Mahoney Saints are SHSAA 3A football champions

REGINA The Saskatoon Bishop James Mahoney Saints went marching into the end zone six times en route to winning the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 3A football title Saturday.

Bishop Mahoney rode a powerful ground game to a 43-0 lead and, ultimately, a 43-14 victory over the hometown Sheldon-williams Spartans at a chilly, snowy Leibel Field in Regina.

“There’s no better feeling in the world to win but, I’ll tell you what, it’s not even winning or losing. It’s this team,” head coach Donnie Davidsen said after guiding Bishop Mahoney to its second provincial title in a span of three seasons.

“They’re such a special team. They’ve come together as a unit from Day 1. It has been a very special opportunity for this group.”

The group includes the head coach’s son, Boston Davidsen, who scored four touchdowns.

“How many chances do you get to win? And you get to win with your son,” an emotional head coach said. “To me, that was awesome.”

To Donnie Davidson, though, the entire team feels like family.

“They do,” he said. “I love every one of these kids. We put so many hours in. We had more than 50 practices. We meet at lunch hours. The hours and hours and hours and hours of effort that these guys put in, they ’ve earned this. They ’ve worked so hard for this. It’s such a great team.”

A team that celebrated a great year — one the players will remember for the rest of their lives.

“They can’t scratch your name off that trophy,” Boston Davidsen said.

“It’s special. It’s an example of the work we put in, and it won’t be taken away from us.”

Gavin Delahey scored the other two TDS for Mahoney, which got five converts from Carter Sirman.

The Saints’ other two points came on a safety touch.

Quarterback Keegan Kaytor rushed for both Sheldon-williams touchdowns. Sheldon was undefeated in Regina Intercollegiate Football League play this season.