Hilltops hold off Huskies, clinch first in conference
Team improves to 6-0 with just two games left in regular-season play
Big game. Big plays. Big win for the Saskatoon Hilltops.
The Toppers clinched first place in the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference with a 36-16 decision Sunday over the visiting Edmonton Huskies at SMF Field.
“That feels pretty good,” admitted Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team improved its record to a perfect 6-0 with two games left in the regular season and nobody left to catch his squad in the standings.
“It’s not very often you can do that after six games. They (Huskies) are a worthy opponent. They’re a good football team and played a real aggressive game, but, ultimately, we were able to get the two points that were extremely needed.”
The Toppers were able to capitalize on some timely turnovers. A botched punt by the Huskies, three interceptions, two fumbles and five turnovers on downs led directly to Edmonton’s demise.
Sargeant was proud of the way his team’s defence and special teams played.
“They were playing spot-on,” noted Sargeant. “You could tell they were well coached and well prepared. They did their job. Offensively, we got in our own way a little bit and didn’t help ourselves and didn’t make some good decisions. That always disappoints me a little, but at the end of the day it was a big game; key critical scenario and we were able to execute the mission.”
Saskatoon struck first on a 10yard pass from Jordan Walls to John Brown.
Keegan Dicks, on a 70-yard catch, Jason Price, with a nineyard grab, and Josh Ewanchyna, on an 11-yard run, also scored touchdown majors for the Hilltops, who led 10-2 after the first quarter and 19-2 at halftime.
Dicks, who had three catches for 112 yards, scored his major with only 24 seconds left in the half as the Huskies were caught asleep at the wheel.
“That was massive,” said Sargeant.
“Keegan’s a special player. He has some learning to do but he’s certainly got that gift of making some big-time plays.”
David Solie added field goals from 41 yards and 35 yards out, as well as four converts in the win.
The Hilltops racked up 486 yards in total offence, including 251 yards rushing thanks to 201 yards on 27 carries by Ewanchyna.
The Huskies had 411 yards in total offence on 225 passing yards and 186 rushing yards.
“The coach challenged us this week,” said Toppers nose tackle Garth Knittig, who got in on six tackles and one quarterback sack. “We needed to play harder and faster and we needed to hit hard, and we did exactly that. We followed the game plan and things went our way.”
Jordan Walls completed 15 of 25 passes for 243 yards and three TDS. Tommy Yanchuk was good on 17 of 26 attempts for 213 yards.
Defensively, Cody Peters led the way with seven tackles and an interception. Logan Bitz was just as good with seven tackles, a quarterback sack and forced fumble.
Riley Keating had five tackles and a blocked kick that led to the Hilltops’ first TD.
Bobby Ehman added four tackles, two pass knock-downs and an interception.
“It feels pretty good,” said Ehman. “We had to play our best game of the year. We started a little bit slow on offence, but we picked each other up — that’s what we do on this team. We came out and got what we needed to do.
“Turnovers were huge. That, honestly, decides most games. If you look at it, we had turnovers on special teams and defensive turnovers, which is good. That’s what you need to win games.
“You can’t complain about first.” Knittig wasn’t complaining, but he wasn’t raising the trophy just yet.
“(First place) means nothing,” offered Knittig. “I’m looking forward to the big picture and that’s five games from now.”