“Welcome Week” fans energize SMF Field and photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders fans put on a show.

For two days, fans that come out for the “Welcome Week” games at Saskatoon Minor Football Field become the stars as much as the high school football players they support.

For a lengthy stretch of time, the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate has hosted “Welcome Week” games that are usually slated for the second week of the high school football season. During those contests, a huge contingent of the student body from each school comes out to see their teams play along with various other supporters of the respective teams.

This season’s “Welcome Week” games were held on September 10 and 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. These contests offer one of the first chances in the school year for students to embrace school spirit. The students invade SMF Field bringing signs and wearing school colours to support their school’s team.

A fans shows his love for the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows part of the large contingent that came out to support the defending 6A SHSAA provincial champion Holy Cross High School Crusaders on September 10. The Holy Cross fans departed SMF Field in a jubilant mood as the Crusaders claimed a rivalry game victory over the St. Joseph High School Guardians 38-7.

The second shot sees a fan of the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs all decked out in his team’s colours on September 11. That fan saw his Mustangs play hard before falling 27-8 in a “Rusholme Road Rivalry” clash to the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks.

The third photo is a close up of some Bishop James Mahoney High School fans waving pompoms and putting in passion to cheer on their squad. The Saints would blank the Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons 31-0 on this night.

While the fans that come out for the “Welcome Week” games are a spectacular sight, all fans that come out to the facilities on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds to support their teams allow the games and events to have a special atmosphere creating a place to be. 

The Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints fans bring passion.

That includes fans of the Saskatoon Berries, Saskatoon Hilltops, Saskatoon Valkyries, the various baseball and softball teams, the track and field athletes, the Lions speed skaters and all sports that grace the Complex’s grounds.

Along with the pictures of the fans from the SSSAD’s “Welcome Week” games, this photo roundup contains images from football, softball and track and field. It includes images of the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field Teams and the Saskatoon Hilltops.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 20 shots we hope you enjoy.

Bears fans bear down

The fans of the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears Football Team brought their top game to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on September 10 for their team’s “Welcome Week” game. Those Bears fans got to witness a special night by their team. The Bears stormed to a 35-0 lead at halftime and blanked the Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls 46-0.

On the move

A segment of the student bodies from Walter Murray Collegiate and Centennial Collegiate jog a lap around Saskatoon Minor Football Field as part of their head-to-head festivities with their “Welcome Week” game on September 11. The Walter Murray fans got to enjoy victory celebrations at the end of the contest as their Marauders posted a 31-7 win.

Counting them up

Football official Sam Sullivan counts up the players on one side of the ball before a snap to check if there is an infraction for too many players on the field during a “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sullivan has officiated games at various levels for a number of years.

Here to cheer the Tigers

A group of student body fans got decked out to cheer on their Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers for their “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Tigers fans hung out behind their team’s bench. In a tough battle between neighbouring schools, the Tigers fell 21-14 to the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars.

Redhawks hug

The Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks always have time for their fans, who can span many generations as Bedford Road is Saskatoon’s second oldest high school, opening in February of 1923. Following their “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Redhawks linebacker Vincent Jacob gives a hug to one of his team’s supporters following their 27-8 win over the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustang in a “Rusholme Road Rivalry” contest.

Valkyries/Hilltops sign up to date

The sign in the north end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field featuring the WWCFL title win total of the Saskatoon Valkyries and the CJFL title win total of the Saskatoon Hilltops is shown here on September 13, 2026. It has once again been updated adding in the Valkyries most recent WWCFL title victory that came this past June 27 at SMF Field with a 40-7 triumph over the Edmonton Arctic Pride.

Let it rip

University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team pitcher Allyson McAvoy unloads a toss to home plate in her team’s Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season clash with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns on September 13 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. McAvoy’s play allowed the U of S to post a 4-0 victory and finish a weekend of hosting six straight home games with a 3-3 mark.

