Ochs sets standard for Hilltops in post-season

Saskatoon set to face Thunder in PFC final in Regina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funk in right spot for key interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I love playing defence now.”

Can Hilltops channel spirit of 1985?

A team picture of the 1985 Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Sargeant circa 1985.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 versus Thunder PFC final has unique big game feel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mason Ochs makes a block for the Hilltops.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carter Shewchuk throws a pass downfield for the Thunder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrow enjoyed Funk interception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rams claimed last PFC final played in Regina in 1998

The Rams take home the PFC championship trophy in 1998.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huskies praised for saving life, other notes

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

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) November 8, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Their actions made a difference this evening.”

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

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

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2013 Grey Cup was Rider Nation’s best day at Taylor Field

Me, left, next to Chris Schultz on TV.

Thanks to looking over Chris Schultz’s shoulder, I had my moment at the 101^st Grey Cup.

Following the Saskatchewan Roughriders 45-23 romp over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to win the Grey Cup at home on the frozen concrete of Taylor Field on November 24, 2013, I found myself heading to the booth on the north side of the legendary facility that was hosting TSN’s game day panel.

I was part of the group that got to look in through the window as the members of the panel gave their final thoughts on the contest. I was looking over the shoulder of Schultz, who was a former offensive tackle and 1991 Grey Cup winner with the Toronto Argonauts.

Later on that night, I noticed my TV appearance was captured on photo by a couple of buds in Mike Kaye and Jeff Urkevich, who posted the images on Facebook. I laughed when I saw them, and they are still a good keepsake memory.

This past Sunday, the CFL wrapped up a Grey Cup Unite promotion that began on Monday, Nov. 16. It marked a week long virtual celebration of the CFL and its iconic title game that dates back to 1909.

Grey Cup Unite ran during the same time this year’s Grey Cup festival was to be held in Regina, and the championship contest was to be played on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium.

With the world locked in the grips of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2020 CFL campaign got outright cancelled.

Rider Nation mingled in the streets before the 2013 Grey Cup.

There was talk about playing a shortened CFL season in a hub city format in Winnipeg, Man., but the entire campaign was officially terminated on August 17.

During the Grey Cup Unite week that just wrapped up, my mind drifted back to that seasonably pleasant day and night in Regina on November 24, 2013. That game was played seven years ago today, and it feels like some kind of other lifetime ago.

Still, I wish something could make me go back in time to relive that day again. Even just being seven years younger that I am today, I felt I was able to truly soak in and enjoy that day.

At that time, I was still working at the Medicine Hat News as a beat writer that covered the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. I had booked a vacation week that started on that Grey Cup Sunday.

With how the stresses were in the workplace at that point in time, I aimed to use my vacation weeks as tools to give myself strategic breaks. Looking at the CFL schedule, I thought the Roughriders could be in that game.

Fans walk to Taylor Field for the 2013 Grey Cup.

Even if they weren’t, I expected to attend a Grey Cup party in Medicine Hat and had plans to enjoy the day that way.

I was actually in Calgary a week earlier on November 17, 2013 at McMahon Stadium, when the Roughriders hammered the host Calgary Stampeders 35-13 in the CFL’s West Final.

When I got home, I did check Ticketmaster’s website to see if there were tickets available for the Grey Cup. Of course, the game was a sellout.

During my career as a sports reporter, I knew usually at big events like the Grey Cup a portion of tickets are set aside for dignitaries and special guests. Tickets that are set aside for those purposes that aren’t used usually go back on sale to the general public.

On the Tuesday just two days after the West Final, I was able to buy one of those tickets that were put back up for sale to the public.

The Saturday before the Grey Cup game, I actually worked a WHL regular season contest, where the host Tigers downed the visiting Regina Pats 5-1 at The Arena in Medicine Hat. The Tigers crew knew I was heading to the Grey Cup game, and they all told me they hoped I had fun.

Fans gather outside Taylor Field before the 2013 Grey Cup.

I believe I only slept five hours that night and began my jaunt to Regina at 7 a.m. on Grey Cup Sunday.

