Hilltops look to keep winning streak alive this weekend

Jadyn Pingue waited five years to become a starter with the Saskatoon Hilltops, so it will be a special moment for the linebacker when he takes to SMF Field Saturday for the team's home opener against the Regina Thunder as one of the team's captains. 

Meanwhile, rookie defensive lineman Andrew Pyle will be soaking in the experience of being part of a team that's won 21 national titles, including the last five in a row.

Pingue grew up in Saskatoon. He played Kinsmen football and then with the powerhouse Holy Cross Crusaders. His grandfather, uncle and father all played football.

Pyle is from North Battleford and is still adjusting after playing nine-man football in high school.

The two players sat down to talk about what it's like to play for a team that rarely loses.

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

CBC: What's the difference going from high school to the Hilltops?

Pingue: It was more of the mind set, you just go in to work.

It's more mentally tough because you have to do a lot more thinking than in high school.

Pyle: It's a massive difference. Coming from a smaller school and a smaller football program that wasn't so developed and then to walk into this huge winning organization was just an incredible experience for me.

Even walking in the building you can see that this program is about winning.

What was the biggest challenges coming from nine-man football?

Pyle: The mental game as well as the speed.

There are so many more concepts here. It's more complex and a more in-depth playbook than a nine-man playbook would go.

There's also three more guys flying around on the field so you have to keep your head on swivel or else you are going to get popped.

Was there a moment when you realized you were a Hilltop?

Pyle: Once you are Hilltop you are a Hilltop. They don't separate rookies or fifth-years. You just go compete against who's opposite you [in practice]. There have been a few times where I've been tossed around and you are laying on the ground and you're like, "Man this how it feels to play junior football."

Jadyn, how has your role with the team changed from being a rookie to now being a captain? 

Pingue: There is a lot more responsibility. A lot more accountability and leadership. Guys are looking up to me as compared to me looking up to the vets in my rookie year.

I have a lot more say and impact on how things go in the locker room and out on the field.

Is there added pressure to keep winning?

Pingue: Every year there's a huge target painted on our backs. Every team wants a piece of us. But we just go in with the mindset of just making us better.

There is definitely pressure to keep on going. No one wants to be that team that can't keep the streak going.

How does this team constantly win year after year?

Pingue: It starts with the coaches and management.

They have over 100 years combined in coaching experience. They have a great nucleus there where they know what they want.

What has the experience of being a Hilltop meant to you?

Pingue: It's made me not only a better football player, but a better man as well. 

It's also been a very humbling experience. Seeing the guys before me, great linebackers, watching how they compose themselves, how they lead their teammates out there. It just made me want to be a part of that.

Pyle: You look where the alumni are now. How successful they are. You notice that this program does change you. And it changes you for the better.

It makes you more talented, more dedicated, more focused on working hard and it can really lead you to great places in your life even outside of football.

What are your thoughts going into the home opener?

Pingue: It's not my first time having a start, but it's my first time with this much responsibility. 

I have a lot of family and friends that are going to be able to watch me more this year. I kind of want to ball out to say the least. It's going to be exciting.

Pyle:My parents will be there even though I probably won't be playing. 

I'm just excited to take it all in, to see the intensity and see what it takes to play at that level.

The Hilltops are 3-0 heading into Saturday's match against the 2-1 Thunder. Game time at SMF Field is 7 p.m CST.