By WAYNE SHIELS
Area players stepped up to help the U of S Huskies and Saskatoon Hilltops secure big wins over the weekend.
The Huskies earned a narrow come from behind 33-30 victory over the visiting U of A Golden Bears on Friday, September 27. A pair of Martensville athletes had important roles in the win. Martensville Royals alumni Kody Gutek had a second quarter touchdown reception, while Bishop James Mahoney alumni Dawson Lennea led all receivers with 87 yards including a long 59 yard bomb that set the Huskies up at Alberta’s two yard line in the second quarter.
The win improved the Huskies record to 2-3, leaving them in a third place tie with Alberta and Regina. They will host the league leading Manitoba Bisons on Friday, October 4, 7:00 p.m.
The Hilltops are a perfect 7-0 after defeating the visiting Regina Thunder 36-11 on Saturday, September 28. The win locked up first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference, assuring them of home field advantage throughout the CJFL playoffs up to the Canadian Bowl, which will be hosted by the champion of the Ontario Football Conference.
A pair of Delisle Rebels alumni played major roles in the Hilltops victory. Running back Corbin Ebben tore up the field for 196 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries. Outside linebacker Zaden Taylor led the defence with eight solo and one assisted tackle and stopped an early Thunder drive with an interception.
The Hilltops are on the road to take on the Edmonton Huskies Sunday, October 6 for their final regular season game. They will be hosting the PFC semi-final game Sunday, October 13, 1:00 p.m. SMF Field.