When I arrived in Regina, it was like everywhere I went in town was a joyful, feel-good party. After wandering the streets around Taylor Field enjoying festivities with the rest of Rider Nation, I made my way to the stadium to ensure I got to see the pre-game show.

During pre-game show, the sellout crowd of 44,710 spectators was already in a walking on air mood when the Saskatoon-based band the Sheepdogs was on the field playing. As game time neared, you believed this would be the perfect dream night for Rider Nation.

This belief was backed up when the Roughriders charged the field in their traditional “Bring ‘Em Out” style.

The game’s signature moment came early in the first quarter, when Roughriders franchise quarterback Darian Durant scrambled up field, got hit and fumbled the ball high into the air to be pulled down by star running back Kory Sheets.  Sheets rumbled off a magical 39-yard game for the home side.

Fans line up to get into Taylor Field for the 2013 Grey Cup.

As a Roughriders fan, you had a big gut feeling that this game was going to go your way after seeing that play.

That drive eventually resulted in a diving 15-yard touchdown reception by legendary CFL receiver Geroy Simon that put the Roughriders up 7-3. Saskatchewan scored 24 points in the second quarter to take a 31-6 lead into halftime.  The outburst included another beauty 42-yard touchdown catch by Simon.

After Hedley’s entertaining halftime show, Hamilton scored the first 10 points of the second half to create a little worry for the Roughriders fans cutting Saskatchewan’s lead to 31-16. That was as close as the visitors got.

A four-yard touchdown run by Sheets and a 26-yard touchdown reception by receiver Weston Dressler put the Roughriders up 45-16, and the victory celebration in Saskatchewan started in earnest.

Sheets had two major scores along the ground and piled up a Grey Cup record 197 yards rushing on 20 carries to be named the game’s MVP. He ran with power and authority.

The inside of Taylor Field at the 2013 Grey Cup.

Durant completed 17-of-24 passes for 245 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Slotback Chris Getzlaf was the contest’s most outstanding Canadian player hauling in three passes for 78 yards.

The game was also highlighted by two big sacks from Roughriders defensive lineman John Chick.

On a fan front, I was pumped to see the Roughriders run over Tiger-Cats star quarterback Henry Burris, who once played for the Roughriders in the early 2000s. Crazy part was I would met Burris about four years later after he quarterbacked the Ottawa Redblacks to a Grey Cup win in 2016.

I learned Burris was a gem of a person, and also having a better understanding of the business of sports, I regretted the fan heckles I sent his way over the years at CFL games including the 2013 Grey Cup.

Even with that noted, I still relish and have the greatest memories of the Roughriders Grey Cup win in 2013, which was fourth Grey Cup victory in team history. It felt like the right outcome for the final Grey Cup ever played at Taylor Field.

Taylor Field shortly after the Roughriders win the 2013 Grey Cup.

When the clock ticked to zero, people were hugging their neighbours all around them. The image of Durant hoisting the Grey Cup with a huge smile on his face will also live forever. The green and white confetti raining down on the Roughriders players was also a site to behold.

For the longest time after that game ended, I remember just sitting in the stands and soaking everything in. On the fan front, it was the greatest day.

I also had four buds who were University of Regina Rams football team grads on that Roughriders team in Neal Hughes, Brendon LaBatte, Getzlaf and Jordan Sisco. Thanks to those connections, I actually spent some good social time with a number of players on that Roughriders team over the years including Durant.

They are all great guys, and I was really proud that they got to achieve that moment in their careers.

Actually, the idea of the Roughriders winning the Grey Cup at Taylor Field wasn’t even something that seemed conceivable for the bucket list.

The final scoreboard of the 2013 Grey Cup.

After reveling in the moment, I made my way to the booth where the TSN panel was to get my TV moment.

From there, I disappeared to “the Green Mile” and into the Regina night to enjoy the celebration, which went well into Monday morning.

For like a 24-hour period, it really felt like life was just truly good. Even now, I feel fortunate I got to enjoy that feeling.

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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Labour Day Classic photo fun Roughriders, Bombers style

Darian Durant (#4) fires a pass downfield in the 2016 Labour Day Classic.

    The Labour Day Classic in Saskatchewan equals the ultimate annual great lost weekend.