Incoming to first base

University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team shortstop Ainsley Beattie fires off a throw to first base for an out during her team’s 4-0 win in a Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season clash with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns on September 13 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. U of S completed the WCSA Championship Tournament in Calgary on October 4 with a 2-2 record.

Big stretch

A receiver reaches for extra yards in a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest on September 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The league is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, and it is full of good vibes, intensity, passion and athleticism.

Smiles all around from Huskies

A group of multi-event athletes from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team pose for a group picture during a training session break on September 22 at the Track and Field Track. These ladies are smiling, because they love being out at the track.

Hurdle slide

Members of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field teams do a slide step through a hurdle during a training session on September 22 at the Track and Field Track. Every September, the Huskies Track and Field teams gather for training at the Track and Field Track. The athletes do various drills which are geared to help them in the track and field event they are competing in. These sessions mark some of the first times the Huskies teams for the 2026-27 campaign get together as a group.

Swing pass to the open field

Quarterback Everett Byers of the Tinkler Raiders throws a swing pass to the right flat during a KFL game on September 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Byers hit running back Luca Thomas for a big gain as the Raiders would blank the Martensville Maddogs 19-0.

Klein in the zone for Mystics

Mystics receiver Olivia Klein had a monster night in Toon Squad Female Flag Football League action on September 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. On that night, Klein scored five touchdowns over two games helping the Mystics win both of those outings. Klein played for Football Canada’s U17 female flag team this past summer.

Thrilling finish

A trio of Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints defensive players converge and knock down a final end zone pass attempt to Aden Bowman Collegiate Bear receiver Harrison Shirkey during a high school football game on October 1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. That last play of the game pass knockdown preserved a 24-21 victory for the Saints. On that last play, the Bears ran a trick play that saw star receiver Ben Blackburn throw the final pass to Shirkey, who was wide open at the release of the toss. The Saints defensive players closed in quickly to make the final play to hold on for the win.

Going down

Defensive lineman Mason Mansiere (#99) of the St. Joseph High School Guardians takes down Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders running back Lucas Hawley during a high school football contest on October 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the “Friday Night Lights” encounter, the Guardians held a 19-14 edge at halftime before exploding to a 57-21 win.

Johnson makes senior’s walk with Hilltops

Saskatoon Hilltops left tackle Davin Johnson, centre, makes a walk out to the playing surface of Saskatoon Minor Football Field with his father, Greg, and mother, Lori, on October 4. For a lengthy number of years, the Hilltops honour their graduating players at their final regular season home game where they walk to the field with their parents or guardians. A total of 11 graduating players made that walk on this day.

Bazarkiewicz throws first TD pass for Hilltops

Rookie quarterback Sam Bazarkiewicz experienced a couple of milestone moments playing for the CJFL’s storied and historic Saskatoon Hilltops on October 4. The St. Joseph High School Guardian Football Team graduate made his first regular season start at quarterback for the Hilltops. In the first quarter of that contest, Bazarkiewicz connected on a deep route to second-year receiver Tyson Korol for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Bazarkiewicz is setting to throw that deep pass in this photo. That was the first CJFL regular season touchdown pass of Bazarkiewicz’s career. While the Hilltops got out to an early 10-0 lead in that game, they fell 27-11 to the Winnipeg Rifles.

Hilltops Cheer Team holds court

The Saskatoon Hilltop Cheer Team performs a pyramid pose during a halftime performance on October 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Established in 1977, the Hilltop Cheer Team is the longest running cheer program in the CJFL.

Hilltops’ Bednarek slick in open field

Saskatoon Hilltops fifth-year receiver Luke Bednarek, left, makes a slick sidestep move to avoid Winnipeg Rifles outside linebacker Kenji Suga on October 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a contest where the Rifles prevailed 27-11, Bednarek had a big game hauling in nine passes for 133 yards.

Eye on the ball

Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons Ben Wheeler tracks the ball into his hands during a punt return during a high school football contest on October 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Wheeler is one of the Falcons steady veterans that helped them blank the Evan Hard Collegiate Souls 46-0 on this night and improve to 5-1 overall with a fourth straight win.

