The PFC Rivalry Week (#cjflrivalry) saw three exciting games as the Regina Thunder, Calgary Colts and Winnipeg Rifles all claimed victories.

The Game of the Week was in Saskatoon as the Hilltops unveiled the new “Saskatoon Minor Football Field” as they hosted the Regina Thunder.

Down 25-6 with just over two minutes to play, the defending champion Thunder scored three touchdowns to spoil the party and beat the Hilltops 26-25.  The Thunder sweep the regular season series behind 448 total offensive yards.

Needing a change, the Thunder turned to backup quarterback Spencer Mack who completed 13 of 21 for 188 yards and threw a pair of touchdowns.

Starter Jaeden Marwick finished 20 of 35, also for 188 yards.  Preston Bews was lethal catching a game high eight passes for 120 yards and caught both of Mack’s touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.   Eight different receivers caught passes. Kristiane Desautels hauled in six balls for 75 yards.

On the ground the Thunder only managed 81 yards.  Justin Banin punched one of his four carries into the end zone.

The Thunder defense buckled down in the fourth quarter.  Michael Desjarlais led the club with four solo tackles.  Mason Dick collected the lone sack and Bews and Jaren Wirth recovered fumbles.

The defending national champion Thunder (2-1) will stay on the road this weekend and face the Edmonton Wildcats (2-1) in a battle for first place on Sunday at 1:00pm.

For the second time this season the Saskatoon Hilltops lose a heartbreaker to the Thunder.  In Week 1 they fell in overtime, now in Week 4 the see a 19 point lead evaporate late in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jared Andreychuck finished 12 of 27 for 203 yards and threw two touchdown passes.  His favourite target was Evan Turkington who caught five balls for 58 yards and a touchdown, while Evan Kopchynski hauled in two passes including a 71 yard touchdown.

On the ground Wayndel Lewis carried a game high 16 times for 116 yards scored a major.

Defensively the Hilltops created seven turnovers.  Austin Thorarinson, Derek Sadownick, James Vause and Justin Filteau each intercepted a pass, Dillon Buckle recovered a fumble and the ball was turned over on downs twice.  Filteau was simply fantastic on the new field turf, which he helped install.  The linebacker had a Conference high 12 solo tackles, assisted on five and had the pick.  Thorarinson recorded six tackles plus his interception and Matt Kozun had the lone sack.

The Hilltops (1-2) will travel to Edmonton to face the Huskies (1-2) on Saturday night at 7:00pm.

The last standing CJFL undefeated team also fell on the weekend as the Edmonton Wildcats dropped their home opener to the Winnipeg Rifles 27-20 who now move into first place in the PFC.

The visiting Rifles win their third straight as quarterback Tyler Vieira was terrific finishing 19 of 28 for 274 yards and threw three touchdowns.  A pair of TD strikes, including the game winner were caught by Kurt Goodrich who hauled in 10 passes for 158 yards.  Colton Smith hauled in a 34 yard major and rushed 22 times for 115 yards.

On the defensive side the Rifles were led by Brooks Falloon who collected seven solo tackles and intercepted a pass.  The “D” also recorded four sacks, Spencer Richie had two and Brady Carter and Donovan Gregoire each had one.  Carter also had five solo tackles while Logan Thacker recovered a fumble.

The Rifles (3-1) will have a bye this weekend then prepare to host the Regina Thunder (2-1) on Sunday September 21.

The Edmonton Wildcats suffer defeat for the first time this season.

Quarterback Jordan Olson finished 19 of 37 for 268 yards and two touchdowns.  Three different receivers caught five passes, including Ryan Smith who also gained 112 yards and a major.   Landyn Vick made the other touchdown reception.

The Cats ground game was held to 82 yards, led by Anthony Myroon’s nine carries for 53 yards.

Veteran kicker Ideen Samadi was a perfect 2-2 in field goals including hitting from 41 yards.

Defensively the Wildcats saw both Isaiah Hoeppner and Luc Catellier each had six solo tackles.  Ryan Doram and Levi Sim intercepted passes and Marcus Goods collected the only sack.

The Wildcats (2-1) will host the Regina Thunder (2-1) on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm in the PFC Game of the Week.

The Calgary Colts snapped a long losing streak on Saturday night defeating the Edmonton Huskies 42-26, winning their first game since the 2012 regular season.

The Colts defense accounted for three touchdowns on turnovers.  Vince Greco returned an interception 78 yards for a score, while Dylan Niedermaier returned a pick 40 yards for a touchdown.  Linebacker Jakub Jakoubek jumped on a fumble and rumbled 67 yards for a major.  He also had an interception, as did Colten Burr.  Both Burr and Niedermaier made eight solo tackles.  The “D” forced three turnovers on downs.

Offensively two quarterbacks only completed six passes, but two for touchdowns.  Cole Meyer connected with Jags Bahia for a 102 yard touchdown and with Cam Fox for a 54 yard major.

Fox also rushed 26 times for 120 yards to lead the ground assault.

The Colts (1-3) will have a bye this weekend and will prepare to host the Saskatoon Hilltops (1-2) on Sunday September 21.

The Edmonton Huskies actually outgained the Colts 362-328, but couldn’t solve their defense.

Quarterback Trevor Erdmann found nine different receivers finishing 23 of 47 for 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but threw five interceptions.    Both Jimmie Airey and Brennan McNeil caught touchdown passes and Quin Forster made a game high six receptions for 45 yards.

On the ground Curtis Craddock rushed 14 times for 62 yards and a score.  Airey carried 11 times for 35 yards.

The Huskies defense was led by Branden Modin and his seven solo tackles.  Neil Bishop collected an interception and Stephan Paleniuk recorded the lone sack.

Saturday night the Huskies (1-2) will host the Saskatoon Hilltops (1-2) at 7:00pm.