    Traditionally, the Labour Day long weekend clash between the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the host Saskatchewan Roughriders provides the perfect celebration weekend for Rider Nation and a great CFL rivalry. The celebration for Rider Nation part is helped by the fact the Roughriders have won 14 out of the last 15 Labour Day Classics.

    The lone Bombers victory came in 2016 thanks to a 43-yard walk-off field goal by kicker Justin Medlock. That allowed Winnipeg to take the final Labour Day Classic ever played at Taylor Field 28-25.

    Of course, the Roughriders have a massive advantage as this game is usually a sellout, and the crowd in most years sounds louder than any other home game in that respective season.

    While most of the stadium is full of Roughriders fans, a sizable following usually follows the Bombers from Winnipeg to Regina for this game.

    For a number of years, there was a time fans from out of town started arriving in Regina on Friday night to party. The party ran Friday and all day Saturday leading to game day on Sunday.

    Following the game, the parties usually continued all through the night and people began returning home on Monday.

    I’ve been to 19 Labour Day Classic games with the first coming in 1996. The Roughriders have posted a 17-2 record in those contests.
    Star quarterback Cody Fajardo lead the Roughriders to victory in last year’s game.

Cody Fajardo (#7) slings a pass in the 2019 Labour Day Classic

    I made the last 12 straight Labour Day Classics in a row dating back to 2008. Unfortunately, this year’s CFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which means there is no Labour Day Classic in 2020.

    Starting around 2004, I began taking photos of the happenings on the Labour Day Classic weekend. From 2004 to 2011, those photos were usually taken on a disposable film camera.

    I got my first digital point and shoot camera in 2012. Yes, I was late to the game getting to the digital camera world with my own equipment.

    Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos from the parties that took place post-game at Bart’s on Broad from the late 1990s through to 2006. As a result, there are no pictures of the Blue Bomber Cheer and Dance Team, which was then known as the Blue Lightning Dance Team, doing a performance to “Don’t Cha” by the Pussycat Dolls.

    Of course, that song has the chorus lyric, “Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me.”
    Trust me, that was an epic night at Bart’s.

    Anyways, I hope you enjoy checking out these photos. I could have posted a tonne more, but I though this supplied a good sampling.

A dream scoreboard for Roughriders fans

    This is the final scoreboard from the 2012 Labour Day Classic.

    The Saskatchewan Roughriders down the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 52-0. For many Roughriders fans, their favourite Labour Day Classic game is the 2012 contest.

Drum guy rallies the fans

    Of course, the fans are a key part in making the Labour Day Classic great. In this photo, a drum guy named “Spanky” rallies the Taylor Field crowd in 2013.

Bombers walk-off win in 2016

    Right here might be the most memorable moment for Bombers fans at the Labour Day Classic.

    In 2016 at the final Labour Day Classic game at Taylor Field, kicker Justin Medlock nails a 43-yard walk-off field goal to give the Bombers a 28-25 victory over the Roughriders.

“This Is Our House”

    During the 2010 season, the Bon Jovi song “This Is Our House” blared throughout Taylor Field pregame to pump up Rider Nation for contest that was to come.

    Here fans are waving rally towels the team gave out before that year’s Labour Day Classic game as “This Is Our House” played throughout the stadium.

Lauther’s walk-off 2019 Roughriders win

    In 2019 at Mosaic Stadium, Brett Lauther’s 26-yard walk-off field goal sails true to give the Roughriders a 19-17 victory over the Bombers.

    After this kicked went through the uprights, Lauther and punter Jon Ryan made a mad dash to Pil Country in the south end zone, where Lauther ultimately drank a beer. The celebration capped that year’s Labour Day Classic.

Fans prefer rock over banjos

    This group of Roughriders fans in 2004 had a response to Bombers kicker Troy Westwood’s infamous comments towards those in Rider Nation.

    They brought this sign out before the Labour Day Classic that year and it said, “Rider fans play more than banjos! Rock on Riders!!!”

Sheets meets the public

    It seemed like Roughriders star running back Kory Sheets never missed an opportunity to meet Rider Nation.

