The Saskatoon Hilltops captured their 23rd CJFL national championship on Saturday, defeating the Westshore Rebels 17-10.
Hilltops’ running back Boston Davidsen was the workhorse amidst whipping wind and driving rain in Langford, B.C., as he carried 25 times for 157 yards and a touchdown to be named Offensive Player of the Game.
A 35-yard touchdown throw from Trey Reider to Noah Flaman was the only score of the first half, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead at the break. Westshore returner Cairo Berry opened the second half with an 81-yard kickoff return touchdown to tie the game but fumbled on his next touch to set up Davidsen’s winning score. The Hilltops lead was never relinquished as the teams traded field goals in the fourth quarter.
The Rebels vaunted passing attack was bogged down by the conditions on their home turf as CJFL M.O.P. quarterback Te Jessie threw for just 221 yards and two interceptions. Saskatoon linebacker Matt Wist was the catalyst for four of Westshore’s seven turnovers, intercepting three passes to be named Defensive Player of the Game.
With the victory, the Hilltops completed an undefeated 12-0 season and outscored their opposition 469-76. It is the team’s first Canadian Bowl since 2019 and their 14th in 25 seasons under head coach Tom Sargeant, who took over the job in 1998.