Olympics reality still settling in for Lipinski

Ignite Co-Owner going to Summer Games as flag football DC

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Joel Lipinski hugs Marc-Antoine Dequoy (#24).

Joel Lipinski still has times it stuns him that it is an actual thing he will be going to the Olympics with football.

On August 16 at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, Lipinski served as the Defensive Coordinator for Team Canada, who were taking part in the bronze medal game against Mexico. Canada claimed a 34-26 victory in overtime, where the win was sealed by an interception from defensive back Guillaume Beland. Canada claimed the bronze medal and locked up a berth at the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will run July 14 to 30 of that year in Los Angeles, Calif.

Flag football will make its debut as a sport at the 2028 Olympics. For Lipinski, he still has moments where he can’t believe going to the Olympics will be an actual thing for him.

“I still don’t know if it feels completely real,” said Lipinski, who is a Co-owner and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of Ignite Athletics located on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. “For so long, the Olympics were this massive thing you watched every few years and you saw athletes representing Canada on the biggest sporting stage in the world.

“I never really pictured myself being part of that. Now, there’s actually an Olympic Games on the calendar that we are preparing for. We qualified. Canada is going.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to represent our country there as a coach. When I actually stop and think about it that way, it’s pretty wild. I think there will probably be a few moments over the next two years where it becomes more and more real.”

Long before becoming a coach in strength and conditioning, Lipinski had played football as a defensive back. In the tackle side of the game, he suited up for Regina’s Campbell Collegiate Tartans, the University of Regina Rams and Saint Mary’s University Huskies in U Sports, the Vancouver Island Raiders in the CJFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks in the CFL and Football Canada’s Men’s National Team in both tackle and flag. During those years, Lipinski never thought about going to the Olympics as football was not part of that multi-sport event and celebration.

In his childhood days growing up in Regina, Lipinski admitted he did have dreams of being part of the Olympics when either the Summer Games or Winter Games were on TV.

Joel Lipinski, centre, offers tips at an Ignite Athletics training session.

“I think every kid watches the Olympics and imagines what it would be like to represent Canada,” said Lipinski, who is the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team. “You watch Canadians win medals and see the flag go up and you understand, even as a kid, that there is something different about representing your country at the Olympics.

“I just never imagined football would eventually be the sport that gave me that opportunity. That’s probably what makes this whole thing even more special.”

While Lipinski is best known for his work as a strength and conditioning coach, the 41-year-old has worked as a football coach over numerous years in his life and has been a head coach at the high school level and has coached defensive backs at the university level. He has been involved with Team Canada on the flag football side for over a decade.

When Football Canada hired famed CFL coach Paul LaPolice to be the head coach of the National Men’s Flag Team on May 8, 2025, he interviewed Lipinski for the Defensive Coordinator position. 

Lipinski was officially brought on as the team’s Defensive Coordinator on May 20, 2025. He has enjoyed working with LaPolice.

“It’s been awesome,” said Lipinski. “Paul has coached football at an incredibly high level for a long time, and I would be lying if I said I haven’t tried to absorb as much as I possibly can from being around him.

“One thing I really appreciate about Paul is that he allows his coaches to coach. He challenges you, asks questions and makes you defend what you believe, but he also gives you ownership. That has made me a better coach.”

Joel Lipinski enjoys coaching with Football Canada.

At the Flag Football Worlds, Canada suffered heartbreak dropping a 41-36 decision in a semifinal against Italy on August 15. Lipinski was proud of how the Canadian team was able to rebound to win the bronze game in overtime the next day over Mexico. The highlight was seeing the win get sealed by Beland’s interception.

“That might be one of the greatest moments I’ve ever experienced in football,” said Lipinski, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighed 195 pounds in his playing days. “There is so much that goes into preparing for those moments that nobody sees (in) the meetings, film, conversations, adjustments and all the reps with the players.

