Hilltops ready for home opener
With road wins under their belt and three weeks into their season, the Saskatoon Hilltops finally get to play their Canadian Junior Football League home-opener.
The Toppers (2-0) — three-time defending CJFL champs — will host the Ontario Football Conference’s Ottawa Sooners (0-2) in interlocking schedule play Saturday at 7 p.m. at SMF Field.
Here’s a breakdown by position of the 2017 Hilltops squad:
QUARTERBACK
The Toppers have handed the reins to quarterback Jordan Walls.
“He’s only going to get better,” says head coach Tom Sargeant. “He’s got a good grasp of what we’re trying to do offensively.”
Holdover Tyler Hermann is the team’s backup. Kelton McLean is third on the depth chart.
RUNNING BACK
Lots of options here, but Logan Fischer remains the No. 1 option, says Sargeant: “He’s a guy the offence is built around.”
Adam Machart and Josh Ewanchyna will get their share of touches this season along with a sprinkling of Ben Abrook and fullback Colin Stumborg, who is playing a larger multi-purpose role this season. Stumborg is a reliable receiving target out of the backfield.
“He’s playing a vital role,” says Sargeant. “He’s critical to the offensive package because he’s so diverse in the game he plays.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Veteran returning starters include leader Kurt Simonson, Taylor Elderkin and Jack Sloboda. Centre Pat Arno and tackle Ethan Pasloski round out the starting five.
“They’re big and physical players,” says Sargeant. “... We love how they get off the ball and get after the blocks.”
The Toppers said goodbye to graduates Tyler Hoath, Drake Unger and Cord Ivanko.
“When you lose three starters,” adds Sargeant, “that’s some heavy lifting.”
RECEIVERS
Tyson Sawatzky and Drew Fitzgerald graduated, leaving behind capable targets in all-star Sam Mike, PFC reception yardage leader Jason Price and Ryan Turple, along with Joe Trumpey, Adam Ewanchyna and Ryan Kleiter.
“Ryan Turple’s been one of our most steadiest offensive players through two games,” says Sargeant.
KICKING GAME
Kleiter is the team’s punter and kickoff guy. James Vause does the field goal and convert kicking.
Return specialists include Adam Machart, Ryan Turple and Josh Ewanchyna.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Tommy Schnitzler, a captain, and Riley Pickett anchor the line at the ends. Pickett had two sacks last week in Winnipeg.
Nose tackle Garth Knittig continues to improve inside. The combination of Jesse McNabb, Tristan Herring and Connor Guillet are also back from last year.
“We like the flavour of the d-line, dealing with a few losses in Blake Herman and Dillon Buckle — those were two high-end football players,” says Sargeant.
LINEBACKER
Considered the strength of the squad with the likes of all-Canadian middle linebacker Cam Schnitzler, Cody Peters, Cole Benkic and Bobby Ehman along with backups Riley Keating and Jaydn Pingue.
“It’s an area of strength right now with some great backups,” says Sargeant.
DEFENSIVE SECONDARY
“Last year we felt it was maybe one of our weaker groups, but this year it’s now become a strength,” Sargeant says.
Vause is the leader at the safety position. Defensive halfback Luke Melnyk is another key veteran. Colton Holmes is another great tackler at the half. Jared Giddings and Logan Kelsey-Stern are the cover guys who have played “highlevel football,” Sargeant says.