, Sask., residents Jim Wilk and Kerry DePape. All three visited Medicine Hat for a bachelor party for Wilk’s son, who was marrying DePape’s daughter.

    Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed east of Medicine Hat, and all three men perished in the crash.

    Filteau, who was just 26 years of age, was supposed to fly into Moose Jaw and drive out to Regina on Sunday to coach with the Valkyries in their final regular season game against the Riot.

    The Valkyries found out about the tragedy before they hit the field that day.

    Filteau had deep ties to the football community in Saskatchewan, especially in Saskatoon where he played for the CJFL’s Hilltops (2010-14) and the Huskies (2015-17) in the U Sports ranks. He joined the Valkyries originally as a linebackers coach in 2017.

Alex Eyolfson’s leadership ability continues to grow with the Valkyries.

    He had deep ties to the provincial judo community as well and was honoured with a posthumous presentation of his black belt at is celebration of life on June 14.

    For the Valkyries, they had to deal with the fact one of the coaches held so closely in the hearts of everyone involved with the team was suddenly no longer there, when a season was in progress.

    On that June 2^nd day, it would have been understandable if the Valkyries lost that game or their season came to a crashing end. Instead, the Valkyries took the Mosaic Stadium turf that day holding hands vowing to play the rest of the season to honour their late coach.

    At that moment, the hashtag term “#ForFilteau” was born.

Sam Matheson (#22) was in prime form returning after a year off.

    The Valkyries came away with a 22-7 victory that day.

    Into the playoffs the team went. Players wore “JF” stickers on their helmets and often inscribed the “#45” Filteau wore with the Hilltops and Huskies on their uniforms.

    The team’s coaches and support staff made up “Filteau’s the Worst” T-shirts, which they wore during games. They also inscribed the initials “JF” and “#45” on various spots of their clothes.

    The Valkyries players gave Filteau that exact T-shirt as a joke gift during the team’s wrap up banquet in 2017, and he loved it.

    Saskatoon opened the post-season blanking the Winnipeg Wolfpack 66-0 on June 9 at SMF Field.

Danaye Holynski (#55) impressed in her rookie season with the Valkyries.

    The Valkyries dumped the Lethbridge Steel 53-0 in a semifinal match on June 23 at SMF Field.

    Last Saturday, the Valkyries won their sixth WWCFL title with a 25-3 victory over the host Riot in Regina. Saskatoon received a pre-game message from Nancy Filteau, who is Justin’s mother, to go out and have fun.

    Following the game, the Valkyries brought Ron Filteau, who is Justin’s father, on the field for the celebrations. There was a group hug with the team, and a team picture with the trophy.

    The team also present Ron with a game ball that was signed by every member of the club from the win on June 2.

    The Valkyries had so many great storylines to help build their 8-0 overall record.

Valkyries staffers and coaches wore “Filteau’s the Worst” T-shirts.

    Quarterback Alex Eyolfson at age21 has become a leader in the image of former San Francisco 49ers great Steve Young. If one of her receivers had a drop or someone on her offensive unit had a bad play, she is there immediately talking to them to pick them up.

    In those moments, the players Eyolfson talked with got uplifted right away. It was fitting that she was named MVP of the WWCFL title game for her team.

    Star running back Sam Matheson returned after a year off to allow her body to heal. She ran in prime form and was named the Valkyries season MVP.

    Rookie Haley Girolami turned in some strong performances in the post-season as a receiver.

    The starting offensive line of right tackle Betsy Mawdsley, right guard Lauren Ferguson, centre Eden Rakochy, left guard Ashley Viklund and left tackle Alyssa Funk were dominant in the trenches.

Members of the Valkyries offensive line push Riot players into the end zone.

    The defence was anchored by playmaking middle linebacker Emmarae Dale, while rookie defensive end Danaye Holynski emerged as a dominant force on the field.

    Long time Veterans Jaime Lammerding, Beth Lalonde and Ehjae Chan provided a steady hand on the defensive side of the ball.

    Rookie defensive back Kori Herner showed she could win at football too like she did with hockey and softball.

