Saskatoon Hilltops coach says team is poised and confident for CJFL semifinal
Quarterback Trey Reider believes cold weather will play a large factor in Sunday’s game against Ontario foes
The Saskatoon Hilltops are looking to continue the winning streak after a 21-13 comeback playoff win against the Regina Thunder.
The Hilltops are now set to take on the St. Clair Saints in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) national semifinal at Saskatoon Minor Football Field Sunday at 1 p.m. CST, with a chance to play for the national title on Nov. 11 against the British Columbia champion on the line.
Both of the teams duking it out in Saskatoon on the weekend are undefeated in their respective divisions.
At the last practice before game day, Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said there's no pressure on the coaching staff or players heading into the big game.
"At the end of the day, we're going into game 11. We should be able to come out and play our best game of the year," said Sargeant.
"We should be polished, we should be solid, understand what we're doing, and why we're doing it, and who we're going to be doing it against."
The Hilltops coach said he and the team are poised and confident.
Sergeant said he foresees defensive linebacker Reese Kack, whom the coach called "a team leader," playing an important role in a victory on Sunday.
Kack made a crucial sack late in the last game against the Thunder, leading to the eventual win.
"As the moment gets bigger, he gets better," said Sargeant.
Tradition and legacy play into the team's focus, according to the head coach. The Hilltops have won 23 PCL championships and 22 national titles.
"We only celebrate the championship teams," said Sargeant.
"Every year is a good year no matter what it is, but [it's] something different here to have 22 national champions and going for the next one, you know, people understand that this is bigger than them."
Weather factor
Hilltops star quarterback Trey Reider said the team has the upper hand dealing with the cold weather compared to their Ontario foes. Reider said it could play a "huge factor" in the game.
"The hands might get a little cold, but if you wear the hand warmer and you just stay in the game, stay calm, cool and collected, you'll be alright," said Reider.
"It definitely plays a factor when your hands are cold and it's hard to play."
Saskatoon is expected to have a high of -5 C and a low of -12 C on Sunday, according to Environment Canada. It reached 24 C on Friday in Windsor, Ont., where the St. Clair Saints call home.
Other than the weather, Reider said he is relying on the tape he's watched on St Clair, looking for their best players and where he can pick the defence apart.
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