    Here Sheets signs autographs for the gathering of fans that wait outside the Roughriders dressing room after the 2013 Labour Day Classic. Sheets would be the MVP of the Roughriders Grey Cup championship win later that year.

Gainer loves meeting the public too

    At the 2008 fan festival that occurs the day before the Labour Day Classic, Roughriders mascot Gainer the Gopher satisfies an autograph request from a young fan.

Durant TD celebration

    Roughriders star quarterback Darian Durant poses for this sweet celebration photo after scoring a touchdown in the 2016 Labour Day Classic.

Rally at “Wayne’s World”

    Bombers fans rally at “Wayne’s World” before the 2008 Labour Day Classic. These pre-game rallies at “Wayne’s World” are an annual tradition for Bombers fans.

Fans takes over south end zone

    Fans take over the south end zone at Taylor Field during the 2004 Labour Day Classic. Before stands were installed in that spot, fans jammed on to a hill that used to be located in that part of the Roughriders old historic park.

Harris on the run

    Bombers star running back Andrew Harris tears downfield on a run during the 2016 Labour Day Classic.

Rider Cheer Team entertains

    The Rider Cheer Team entertains fans with a little stunting at the 2011 fan festival that occurred the day before that year’s Labour Day Classic.

Carter aims to muscle out of a tackle

    Roughriders star receiver Duron Carter tries to muscle his way out of the grasp of a Bombers tackler in the 2017 Labour Day Classic.

Reaves family reunion

    The family and friends of Roughriders defensive lineman and special teams ace Jordan Reaves, fourth from right, pose for a group photo following the 2018 Labour Day Classic.

    In the front on one knee is Jordan’s proud father Willard, who was a star running back for the Bombers in the 1980s. Willard Reaves was voted the CFL’s most outstanding player in the Bombers Grey Cup championship year in 1984.

We can all be friends

    The final picture is of yours truly with a couple of members of the Bombers Cheer and Dance Team before the 2016 Labour Day Classic.

    I just bought the Blue Bomber Cheer and Dance Team calendar off them. Remember folks, it is always better to make love and not war.

    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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    If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Labour Day Classic weekend good, not great as it once was

Mosaic Stadium set for the national anthem on Sunday.

    On the surface, it looks hard to complain about the Labour Day Classic weekend in Regina, but the weekend as a whole has shown cracks in its lustre.

    On Sunday, the Roughriders got a walk off game-winning, 26-yard field goal from kicker Brett Lauther to pull out a 19-17 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. Lauther and punter Jon Ryan proceeded to lead a charge of teammates to Pil Country in the south end zone for a celebration.

    Most of the sellout crowd of 33,356 revelled in the host side’s victory outside of the sizable contingent that came out to cheer for the Bombers. A number of fans from Winnipeg, Man., make it out to Regina for the annual Labour Day Classic.

Roughriders fans check out the pre-game party at the armory.

    The Roughriders also managed to sneak in a handful of extra bodies as sellout crowds at Mosaic Stadium were usually capped at 33,350 before Sunday’s contest.

    The game itself was a good defensive battle, and the game day presentation around the contest is a spectacle. The Roughriders have done an outstanding job with their game day experience since moving into their new stadium in 2017 and for a sizable chunk of years before that at their long time home in Taylor Field.

    Still, the weekend as a whole seemed to be a bigger event at one point in time not so long ago.

    No matter what, the Labour Day weekend in Regina is always busy. It is the place to be in Saskatchewan on Labour Day weekend.

Bombers fans chill at Wayne’s World.

    A boat competition took place on Wascana Lake on Saturday.

    Usually the Regina Dragon Boat Festival takes place at this time, but it wasn’t run this year as Regina hosted dragon boat nationals in July. The Regina Dragon Boat Festival returns to its normal slot next year.

    The Shake the Lake concert rock festival took over the Conexus Art Centre on Friday and Saturday.

    For people coming in from out of town for the Labour Day Classic football game, it seems in recent years they arrive on Saturday to go to the Roughriders Fanfest in the morning, party later on that night and depart for the home after the game on Sunday. For the out of town folk that do stay Sunday night, they seem to keep a low profile.

