Hilltops’ linebacking trio aiming to go out on top
‘Dream team’ members all playing final CFJL game Saturday in Canadian Bowl
They call themselves the Dream Team.
Cody Peters, Adam Benkic and Bobby Ehman are the Saskatoon Hilltops’ three starting linebackers in their final year of Canadian Junior Football League eligibility, all are playing their final CJFL game with the Hilltops on Saturday afternoon.
The biggest turnover at Saturday’s Canadian Bowl will take place after the game when the Toppers bid farewell to these three graduating starting linebackers.
That makes Saturday’s championship final bittersweet for linebackers coach Jeff Yausie.
“It’s been great,” Yausie said of coaching the trio. “It’s been a dream, really.”
While Peters and Benkic have enjoyed a starting role in past years, Ehman did not emerge as a full-time player until his fifth and final year.
“So it shows his character and what an important contributor he was to our team as a leader on our special teams and he’s finally getting a year as a starter and doing a great job,” Yausie noted.
It’s been a long road, but Ehman feels it’s been well worth the wait.
“It’s pretty special with those other two guys, Adam and Cody — the Dream Team, we call ourselves,” noted Ehman, a Saskatoon Aden Bowman grad.
“It’s a special bond you make over the five years with those guys. I consider them brothers. It’s pretty special to come out in my last year, starting — it’s everything I’ve wanted.”
Ehman finished the regular season with 17 tackles and a pass deflection in his first year as a starter.
Benkic, an on-and-off-again starter during his PFC career with the Hilltops, has overcome two serious knee injuries.
“He’s always come back to play and play at a high level,” Yausie said. “He’s just got great character and he’s tough. To be able to come back and play so well, I just love him.”
Benkic has 23 tackles, two quarterback sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception through seven games this season.
And then there’s Cody Peters — this year’s PFC most outstanding defensive player and most outstanding linebacker.
He also is up for the CJFL’S Larry Wruck Outstanding Defensive Player award.
Peters — who enjoyed an extended stay with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders at training camp — posted 23 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, 3.5 sacks, one knock-down, a forced fumble and an interception during the regular season with the Hilltops.
“I’m not sure Cody has missed a practice in his five years,” Yausie said. “He’s very durable. He plays at a very high level. With some of the accolades he’s gotten this year and last year, he’s come back with a little more confidence coming back from Rider camp and playing multiple positions with the Riders with his skill and speed. He played halfback, outside linebacker and free safety. It shows how athletic he is.”
Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant says it’s “amazing” to have three fifth-years starting at linebacker.
“How cool is that? But that’s the Hilltop way,” said Sargeant. “That’s how we are; that’s what we believe in. We just love watching them play. They get the team excited, energized and motivated by just how physical and how tough they play. They’ve just been exemplary for what the Blue and Gold is all about.”
Sargeant adds that they love the linebackers in that situation.
“There’s so much smarts and football IQ in front of them, as well,” said Sargeant. “That’s why they make a lot of plays. They’re great at adapting and reacting to what’s on front of them.
“In the PFC, nobody ran the ball better than us and nobody stopped the run better than us.”
The Toppers will graduate four starters from D and another four from offence. This will be a first for Yausie to lose all three starters at the linebacker spot.
“It’s a little nerve-racking,” Yausie admitted. “I don’t even want to think about it that way. It’s been an amazing five years, regardless.”
Jadyn Pingue and Riley Keating are among those waiting in the wings.
“I guess the cool part is I’ve got two great linebackers and some young guys who are ready to go,” Yausie said.
“(Pingue and Keating) are big contributors and, boy, they’ve been patiently waiting for their chance. I’ve got to play them a little bit on the field this year and they ’ve performed very well so I’m not worried at all.”
Landon Schutte, who can play middle linebacker, and up-andcomer Brady Fossen, who plays Sam linebacker, are also among those waiting for a chance to shine.
Ehman can only hope his last game is a good one and a memorable one. Winning an unprecedented fifth Canadian Bowl ring, he admits, “would be amazing, to be starting all year and leaving this team with an even better taste in your mouth.”