The Prairie Football Conference provincial rivalry between the Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder was restored Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
The league-leading 3-0 Regina Thunder hosted the 2-1 Saskatoon Hilltops in the teams’ first meeting since the 2024 PFC final, which Regina won 24-19.
The build-up to the contest didn’t disappoint, with the defences dominating throughout. The Hilltops secured an 18-15 victory when the final whistle sounded.
In this version of Saskatchewan’s junior football rivalry, the teams were offensively cautious in the contest, not wanting to make a mistake.
The Hilltops' line-up was bolstered with the return of fifth-year quarterback Brexton Elias, who was injured in the preseason after being named QB1 out of training camp.
The rivals conceded safeties in the opening quarter, and it was 2-2 after 15 minutes.
Regina conceded a second safety in the second quarter, before kicker Shawn Green connected on a 29-yard field goal to give the Thunder a 5-4 lead.
Before the half was out, Hilltops’ running back David Collins would score the game's first touchdown on a three-yard run. The teams headed into halftime with Saskatoon in front 11-5.
In the third quarter, Regina stormed back and took a 12-11 lead when quarterback Adam Mosher connected with Lucas DI Iorio from 22 yards out for the Thunder’s lone major of the evening.
With 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Thunder kicker Shawn Green was good on a 40-yard field goal, extending the Thunder’s advantage to 15-11.
The Hilltops, though, weren’t to be denied as a penalty-aided drive would see Collins scamper into the end zone from one yard out to put the Hilltops up 18-15 with 2:08 remaining.
In the final two minutes, the Thunder would get the ball, but both times they were stopped by the Hilltops' defence, who were able to prevail.
Collins would finish the game with 20 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Peter Boersch led the Thunder ground game with 27 carries for 141 yards.
Elias would finish the game 14-25, for 188 yards. At the same time, Regina’s Adam Mosher was 16 of 35 for 163 yards and a touchdown.
Elias’ favourite target was Ben Walz, who made eight catches for 83 yards. In comparison, Isaiah Vallderruten was Saskatoon’s top receiver with two catches for 56 yards.
Defensively, the Hilltops were led by Isaac Michayluk, who was in on nine tackles and had a pair of pass knockdowns.
Regina linebacker Kenten Effa had five defensive tackles, four assists and half a tackle for a loss. Defensive back Lorrin LeBlanc added four defensive tackles and a quarterback sack.
More than 2,000 fans took in the game at Mosaic Stadium.
The Thunder and Hilltops now both have 3-1 records and are tied for first place in the PFC.
The Regina Thunder's next game will be Sunday, September 14, when the Winnipeg Rifles visit Leibel Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Hilltops are back in action on Sunday, September 14, when they travel to Calgary to play the Colts.
