Photo courtesy of Wanda Harron Photography
Regina Thunder @ Saskatoon Hilltops – Sunday October 20, 1:00pm – SMF Field | WATCH HERE
The Prairie Conference title will be settled on Sunday afternoon when the #1 Hilltops host the #2 Thunder in another classic battle of Saskatchewan. This will be the fourth straight season they meet in the Conference final; the Hilltops winning last year, and the Thunder in 2022.
These two teams love playing each other and usually brings out the best in both squads. The rosters are littered with Conference All-Stars and Outstanding Player award winners so this should be a dandy of a game.
During the regular season the Hilltops won both meetings by scores of 29-15 and 36-11. Most believe the final score in this championship game will be much lower, although the weather looks like a fantastic fall day eliminating any natural elements.
Offensively the Hilltops averaged over 40 points a game led by the Conference’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player in quarterback Trey Reider. He completed 64% of his passes for 1685 yards and threw 17 touchdowns, mostly to Drake Douglas who caught eight of them.
The Thunder on the other hand have a pretty potent offensive attack as well averaging over 34 points a game. Quarterback Carter Moberg threw a Conference high 1688 yards and added 11 touchdowns. When they need yards on the ground the deadly combination of Sadik Sadik and Ryland Leichert are battle tested and are ready to carry the load against a hard-hitting Hilltops defence.
These teams love to rely on their defences and getting turnovers. The Hilltops are a +24 while the Thunder are +15 with both teams intercepting 19 passes. A pair of dominating linebackers will plug the middle and be all over the field as Conference Most Outstanding Defensive Player Stephen Smith of the Thunder and Hilltops All-Star Isaac Michayluk will no doubt lead by example this coming Sunday.
They know each other so well and this could come down to the last possession or even the last second on the clock. Regardless its going to be fun to watch and there is plenty on the line with the winner hosting the CJFL National Semi-Final game on Sunday October 27th against the champion from the BC Conference.