    Head coach Pat Barry and his staff did a marvelous job navigating the team through tough waters you don’t expect.
    Offensive coordinator Jordan Walls and defensive coordinator Wyatt Carleton shined as play callers.

Ron Filteau, left, walks to the field with Jordan Walls.

    Of course, the 2019 campaign will always be remembered as the season the Valkyries rallied to honour the memory of Justin Filteau.
    This WWCFL title win was unlike the five others the team had.

    Even now, everyone involved with the team is still dealing with Filteau’s loss in their own way, and they are at different points in the process of healing and moving forward.

    They have one more game to play. This coming Saturday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Valkyries will host the Montreal Blitz in an exhibition game.
    It will be a curtain call opportunity for the Valkyries and their fans to salute all that the team accomplished in 2019.

The WWCFL champion Valkyries pose for a team picture with Ron Filteau.

    They have to know that somewhere Filteau is smiling with pride of what the Valkyries were able 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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“This game was 100 per cent for him” - Valkyries win WWCFL title in memory of late coach Filteau

Ron Filteau holds the WWCFL title trophy for the Valkyries team picture.

    REGINA, Sask. - It was far from an ordinary Western Women’s Canadian Football League championship for the Saskatoon Valkyries.

    On Saturday, the Valkyries downed the host Regina Riot 25-3 to capture their first league title since 2016 and sixth WWCFL championship since the team first hit the field in 2011. 

    The Riot entered Saturday’s game looking for their third straight league championship having won the WWCFL title in 2017 and 2018.

    The Valkyries were playing to honour the memory of their late defensive position coach Justin Filteau, who died in a plane crash on June 1. After learning about Filteau’s passing, the Valkyries dedicated their 2019 season to their late coach.

Sam Matheson (#22) jets off on a 16-yard touchdown run.

    Following Saturday’s win over the Riot, the Valkyries brought Filteau’s father, Ron, on to the field to share in the celebrations. The team had a big group hug with Ron, and he took part in a team picture with the squad.

    “This feels unreal, especially with everything that has happened this year, the adversity our team has experienced and overcome on this field,” said sixth-year defensive back Ehjae Chan. “It means so much like more than words can even express.

    “For us to be here to have played in this game and pulled through, we really felt coach (Justin) Filteau here today. This game was 100 per cent for him. I think for us it just felt fitting.”

    The Valkyries improved to 8-0 overall with the win.

Haley Girolami makes a tough sidelines catch.

    They still have one more exhibition game this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field against the Montreal Blitz, who play out of a women’s league in the United States.

    The Riot, who won two straight road playoff games to make the WWCFL final, finished off with a 3-4 overall mark.

    Valkyries quarterback Alex Eyolfson, who was named her team’s MVP for the title game, said she couldn’t find the words to adequately say how she felt regarding all that her squad had to persevere through.

    “It is just amazing,” said Eyolfson. “It is a great feeling.

    “Everyone just has so much heart on this team. It just showed today at the end. We just pushed through and got it for Filteau.”

    The Valkyries actually closed their WWCFL regular season schedule one day after Filteau’s sudden passing on June 2 at Mosaic Stadium against the Riot. Saskatoon prevailed in that contest 22-7.

    “When we found out about Justin’s passing, we were playing our last regular season game here on June second, and it was a challenge,” said Valkyries head coach Pat Barry. “I had never been involved in anything like that.

Ehjae Chan (#24) celebrates a fourth quarter interception.

    “The resiliency of our athletes is incredible. I am so proud of them. Their mental toughness is something I will never forget.

    “I will remember it all of my days.”

    Saturday’s clash was a typical physical affair that traditionally occurs between the Valkyries and Riot. The defences on both sides force their share of turnovers.

    The Valkyries ultimately made their takeaways count scoring 24 points off turnovers.

Saskatoon went ahead 1-0 early in the first quarter on a 40-yard punt single from Rienna Rueve.

    In the second quarter, Valkyries rookie defensive back Kori Herner intercepted Riot star quarterback Aimee Kowalski.

