Hilltops Game Recap: Toppers advance to Canadian Bowl

Football in Canada wouldn’t be the same without some cooler temperatures and some snow on the ground. SMF Field was filled with just that for Sunday afternoon’s CJFL Semi-Final clash between two undefeated heavyweights, the Saskatoon Hilltops and St. Clair Saints. The cold temperatures however would play a big factor in the match, with the Hilltops taking advantage and cruising to a dominant 43-0 victory and advancing to the Canadian Bowl.
**********

The Hilltops started off the game on the right foot, and only got better as the afternoon went along and they didn’t look back. St. Clair would begin the game with the ball but it wouldn’t take long before a forced fumbled by the Saints would be recovered by the Toppers, and quarterback Tre Reider would connect with Noah Flaman shortly after for a quick 7-0 lead. The Hilltops would double that lead not too long afterwards with Reider finding Flaman again in the endzone. Saskatoon would continue to put up impressive drives in the first quarter even though they wouldn’t find the endzone again. The defense stood tall once again, not giving St. Clair any opportunities during their possessions.

The Hilltops would start off the second quarter with a touchdown from Drake Douglas to increase the Topper lead to 21-0, followed by St. Clair giving up a single safety. The Hilltops would grab another interception late in the quarter followed by another safety by the Saints to give Saskatoon a commanding 24-0 lead heading into halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Tejion Abel-Douglas would send his field goal wide and through the endzone for another single point, but later on would connect on a 20-yard field goal for a 28-0 lead ending off the third quarter. Into the fourth quarter, Saskatoon would find the endzone once again thanks to Charles Sawi. Another missed field goal would add one point to the 36-0 Topper lead, and shortly after Riece Kack would set a new CJFL record for the most sacks in a single game with six on the afternoon where the defense was on point from start to finish. Backup quarterback Brexton Elias would run a sneak play close to the end of the game to increase the lead to 43-0, the final score on the afternoon.

Saskatoon will now go into a bye week followed by the Canadian Bowl in Langford, BC on November 11th where they will face the Westshore Rebels as they chase their 23rd National title.
**********

Head Coach Tom Sargeant: