The Prairie Football Conference final is set. The defending champion Regina Thunder will host the Saskatoon Hilltops on Sunday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium.
In last week's semifinal, the Thunder advanced with a 40-10 win over the Edmonton Huskies. Thunder receiver Andrew Sweeney had two receptions for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and admits those numbers are important to him.
“It means a lot, especially coming into the playoffs here. Our coach said, someone's got to make a play, and I prioritized that this weekend. I wanted to win. I wanted to play another game. So it was really important.
The running game was also clicking for the Thunder in the game.
“Our run game is really, really good, but whenever we pass the ball, we have to take every opportunity we can out of that. When I get the ball in my hands, all I want to do is get down to the end zone.
Sweeney has averaged 17.7 yards per reception this season, which he says is because of his teammates.
“Having good guys around me that block after I catch the ball to help open it up. That's been huge. And when you catch the ball, just get upfield as soon as possible. And that's how you get those yards.”
Those aren’t the only yards that the Miller grad is contributing. Sweeney takes pride in being involved in the run game, too.
“The O-line start it, but the receivers are the ones who finish it. They get the guys downfield and open it up for the running backs.”
That’s not the only skill set Sweeney has: The former University of Regina Rams receiver has also been pressed into duty as a kicker in his career.
“I've been kicking like a football since I started playing football. I played soccer, so it helped, and then I kept it up throughout my post-high school time with the Rams, and when our kicker got hurt, I was ready to go, and I was able to step up into that position.
Sweeney knows that effort and attention to detail will be key to them defending their PFC Championship this weekend against Saskatoon.
“Running routes at the right depth, getting to the guy you need to block throughout the week, just preparing. And then once it comes game time, going out there, doing the best you can, and working as hard as you can.”
Meanwhile, the Hilltops advanced with a 60-26 semifinal win over Winnipeg. Defensive back Nate Gallant made a pair of interceptions in the victory and says it means a lot to return to the PFC Final.
“Last year was a little disappointing, so with all our hard work this year, it's good to get another opportunity. We're happy to be here. It's going to be awesome.”
Gallant, a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Saskatchewan, has three interceptions this season, all against Winnipeg. He admits that this was beyond his expectations in just his second season with the team.
“Coming in the second year, you're usually not expected to touch the field often. This year, we had our starting safety go down and a couple of injuries, resulting in me getting some playing time and touching the field, which has been awesome. A lot of it has been on special teams, where I've taken pride in my role this year.
Gallant and the Hilltops are preparing for a third match-up this season with the Thunder, which will not change their preparation.
“The Regina Thunder, they're a great team, and you have to give them respect for all that they've done this year. And us versus them is the best rivalry in the CJFL, so it's always a great game. It's always physical.”
Despite being a defensive back, Gallant knows that the Hilltops must stop the running game for them to be successful.
“Coaches will put in great schemes and play calls, and I'm sure the coaches will give us something good to work with.”
The former Aden-Bowman Bear city champion knows what they must do against the Thunder on Sunday.
“Just execution of the little things. Every play, we've got to be fast and physical.”
Kickoff Sunday afternoon is at 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.
And that’s the Junior Football Report. I’m Dave Thomas