    The Valkyries turned that turnover into a short scoring drive that was capped by a four-yard touchdown run by star running back Sam Matheson to give the visitors an 8-0 edge.

    Near the end of the second quarter, Chan intercepted Kowalski and made a long run back into Regina’s end of the field.

Valkyries LB Beth Lalonde sacks Riot QB Aimee Kowalski.

    A short drive resulting from that turnover ended with Rueve hitting a 15-yard field goal to give the Valkyries an 11-0 lead with 14 seconds remaining before halftime.

    “As a DB, anytime you get to have an interception it’s really meaningful, especially when it kind of changes the tide of the game,” said Chan. “Our whole team has been playing unreal.

    “Our defence, we were working together, so I feel like that was just a reflection of how well our defence was playing as a unit. I just happened to get to take the glory for that moment, but it was really the whole team working together to make that happen.”

    Early in the third quarter, the Riot appeared to seize the momentum, when defensive end Jessie Noname blocked a punt and recovered the ball at Saskatoon’s 34 yard line.

QB Alex Eyolfson (#15) threw for 200 yards for the Valkyries.

    On the ensuing Regina offensive series, Kowalski appeared to hit receiver Kyla Krenbrink for a nine-yard touchdown pass, but the score was called back due to an off-side penalty against the Riot.

    That series ended with Krenbrink hitting a field goal from 20 yards out to cut the Valkyries lead to 11-3.

    In the fourth quarter, the Valkyries got the ball on their own 45 yard line after stopping the Riot on a third down gamble.

    Saskatoon proceeded to drive the ball downfield for a scoring march that was capped by a one-yard sneak by short-yardage quarterback Reed Thorstad. Thorstad’s score gave the visitors an 18-3 lead with 6:47 remaining on the clock.

The Valkyries held Reed Thorstad (#12) up after she scores a touchdown.

    After stopping the Riot on another third down gamble, the Valkyries mounted another scoring march that was capped by a 16-yard touchdown run by Matheson to put Saskatoon up 25-3 with 2:35 to play.

    Chan made her second interception of the contest on the ensuring Riot offensive series to cap the Valkyries victory.

    “It is always nice to come and battle,” said Chan, who had three tackles to go with her two interceptions. “We always have great games when we play the Riot.

    “We appreciate that, because football is more fun when it is a challenge and you aren’t sure what is going to happen. Obviously, it is great. We’re so proud of the football community in Saskatchewan.

Valkyries head coach Pat Barry gets the ice bucket shower.

    “Obviously, we love keeping it (the WWCFL championship) in the province and battling it out.”

    Matheson had a monster game for the Valkyries running the ball 21 times for 176 yards to go with her two scores.

    Eyolfson, who was named her team’s MVP for the game, completed 13-of-27 passes for 200 yards with one interception. Valkyries rookie receiver Haley Girolami led all pass catchers with six catches for 65 yards, which included a key 24-yard sideline catch in the fourth quarter.

    “We had a great group of receivers this year,” said Eyolfson. “I think it was probably like one of the strongest years we’ve had as an offence for sure.

    “We’ve played flag before, so it is good. I can connect with them. I know how they run.”

    The Riot were limited to 199 yards of total offence as a team. Kowalski completed 14-of-37 passes with four interceptions.

Ron Filteau, centre, gets emotional from a warm greeting by the Valkyries.

    Linebacker Emmarae Dale and defensive end Danaye Holynski each had 10.5 tackles for the Valkyries.

    Defensive tackle Brittany Boschman was named the game MVP for the Riot making 3.5 tackles and recovering one fumble.

    Barry spoke to Justin Filteau’s mom, Nancy, before the contest and she said to tell the players to have fun. The side boss reminded his players of that bit of advice at halftime, and he thought they were more upbeat with how they played in the second half.
    With all the Valkyries had to go though, Barry was overjoyed to see his team win the WWCFL title.

The Valkyries raise the WWCFL championship trophy.

    “I’m a little speechless right now,” said Barry. “I am so proud of these players.

    “I am so proud of these athletes. I am really excited for them. They had a great day.”

    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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