    At one point in time, a sizable contingent from out of town arrived in Regina on Friday night. Parties and various concerts or functions happened Friday, Saturday and after the game on Sunday night that had some sort of tie in with the football game.

    The heyday for this type of action seemed to run from 2005 to 2014. I have attended the last 12 straight Labour Day Classic games in Regina and 19 since 1996 and the last time I saw a sizable contingent stay after the game and fill the Dewdney Avenue strip was 2014.

“The Golden Boy” fires up the Bombers fans at Wayne’s World.

    This year I arrived in Regina on Saturday and went out that night. I noticed it was busy out on the town and the presence of people wearing Roughriders and Blue Bombers gear was there.

    It wasn’t like in past years. Most people wore regular clothes you would wear on a night out, and people wearing team gear of the Roughriders and Bombers were in the minority.

    From 2005 to 2014, it seemed like everyone that went out on Labour Day Weekend was wearing some sort of gear from either the Roughriders or Bombers.

    On Sunday, I went out and took part in pre-game festivities in the three hours before the game. After the game, I did take a couple of Halls cough candies to get my voice back from cheering.

Roughriders fans came game ready with fun jabs for their rivals.

    I visited at the stadium for an hour and went to finish an unrelated Labour Day Classic sports story.

    After finishing the sports story, I drove by the Dewdney Strip at around 10 p.m., and it was fairly dead. I opted not to try and find a party and drove back home to Saskatoon.

    In past years after the Labour Day game on Sunday, the restaurants and nightclubs would be full right up to 2 a.m.

    After the Labour Day Classic in 2000, I remember being on Broad Street where two nightclubs in Lauderdales and Barts on Broad existed at the time across the street from each other. There were massive lines to get into both and a party on the street.

    One Roughriders fan was slow driving down the street in a hearse done up in Roughriders colours and signs on the vehicle said the Bombers were somehow located in a coffin inside the vehicle. 

Cody Fajardo (#7) fires a pass downfield for the Roughriders.

    This type of over the top but still good fan thing isn’t seen as much anymore.

    In a weird bit of scheduling, Regina’s two post-secondary football teams in the CJFL’s Thunder and U Sports’ University of Regina Rams were both playing regular season games on the road for this year’s Labour Day weekend on Saturday night.

    The Thunder beat the Rifles in 52-45 in overtime in Winnipeg. The Rams thumped the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds 46-16 in Vancouver, B.C.

    For the longest time, the Rams would always try to start the U Sports campaign playing the University of Manitoba Bisons at home on the Saturday night before the CFL Labour Day Classic clash on Sunday. Winnipeg fans that came for the Bombers game usually went to the Bisons versus Rams game on Saturday night and spend a tonne on concessions.

RB William Powell (#29) follows his blocking downfield.

    In 2016, the Thunder hosted the Rifles in a very successful game at Leibel Field on the Saturday night before the Labour Day Classic.

    Those post-secondary games on the Saturday night usually acted as a primer for the CFL contest on Sunday.

    It seemed weird that both the Thunder and Rams would be scheduled to be on the road this weekend.

    Kudos go out to Rod Pedersen, Darren Dupont and the crew from The Rod Pedersen show for organizing the inaugural Rod Pedersen’s All-Star/Celebrity Football Game at Leibel Field on Saturday night. The touch football game was a fundraiser for Regina Minor Football and the Regina Riot of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League.

    Team White downed Team Green 30-28 and a fun time was had by all.

The Roughriders charge into Pil Country to celebrate their win on Sunday.

    The 2010 Labour Day Classic weekend might have been the most busy as the Roughriders were celebrating their 100^th anniversary. Throughout the weekend there seemed to be countless events going on throughout Regina that had a tie in with the CFL contest.

    There was a time around 2013 the Labour Day Classic used to sell out two hours after Roughriders put single game tickets up for sale usually on June 1. In recent years, the game hasn’t sold out until about two to four days before game day.

    The Labour Day Classic weekend is still good, but it is no longer that lost weekend of three nights of parties that it once was. The three nights of craziness might be something that doesn’t return.

    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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    If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.