SASKATOON – Saskatoon Hilltops quarterback Jared Andreychuk already owns two Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) championship rings so you’ll forgive if the prospect of an unbeaten regular season pales by comparison.
“Main goal is the Canadian championship. Polish up for Regina, polish up for our semi-final match against likely Winnipeg or Calgary we’ll see and that’s the main goal here,” said Andreychuk at practice Thursday.
A victory over the Calgary Colts this weekend would give the Toppers their first 8-0 campaign since 2008. However, the team is more focused on what comes afterward.
“Our number one objective was to clinch first place so I don’t care if you did at 4-4, 8-0 or 7-1 it doesn’t matter to me, it’s getting that job done and getting ready for the playoffs,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant.
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After clinching first place in the Prairie Football Conference (PFC) last weekend, the Hilltops will give some of their starters a rest on Sunday. But don’t expect them to roll over for the Colts.
READ MORE: Hilltops down Wildcats 41-17, clinch first place
“They played Regina very well last week. Played them the first game of the season and they put up a good fight as well. We know they’re a great team game and they have great players, it’s going to be fight this weekend,” said Andreychuk.
A Hilltops win Sunday coupled with a Winnipeg Rifles victory over the Regina Thunder would mean Saskatoon meets Calgary in the PFC semi-final next weekend and that is a factor in the Toppers game plan.
“Why would you show a lot of what you would do if you are going to see them in another week? So there’s no question we’re going to have a basic game plan and we’ve earned that right to do that and we’ll be start with everything,” said Sargeant.
The key to stopping the Colts hasn’t changed. Calgary’s John Kiesman leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards and containing him will be a top priority.
“Their offence is the best once their quarterback gets going and he can run around a bit. I think containing him, not giving him a lot of time to throw is going to be a thing with our defence,” said Hilltops defensive lineman Tim Schnitzler.
If the Hilltops do that, 8-0 likely won’t be far behind. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at SMF Field.
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