Who would have circled game three of the P-F-C season against Winnipeg circled as a potential game of the year? Over the last few seasons those games have typically been reserved for any meeting between Saskatoon and Regina, but thanks to a stunning Week 1 loss in Winnipeg and only a week separating that game, Sunday afternoon at S-M-F Field was the place to be.  

The Hilltops defense was on their game all afternoon, holding Winnipeg off the board for the entire first half and making room for the Toppers offense. Saskatoon established the run game early with David Collins finding the endzone on Saskatoon’s first possession of the afternoon, which took all of two plays. Jace Mowles ended the first quarter with the first of two interceptions, the second coming early in the second quarter which led to another Collins touchdown giving Saskatoon a 15-0 lead. Charles Sawi put more points on the board thanks to a 15-yard dash to the endzone, plus a Ryder Graton field goal from 31 yards out put the Hilltops on top 25-0 going into halftime. 

Winnipeg started off the third quarter hot, scoring a touchdown on their first possession trying to mount a comeback, but the defense for Saskatoon stood tall when they needed to be. The third quarter saw no more points put on the board until an 18-yard field goal from Ryder Graton to extend Saskatoon’s lead early in the fourth. Charles Sawi punched in his second touchdown of the afternoon late in the fourth quarter, then added a receiving touchdown minutes later giving him three majors on the afternoon and a 41-7 Hilltops lead. Winnipeg marched the ball down the field late for another touchdown and a two-point conversion cutting the lead down to 41-15 until time expired. 

After dropping the first game of the season, Saskatoon has responded with two solid victories going into a bye-week. It will be some much-needed rest as the Toppers will begin a three-game road trip after the bye, which begins in Regina for the first meeting between the rival Thunder on Saturday, September 6th. Saskatoon’s next home game is Saturday, September 27th, the second and final meeting of the regular season against Regina. Below is audio from the post-game media scrum with Hilltops Head Coach Tom Sargeant… 

Media Scrum with H-C Tom Sargeant… 

NEXT GAME: Saskatoon Hilltops @ Regina Thunder—Saturday, September 6th at 7 p.m.