Saskatoon Hilltops Clinch PFC Championship with Gritty Win Over Regina Thunder
In a hard-fought battle, the Saskatoon Hilltops have emerged victorious as the champions of the Prairie Football Conference (PFC). They secured their championship title after defeating the Regina Thunder with a score of 21-13 at the SMF Field in Saskatoon.
The Hilltops’ head coach, Tom Sargent, expressed his admiration for his team’s resilience and perseverance throughout the game. He commended the players for staying committed to the game plan, which eventually led them to the much-deserved championship.
The match proved to be a challenging one for both teams, with a slow start in the first quarter as both offenses struggled. By the end of the first quarter, the score stood at a mere 2-0 in favor of the Hilltops.
The second quarter witnessed a similar pattern, until Boston Davidsen of the Hilltops electrified the crowd with a spectacular 47-yard touchdown run, giving his team a 9-3 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Thunder as they displayed an impressive passing game. Within the first two minutes of the third quarter, Thunder receiver Austin Wood made two crucial catches from quarterback Ethan Hugg, putting his team ahead with a score of 10-9. The Thunder continued their momentum, adding a field goal to their tally, making it 13-9.
However, the fourth quarter saw the Hilltops’ offense come to life. Trey Reider showcased his dominance in finding receivers, while Boston Davidsen continued to excel in the running game. The Hilltops earned a safety and rouges, followed by a crucial catch from receiver Evan Ward that brought them within touchdown range when the score was 13-12. With a determined effort, they drove the ball to the red zone, allowing Davidsen to secure his second touchdown of the game, putting the Hilltops ahead at 19-13.
Despite Regina’s attempts to score, the Saskatoon defense stood firm and sealed the 21-13 victory.
Coach Sargent attributed his team’s success to their championship-level mentality, emphasizing their unrivaled tradition and unwavering belief system. The players displayed exceptional determination, with the fifth-year players exhibiting outstanding leadership.
Boston Davidsen, who had an outstanding performance with two touchdowns and over 100 rushing yards, humbly credited his teammates for their collaborative effort. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and acknowledged that their success came from working together as a unit.
While the Thunder’s head coach, Scott MacAulay, acknowledged the improvement his team showed since their first game against the Hilltops, he expressed disappointment in their inability to maintain their 13-9 lead. MacAulay urged his team to give their all, play with pride, and leave it all on the field, and though they showed great effort, it ultimately fell short.
Looking ahead, MacAulay expressed optimism for the Thunder’s future and stated their determination to bounce back stronger.
As the Hilltops celebrate their PFC championship, they shift their focus to an even greater challenge next week. They will face off against St. Clair, based in Windsor, in the CJFL semi-final on October 29th at 1 p.m. at the SMF Field.
The Saskatoon Hilltops’ hard-fought victory exemplifies their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to success. With the PFC championship now secured, they set their sights on the upcoming semi-final in their quest for glory.