“Then you get into overtime against an unbelievable Mexico team, with an Olympic berth and a World Championship medal essentially hanging in the balance and Guillaume makes the play. On a team full of great players, he was our defensive captain and was completely selfless in any game play that we put together. He is someone I have leaned on throughout the years I have known him for his IQ and pulse of the team, and I could not be happier for him that he was the one to make that play.

“The second he caught it, I think every emotion from the entire tournament came out at once.”

After Beland made his interception, Lipinski took part in the celebrations making a mad dash down the field with Beland and a host of Canadian players that finished with a group hug in an end zone. At that moment, you wouldn’t have known Lipinski was still recovering from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in one of his knees.

“That is probably the most impressive athletic performance of my entire World Championship,” said Lipinski with a chuckle. “I was five months out from ACL surgery and apparently completely forgot that for about 30 seconds.

“I saw Guillaume pick the ball off and all rehab protocols immediately went out the window. Looking back at the video, there were definitely a couple of moments where I thought, “That probably wasn’t in the return-to-sport plan.” Luckily, the knee survived.”

Joel Lipinski, left, is pictured with Canadian players at Worlds.

While Lipinski is proud of what the Canadian team accomplished, he said the focus is already shifting towards preparing for the Olympics and making good use of the two years preparation time leading up to it.

“Now, the real work starts,” said Lipinski, who has received congratulations pretty much everywhere he has gone in Saskatoon since returning home. “Qualifying was obviously a massive accomplishment, but we’re not going to spend two years celebrating the fact that we qualified.

“The question becomes: how good can we become between now and Los Angeles? We have two years to evaluate our systems, evaluate ourselves as coaches, continue developing players, identify new players and keep learning where international flag football is going. The sport is evolving incredibly quickly.

“For me personally, I want to look back two years from now and know that I used every opportunity between Worlds and the Olympics to become a better defensive coordinator. There are probably 100 things we can do better, and now we have two years to go find them.”

He added the belief is high that Canada can win a medal at the Olympics in 2028.

“We absolutely want to win a medal, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that,” said Lipinski. “Canada just finished third in the world.

“We know how good the best teams in the world are, we know how small the margins are between winning and losing at that level, and we also know that we can compete with them. At the same time, nobody is giving us anything, because we won a bronze medal at Worlds. There are two years of work between now and Los Angeles.

Joel Lipinski and Team Canada pose for a team photo.

“The dream is obviously standing on an Olympic podium with a Canadian flag and a medal around our necks (even though coaches do not get medals). If we’re going all the way to the Olympics, we’re certainly not going there just to say we were there. We want to see how good we can become and take a real shot at winning the thing.”

For more information about Ignite Athletics, feel free to check out Ignite’s website at igniteathletics.com. All photos of Joel Lipinski with Football Canada are courtesy of Joel Lipinski.

Schnitzler’s football journey settles into coaching stage

Crusaders HC enjoyed playing CJFL, U Sports and CFL

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

HC Tom Schnitzler addresses his Crusaders after a game last season.

Tom Schnitzler’s football life has been a full circle Saskatoon story.

After playing high school football with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints winning provincial titles in 2011 and 2012, Schnitzler moved on to play five seasons in the CJFL with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops from 2013 to 2017 winning four straight CJFL championships with the club from 2014 to 2017. Following his time with the Hilltops, the star defensive lineman and standout long snapper moved on to play for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Football Team in 2018 and 2019.

He went on to be selected in the eighth round and 72^nd overall in the 2020 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tigers-Cats. Schnitzler played the 2021 campaign with the Tiger-Cats as they moved on and fell 33-25 in overtime to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at home in the Grey Cup. Following the 2021 campaign, Schnitzler suited up for the Calgary Stampeders in 2022 moving over to play full back on offence.

His time in the CFL concluded after the 2022 campaign. Schnitzler got on to the staff at Holy Cross High School and became the offensive coordinator for the Crusaders Football Team in 2023. When the team’s head coach and all-time coaching great in Scott Hundseth retired from teaching, Schnitzler took on the role of Crusaders head coach, while Hundseth remained to be the squad’s defensive coordinator.

After guiding the Crusaders to their seventh provincial title last season, Schnitzler settled into the start of his third campaign as the team’s head coach.

“I loved playing the game,” said Schnitzler. “Playing high school at BGM (Bishop James Mahoney High School) was a lot of fun.

“Playing high school football and seeing all the time and effort that the coaches put in and gave to us really meant a lot. It just kind of made me want to get back into coaching and kind of give back to the kids. Playing Hilltops and UBC and a few years in the CFL, I feel like I have a lot to give back, and I want to repay what those coaches gave me.

“I guess in a way it is full circle. I really enjoy doing it. It is fun to still be involved with the game.”

On top of being part of the football scene in Saskatoon, Schnitzler’s football life keeps bringing him back to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. 

He played high school and CJFL games at SMF Field. On the coaching front, Schnitzler has coached high school and with Saskatoon Minor Football programs like academy league teams at SMF Field.

Tom Schnitzler scores a TD for the Hilltops on August 29, 2015.

While it has only been four years since he dressed for the Stampeders, Schnitzler is starting to feel the distance from his playing days, especially his days in high school and the CJFL. He chuckled at the memory of scoring a touchdown on a fumble return for the Hilltops in a 65-9 regular season win over the Winnipeg Rifles at SMF Field on August 30, 2015 noting that happened 11 years ago.

“You know what, it is crazy to think about,” said Schnitzler, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighed 235 pounds in his playing days. “There are kids in Grade 9 now, and they’re born in, you know, 2012 or whatever.

“I played Hilltops in 2013. It is kind of crazy to think about it. It didn’t seem that long ago, and then you know when you look back, I guess it is quite some time ago.

“(There are) lots of great memories. I met a lot of my best friends playing there and had good experiences. A touchdown, I got pretty fortunate with a few plays there for sure.”

Schnitzler said it was always in the back of his mind that he would coach football once his playing days were done. He said that idea took root after playing for the Saints with Kirby Frey serving as the team’s head coach.

“He (Frey) did an awesome job,” said Schnitzler. “They had a great staff there.

“It was a lot of fun. I’ve just seen the work they put in for us, but not only that, how much fun they had as a staff. It really made us all want to give back.

“I think a lot of the people on that team, my high school, ended up coaching at some point after. They (the Saints coaches) just set a really good example for us.”

With the Hilltops, Schnitzler played under that team’s iconic head coach in Tom Sargeant. Sargeant entered the 2026 CJFL campaign with 254 career wins combined from CJFL regular season and post-season play. Including play in the CJFL, U Sports football and the CFL, the only person with more career head coaching wins than Sargeant is Wally Buono with 305 victories combined in the CFL regular season and post-season.

“Obviously Sergeant, you can look at his accolades,” said Schnitzler. “He is the best junior coach that has ever done it.

HC Tom Schnitzler, left, gives instructions to his players.

“You pick up a tonne just routine, discipline and togetherness as a team. He is hard on us, but he has got our backs. If we work hard for him, he is going to battle for us.”

When he suited up for the Thunderbirds, Schnitzler played for head coach Blake Nill, who built a legendary career in U Sports. Nill guided the Thunderbirds to a U Sports championship in 2015 and the Saint Mary’s University Huskies Football Team to U Sports title wins in 2001 and 2002.

“He (Nill) is going to tell you what to do and how to do it right,” said Schnitzler. “The expectations are there.

“I guess it is no different for me now. I take that here is the standard and here are the expectations. That is how I want the kids to perform.”

Schnitzler added he learned from both Sargeant and Nill to lean on his team’s leaders. The Holy Cross sideline boss looks for his Grade 12 seniors and high-end Grade 11 players to lead the way.

One spot where Schnitzler was really proud of his players came after the Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A Championship Game on November 7, 2025 at SMF Field. After receiving the championship trophy, the Crusaders captains gave it to Hundseth to allow him to be the first to raise it.

