Photo courtesy of Darren Steinke

Saskatoon Hilltops 48
VI Raiders 0

The Saskatoon Hilltops will once again play for the Canadian Bowl following a 48-0 shutout over the VI Raiders on Sunday in the CJFL National Semi-Final.

The Toppers’ recipe was great defence and a dominating running attack.   In all six different players carried the rock to combine for 245 yards led by the 19 carries for Adam Machart for 84 yards  Josh Ewanchyna rushed eight times for 62 yards and two touchdowns while Logan Fischer gather 56 yards on eight carries.  Colin Stumborg pounded in a major from a yard out.

Through the air Jordan Walls was 9 of 13 for 153 yards and threw touchdowns to Ryan Turple and Stumborg.

Their defence was relentless collecting seven sacks, two of which from Tom Schnitzler, Riley Pickett and Logan Bitz.  Tristan Hering also had one.  Luke Melnyk picked off a pass and Jesse McNabb had six tackles.

The VI Raiders couldn’t get any momentum going on the offensive side.  Quarterback Jacob Laberge finished 14 of 25 for 125 yards and threw a pick while the BC Conference most outstanding offensive player Brycen Mayoh hauled in a game high six passes for 46 yards.

On the Raiders defence Josh Paisley forced the lone turnover by intercepting a pass.  Shawn Arabsky tallied a game high eight solo tackles.

The Hilltops will now travel to Ontario for the first time since 2011 and try to defend their three-time Canadian Bowl championship when they face the Windsor AKO Fratmen on November 11th.  This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 1996 when the Hilltops won the Canadian Bowl 39-7.