Saskatoon Hilltops Clinch National Title with Last-Minute Field Goal

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, the Saskatoon Hilltops secured victory over the Okanagan Sun with a last-minute 37-yard field goal, winning 21-18 in the Canadian Junior Football League final at SMF Field in Saskatoon. The decisive kick by Ryden Gratton capped off a hard-fought game, marking the Hilltops’ 24th national title.

The game unfolded dramatically, with Gratton, who was warming up on the sidelines, stepping up when it mattered most. “We got the ball there with a few minutes left… I’m just happy it went in,” he stated, reflecting on his crucial contribution. This victory highlights the grit and determination that has characterized the Hilltops’ season.

After a slow start, where both teams exchanged safeties to tie the game at 2-2 in the first quarter, the Hilltops’ running back David Collins took charge. He scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, giving Saskatoon a commanding 16-4 lead at halftime.

However, the Sun quickly responded in the third quarter with a touchdown by running back Marcus Christos, narrowing the score to 16-11. Tensions rose as the Sun tied the game at 18-18 with just 1:33 left on the clock, thanks to a remarkable 18-yard run by quarterback Liam Kroeger.

With the clock ticking down, the Hilltops regrouped and mounted a critical drive down to Okanagan’s 30-yard line, thanks to Collins’ relentless efforts. “When we get on that field, you are going to hold your blocks for as long as you can,” Collins emphasized, showcasing the team’s unity and resolve.

Defensive standout Huntur Johnson played a pivotal role in thwarting Okanagan’s momentum, intercepting a pass at the Hilltops’ 10-yard line to regain possession early in the fourth quarter. “I went to go tip it and then I saw it in the air and grabbed it,” Johnson recalled, marking his first interception in a high-stakes moment.

Head coach Tom Sargeant praised his team’s resilience, stating, “You never know which play it’s going to be… This team all year just had a great belief and willpower.”

Collins ended the game with an impressive 143 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns, earning the title of offensive player of the game. The Hilltops’ victory not only secures their place in Canadian football history but also serves as a testament to their unwavering spirit throughout the season.

As fans celebrate this latest triumph, all eyes will be on how the Hilltops build on this momentum for future seasons. Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming challenges and how this victory impacts the Canadian Junior Football League landscape.