Before that championship win, the Crusaders had lost their previous 10 straight appearances in a provincial final with a number of those setbacks coming in heartbreaking style. Hundseth was the Crusaders head coach of the last nine of those 10 straight losses.

“Coach Hundseth is arguably the best high school football coach Saskatchewan has seen in recent history,” said Schnitzler. “He has been here for 16-to-17 years as the head coach, and he has built this program to what it is today, set the standard high and kept it high.

“I kind of walked into a program that was already ready to roll. I didn’t have to do a whole lot as far as build it. It is already there.

“I think we just had the right mix of players and coaches working together. It (the provincial title win) was for him, so it is really good to see the kids do that. It is well deserved for him.”

Looking towards the future, Schnitzler plans to be coaching the Crusaders for the long term. When players graduate from his team, Schnitzler hopes they become better all-around persons.

“Just the programs I’ve been at with my experience with Hilltops under Tom Sargeant and playing some U Sports, I feel like I can give the kids some guidance as far as expectations and the level and standard we set at this program,” said Schnitzler. “I feel like it will serve them well in the future whether they’re playing football after their Grade 12 year or not.

Tom Schnitzler, right of trophy, enjoys a provincial title win.

“We’re trying to build character and build hard-working young men. It is fun to see those guys move on. It is awesome that a lot of those guys are staying home and playing Hilltops or even (University of Saskatchewan) Huskies.

“We want to keep sending more kids there. It is fun to see.”

To see the 2026 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

Sander set to soak in season as Hilltops starting QB

Saskatoon guns for 25^th CJFL title in 2026

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Griffin Sander is set to be the Hilltops starting QB this season.

Griffin Sander found his tackle football life was in limbo until an unexpected opportunity came up.

In August of last year, Sander was engaged in training camp activities with University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team. He was going into his fourth season with the Huskies, but he didn’t know where he stood within a talented quarterback room.

Anton Amundrud was a lock as the starter, and the Huskies coaches were optimistic on Jake Farrell, who was in his second season with the team. Sander was wondering if it might be best for him to focus on his kinesiology studies.

One day after a Huskies practice, Sander was walking to his car, and he listened to a voicemail left by Tom Sargeant, who is the legendary head coach of the CJFL’s Saskatoon Hilltops. 

The Hilltops were a week into their CJFL campaign and were dealing with a host of injuries at the quarterback position. Sargeant said the Hilltops needed to add a quarterback, and he wanted to talk to Sander.

“I was like this could be a really good opportunity for me,” said Sander. “Then, I thought about it for a couple of days and talked to my parents and everything.

“I gave Sarge a call back, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made so far in my life.”

Sander joined the Hilltops in Week 2 of their CJFL campaign. After getting used to the team’s system, he would find himself as the backup to fifth-year starter Brexton Elias, when Elias returned for the squad’s fourth regular season contest.

During the Hilltops fifth regular season contest, Sander saw his first game action with the team in a 51-3 romp over the Calgary Colts. As Elias would finish the post-season playing with an injury, Sander came off the bench and saw sizable action in a 30-27 comeback overtime victory over the Thunder at Mosaic Stadium in Regina in the PFC final on October 26, 2025.

He would come off the bench late in the first quarter again in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. Sander would play almost all of the rest of that contest as the Hilltops won a classic 21-18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field over the Okanagan Sun from Kelowna, B.C., to claim a 24^th CJFL title.

Griffin Sander fires a pass downfield with authority.

When Sander played last season, he was definitive with his throws. He made quick reads and threw the ball with authority and on target. It was visible that he received good coaching with the Huskies.

Sander said Sargeant played a big role in helping him do well. The signal caller also said that Huskies head coach Scott Flory and the two Huskies offensive coordinators he worked with in Jeremy Long and Mason Nyhus were huge in his football story to becoming a quarterback that could make razor-sharp reads.

“I feel like football is really an important game between the ears,” said Sander, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds. “I owe it all to “Sarge,” (Scott) Flory, my coaches Jeremy Long and Mason Nyhus.

