Carlton Crusaders Set to Clash with Central Cyclones in Semi-Finals

The Carlton Crusaders are preparing to face the Central Cyclones in the provincial semi-finals of the North Saskatchewan Football League (NSFL) following their second consecutive league title. The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2024, at Max Clunie Field in Prince Albert. Carlton earned the right to host this encounter after triumphing over St. Mary, and they now look forward to challenging the victors from the South, the Cyclones from Moose Jaw.

Crusaders’ head coach Lindsay Strachan expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, noting, “They’ve kind of seemed to roll through that league for most of the year, putting up lots of points and lots of shutouts.” This semi-final is significant for both teams, as they aim to maintain their undefeated records.

Carlton has enjoyed an impressive run, with a winning streak that dates back to the beginning of last season. The team achieved a flawless 8-0 record in 2023, culminating in the school’s first-ever provincial championship. Continuing their momentum into the current season, the Crusaders have secured a perfect 6-0 record through the NSFL regular season and playoffs. They have outscored their opponents by a remarkable margin of 134-34, with their most notable victory being a dominant 48-0 shutout against St. Mary during the 13th Annual Car Guys Classic.

The Central Cyclones are no strangers to success, either. Over the past two seasons, they have suffered only one loss, which occurred during last year’s provincial semi-finals against Saskatoon’s Bishop James Mahoney, where they fell 31-3. This season, the Cyclones also posted a perfect 6-0 record in the regular season and dominated the South Rural Football League (SRFL). Their scoring prowess has been evident, with explosive wins such as 60-8 against Estevan, 56-3 over Yorkton, and 42-0 against Swift Current. In total, they have outscored their opponents 262-46 this season.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the provincial bracket, the Bishop James Mahoney Saints from Saskatoon are heading to Regina to take on the F.W. Johnson Wildcats at Leibel Field. The provincial finals are slated for Saturday, November 8, 2024, and will take place in either Prince Albert or Moose Jaw, depending on the outcomes of the semi-final matches.

As the Carlton Crusaders prepare to host the Central Cyclones, the stakes are high for both teams. With undefeated seasons on the line and a spot in the provincial finals at stake, fans can expect an electrifying matchup this Saturday.