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"People want to come out and play the best against us because we’re the measuring stick. That’s a reality."
Published Aug 23, 2025 • Last updated 6 minutes ago • 3 minute read
Saskatoon Hilltops get set for an early-season PFC rematch against the Winnipeg Rifles
The Saskatoon Hilltops will try to avenge a season-opening loss to Winnipeg against the same team this weekend at SMF Field. Photo by Michelle Berg
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The Saskatoon Hilltops didn’t take long to bring in reinforcements following a season-opening lopsided loss to the Winnipeg Rifles.
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The Hilltops will get another shot at the Rifles when they host Prairie Football League action Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.) at SMF Field in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.
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The first time around against the Rifles in Winnipeg, the Toppers were without their starting quarterback, Brexton Elias, and then lost back-up Charlie Molder to injury. No. 3 QB Hayden McMahon was thrown in unexpectedly, with very little preparation in that game, and the final result was a 31-11 loss.
He was back a week later, getting the start in a 46-6 victory over the visiting Edmonton Huskies.
In between games, the Toppers were quick to bring in potential replacements while trying to shore up the QB position.
Newcomer Clark Snider, a former Kamloops Bronco, saw limited action against Edmonton, as did Jace Martins, who was elevated from the practice roster.
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The Hilltops also brought in pivot Griffin Sander, who has left the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to join their Saskatoon counterpart. Sander — who played under Hilltops assistant coach Donnie Davidsen with the Bishop James Mahoney Saints — was a back-up with the Huskies, who still have starter Anton Amundrud, Jake Farrell, Cohen Wright and Elias Flory at the QB spot.
“We’re doing a little bit of work on that front,” admits Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, whose team graduated quarterback Trey Reider at the conclusion of last season.
“We brought Clark Snider in (last) week and maybe looking at Griffin Sander, who was with the Huskies for the last few years. We just have to keep it going to what’s in front of us. If guys are hurt, or can’t play, we’ve got to find players who can play.”
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McMahon bounced back last week by completing seven of 15 passes for 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran the ball three times for eight yards.
While Elias and Molder remain out, Sargeant says he will go with the best option available.
“I just coach what’s in front of me and we put the best game plan in that we possibly can,” he says. “This (past) week was better than (the previous) week. I’m not making excuses but the kid (McMahon) probably only had three per cent of the reps (going into the season-opener) because Charlie got 97 per cent of the reps for only four plays. Welcome to football.”
The Toppers, he adds, will push forward.
“Hey, no one’s going to feel sorry for the Saskatoon Hilltops for all we’ve accomplished and all we’ve done,” he said. “We know that, but we’re in the chase. We’re in the hunt. We’re going to keep battling. This team’s going through a lot of adversity, and we’ve created a lot of that adversity for them too. We’re not going to take a backseat to anyone. We’re just going to keep grinding. That’s the team I’ve got.”
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Saskatoon, which has won 23 Canadian Bowl national titles over the last 71 years, expects to face motivated opposition each and every game.
“Everyone who plays us is going to play their best game,” stresses Sargeant. “They’re going to do everything they can to be successful. Just look at our past. We’ve had tremendous success, so at the end of the day, I call it respect. People want to come out and play the best against us because we’re the measuring stick. That’s a reality. We know that. We’ve got to prepare better, coach better and they’ve got to play better. The rest of the stuff just don’t matter.”
dzary@postmedia.com
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2. [Saskatoon Hilltops' Johnathon Stevens competes in a playoff game against the Edmonton Huskies last season.
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