Saskatoon Hilltops knock off Okanagan Sun in Canadian Bowl, claim 24th CJFL national title

Photo courtesy: Louis Christ.

The Saskatoon Hilltops claimed their 24th Canadian Junior Football League national title on Sunday, defeating the Okanagan Sun by a score of 21-18 in the Canadian Bowl.

Running back David Collins rushed 26 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns, as the Prairie Football Conference winners jumped out to a 16-4 halftime lead. However, the Sun came storming back in the second half, as quarterback Liam Kroeger threw for 296 yards and scored on an 18-yard QB keep to tie the game with under three minutes to play.

Saskatoon responded and got the ball within field goal range with under 30 seconds to go. Kicker Ryden Gratton connected on a 37-yarder to secure the victory.

Collins was named the Offensive Player of the Game, while linebacker Isaac Michayluk recorded nine tackles in his final Canadian Junior Football League game to be named Defensive Player of the Game. Charles Sawi took home Special Teams Player of the Game with seven returns, gaining 66 yards.

The Hilltops are the most successful organization in the history of junior football, with 15 national titles since the turn of the millennium and two in the past three years. The Sun have been to three Canadian Bowls in the last four years, but have now lost two in a row.