Canadian Junior Football League

The Saskatoon Hilltops have won their fifth straight Canadian Bowl adding to their recording setting pace following a 58-21 victory over the Langley Rams on Saturday.

The Hilltops used a well balanced offensive attack led by the Offensive Player of the Game running back Josh Ewanchyna who had 28 carries for 245 yards and three touchdowns.  His 245 yards is third most in Canadian Bowl history. Defensive All-Canadian Garth Knittig also had a one-yard touchdown plunge.

Quarterback Jordan Walls conducted the offence completing 16 of 21 for 247 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes.  John Brown hauled in four passes for 72 yards and a score while Keegan Dick caught four balls for 69 yards and a major.    Walls even caught a 21 yard pass of his own on a trick play, which saw receiver Rylan Kleiter throw him the ball.

On the defensive side the Hilltops forced seven turnovers highlighted by a 48 yard pick-six by defensive back Logan Bitz who also had a pair of tackles and two assisted stops.  He was named the Defensive Player of the Game.   Bobby Ehman, who has now won five Canadian Bowl titles, led the Hilltops with oddly enough five solo tackles.     Meanwhile Logan Kelsey-Stern blocked a field goal attempt.

On the other side of the field the Rams did have success throwing the football. Quarterback Duncan Little finished 20 of 31 for 265 yards and hit Jevon Cottoy for a 42 yard touchdown.    Cottoy caught a game high five passes for 109 yards and even ran for a touchdown.

Perhaps the highlight of the game came from the Rams special teams as AJ Blackwell returned a kick-off 100 yards for a touchdown.   It’s the second longest kick-off return in Canadian Bowl history.  He also made a team high five solo tackles.  Teammate Nathan Murray also made five tackles and had the lone interception.  

Three Hilltop players, Adam Benkic, Connor Guillet and Ehman are the only players to have won five Canadian Bowl rings in their junior career.

The Hilltops will graduate a number of key pieces including Walls and CJFL Defensive Player of the Year Cody Peters and are now the only team in CJFL history to win five consecutive Canadian Bowls.  Head Coach Tom Sargeant has now won 12 national championship games.

The CJFL Banquet of Champions is set for tonight in Saskatoon as the Major Award winners will be recognized.

Both the Langley Rams and Saskatoon Hilltops will be piped in by the traditional bagpipers, the team Presidents will address the audience, the All-Canadians will be announced and a special tribute to Don McDonald will be played.

Then the hardware will be awarded.  The nominees are:

Gord Currie Coach of the Year:
BCFC – Bob Reist – Valley Huskers
PFC – Tom Sargeant – Saskatoon Hilltops
OFC – Jason Hayes – Hamilton Hurricanes

Rookie of the Year
BCFC – Eli Nelms-Horton
PFC – Chopper Hippe – Edmonton Wildcats
OFC – Keyshaun Jordan – Hamilton Hurricanes

Larry Wruck Defensive Player of the Year
BCFC – Conor Richard – Okanagan Sun
PFC – Cody Peters – Saskatoon Hilltops
OFC – Zachary Hoffner – Hamilton Hurricanes

Peter Dalla Riva Offensive Player of the Year
BCFC – Julian Wytinck – Valley Huskers
PFC – Jordan Walls – Saskatoon Hilltops
OFC – Jake Marquette – Hamilton Hurricanes

The 111th Canadian Bowl will kick-off Saturday November 17, at 1:00pm at SMF Field in Saskatoon, SK.

BROADCAST INFO

Watch the pay per view Canadian Bowl broadcast HERE

Listen to the Saskatoon radio broadcast HERE