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“He’s the one player on the team who has the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball."
Published Nov 06, 2025 • Last updated 7 minutes ago • 3 minute read
Saskatoon Hilltops return specialist Charles Sawi
Saskatoon Hilltops running back Charles Sawi runs the ball during a recent game. Photo by Michelle Berg /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
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Charles Sawi has big-play ability and big-play mentality.
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He’s got a one-track mind when he touches the football:
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Score, score and score more.
Sawi — the Prairie Football Conference nominee for Canadian Junior Football League special teams player of the year — has special game-breaking talent.
He’s also an all-purpose threat with 1,439 yards overall in kick and punt returns, rushing and receiving yards.
He has scored eight touchdowns through eight games.
“I always look to score, never look back,” says the Saskatoon Holy Cross product, who is listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.
“I just want to be the best player for the Hilltops every time I touch the ball. Just make sure the play is done.”
When the Hilltops host the Okanagan Sun on Sunday (1 p.m., SMF Field) in the CJFL’s Canadian Bowl, they’ll count on Sawi as an X-factor and potential game-breaker.
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“He’s the one player on the team who has the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball,” says Toppers head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team last won a Canadian Bowl in 2023.
A lot is expected of Sawi as a four-year veteran.
“If you combine all his yards on special teams and offence, you’re looking at over 1,400 yards and a lot of exciting moments,” Sargeant says. “A very aggressive running style, very unique. It’s up to (offensive co-ordinator Shane) Reider and the offensive staff to work hard and game plan and look for ways to get him in space, so he can take advantage of his great running.
“Charles is a 21-year-old. There’s always high expectations in the Hilltops program for 21-and 22-year-olds.”
There are high expectations, and a big challenge facing the Sun, a Canadian Bowl runner-up in 2024 and champion in 2022.
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“I think it’s a pretty good match-up,” says Sawi. “Okanagan Sun has a lot of success, very talented, very athletic team. Excited for Sunday, that’s all I can say.”
Sawi has racked up 458 rushing yards, 164 receiving yards and 817 punt/kick return yards this season.
“I’ve got vision and space, trust in my teammates, trust in the game plan and the coaches most importantly — what they draw up for us in the meeting rooms,” says Sawi. “I just come out here and do it in a very simple way.”
More than anything, Sawi loves his special-teams role.
“Yes, I do,” confirms Sawi. “I found that it’s a momentum-changer for the team. Every time I touch the ball, I can change the game. Why not do it on special teams?”
Why not indeed.
Sawi is well worth the price of admission.
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“Absolutely,” agrees Sargeant. “You get your money’s worth watching him. We’re expecting big things in a big game, and he loves the moments. We’re hoping that he delivers.”
dzary@postmedia.com
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