Hilltops top Wildcats to vie for top spot
The Saskatoon Hilltops pitched a complete-game shutout while playing some fall ball on Sunday.
The Hilltops improved to 6-1 in the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference with a 51-0 victory over the visiting Edmonton Wildcats at SMF Field.
“I got a way better feel this week compared to last week,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant.
“Good timing moving ahead to the (first-place) showdown (Saturday against the 7-0 Edmonton Huskies). The league schedulers did a great job, letting us play the Huskies in the last game. First place on the line. Can’t ask for anything more than that.”
Whatever the Hilltops asked for, they received against the Wildcats. They racked up 601 yards in total offence, including 381 yards rushing and 225 passing yards.
Saskatoon got touchdowns from Logan Fischer (one yard), Ryan Turple (74-yard reception), Tanner Rhode (11-yard catch), Adam Machart (73-yard run), Sam Mike (four-yard reception) and Ben Abrook (18-yard run).
James Vause added a 36-yard field goal, 11-yard field goal and six converts and one single.
It was a true team win with everybody pitching in offensively and defensively.
“The young guys came in and played better,” noted Sargeant after watching the backups take over in the second half.
With Fischer going down with an injury early in the game, Machart took over and rushed the ball 12 times for 221 yards.
“It feels really good,” said Machart. “We try and set a tone for playoffs here. We’re already looking ahead to future (playoff) games here, so it feels really good to get a shutout.
“It was good to start the game off good and get the shutout. Last week, we got down by seven right off the bat.”
Fischer added 90 yards on nine carries.
Meanwhile, Hilltops quarterback Jordan Walls completed 10 of 19 passes for 213 yards and three TDs.
The Wildcats slipped to 1-6. “I like the way we ran the ball,” said Sargeant. “At first (this season), we weren’t running the ball that great. Now we’re pounding and Wallsy making touchdown throws and the receivers making plays. On defence, we’re just more alive around the ball. The Wildcats are a good team and well coached. They had some energy early, but I just liked the life of our team today compared to last week.
Defensively, defensive halfback Luke Melnyk was among those flying around the ball. He was named the Hilltops defensive player of the game. He was in on three tackles and had a pass knock-down.
“It feels great,” said Melnyk. “I thought we executed really well on defence. We kept up the intensity. All three areas (defence, offence, special teams) were great.”
Defensive end Riley Pickett had a quarterback sack and pass knock-down to go with five tackles. Linebacker Adam Benkic was also in on five tackles as well as two on special teams.
“We just have to stay focused because after this week, the schedule’s going to be especially tough,” added Melnyk.
“We’ve got Edmonton next week and they’re a really good team and, after that, it’s playoff time so that’s when the real season starts. We’ve got to be focused. It’s going to be a great game Saturday night (against the Huskies). What else do you want?”
The Toppers now have to prepare to meet the other Edmonton team, the Huskies, in a battle for first place in the PFC and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
That game will take place Saturday in Edmonton.
“I’m OK going to Edmonton next week,” offered Sargeant. “That’s OK. There’s nothing better than going to their barn and showing what Hilltop pride and tradition is all about. We’re excited.”