SASKATOON – The Toppers were out to finish the regular season on a high note this Thanksgiving weekend at Gordie Howe Bowl.
On Sunday, the Saskatoon Hilltops downed the Calgary Colts 37-6 in the final game of the Prairie Football Conference (PFC) regular season.
“All this was the type of game I was expecting, we played the way I wanted us to play so very pleased but don’t matter anymore now we’re moving to playoff season, it’s a totally different beast,” said Tom Sargeant, Hilltops head coach.
The Colts finished the 2013 season winless at 0-8.
It ended up being a rebuilding season for Calgary after a massive graduation of starters followed the 8-0 regular season in 2012.
Along with working a lot of newcomers into the program this year, the Colts suffered about 15 season-ending injuries to athletes who would have played key roles this year.
“I’m not using it as an excuse, its part of the package. It wasn’t ‘the’ reason but it definitely was a contributing factor,” said John Stevens, Colts head coach.
“From a positive standpoint we do return a solid nucleus of players in most positions and it’s a good position to rebuild from.”
As for the blue and gold, they’ll enter the post-season on a positive note.
“It’s always good to win at home, they’re a tough team, they beat us twice last year… things didn’t go well for them this year… but they’re going to be good in this league for years to come,” said Nolan Graham, Hilltops running back.
The Hilltops, Regina Thunder, Edmonton Huskies and Edmonton Wildcats all move on to the PFC semi-finals next weekend.
With a seven and one finish to the regular season the Hilltops will host the Wildcats on Oct. 20 at Gordie Howe Bowl.
The Hilltops are three-time defending Canadian Junior Football League (CJHL) champions.
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