“They’ve formed me into the player and the man I am today. I owe it all to them, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those four men really leading me to where I am today.”

Playing for the Hilltops, Sander was able to reunite with Donnie Davidsen, who was his high school head coach with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints Football Team. Davidsen is the Hilltops longtime offensive line coach.

Sander and Davidsen reconnected and picked up right where they left off from their time together with the Saints. Davidsen is also a huge part in Sander’s biggest big-play memory with the Hilltops.

In the PFC final, the Thunder had the first drive of overtime played under shootout rules and came away with a field goal to go up 27-24. On the Hilltops ensuing possession, Sander hit receiver Isaiah Vallderruten with a 24-yard game-winning touchdown pass that resulted in the Saskatoon side prevailing 30-27. The score also allowed the Hilltops to complete a comeback in a contest where they trailed 24-9 with 10:51 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“That is probably one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had playing football,” said Sander about his winning touchdown pass in the PFC final. “I remember I threw the pass, and I couldn’t actually really see if “Zay” caught it or not.

“I just heard kind of the crowd erupt, and then, I looked at the sidelines. Speaking of Donnie (Davidsen), Donnie was running full speed at me, and he jumped into my arms. That was probably one of the best moments I’ve had in football.

“That was incredible.”

Griffin Sander came up clutch for the Hilltops in the 2025 post-season.

Sargeant said Sander’s addition was massive for his storied CJFL team. The sideline boss said the veteran pivot allowed the Hilltops passing game to come to life in both the PFC final and the CJFL title game.

“Every opportunity that we gave him, he just took off and ran with it,” said Sargeant. “We certainly were very thankful that he made the decision to commit to the Saskatoon Hilltops.

“He has given the whole team and the coaching staff great optimism for this year. We’re excited to see where it takes us, because now we’ve got a full year. We’ve got a whole off-season.

“He has embraced every challenge that has come his way. He is a captain. As I said, big expectations on the blue and gold and big expectations on Griffin.”

Sargeant added that Sander came to the Hilltops having developed a solid base to play from his time as a reserve quarterback with the Huskies.

“Any time you come from the Huskie program, you know they’re going to be well coached, and they’re going to be a top recruit,” said Sargeant. “Griffin’s game, he has certainly got a good head on his shoulders.

“He has got arm talent, and it fits in perfectly with what we want to do this year. We’re excited to bring these receivers up. We love our receiver room, and we feel the combination of those two coming together is going to make a great passing package that is going to be tough to defend.

“All the training he has had in the past has certainly helped him to what his future is going to be.”

In the Canadian Bowl, the Hilltops were tied with the Sun 2-2 after the first quarter. Sander provided the steady hand in a surge that saw the Hilltops go up 16-2 and hold a 16-4 advantage at halftime.

The Sun ultimately would even the score at 18-18 with a touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter. Sander proceeded to guide the Hilltops on a drive that resulted in a 37-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Ryden Gratton with 28.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Okanagan’s final desperate drive was snuffed out with an interception by Hilltops strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor.

Griffin Sander dumps the ball off to Charles Sawi.

“We scored a touchdown I think either on my first or second drive that I went in,” said Sander. “Then, we just had quite a few two and outs and then just kind of stalled out.

“That gave Okanagan a lot of motivation. They had everything on their side, and they were just pounding. We couldn’t stop them.

“They ended up tying it up, and then, we put a good drive together. We had a lot of good runs by (running back) D.C. (David Collins). Gratz (Ryden Gratton) kicked the game winner, and then, that was it.”

Going into this season, Sander will be playing out his final campaign of CJFL eligibility. He will enter the season as the Hilltops starting quarterback. Sander has enjoyed having a whole off-season getting to train with the team’s offensive unit and receiving corps.

“Last season, I came in Week 2,” said Sander, who is 22-years-old. “I knew a couple of the guys through like academy and kind of spring ball and fall ball in high school.

“I knew a couple of guys, but I was never throwing to these guys. It was a little bit of a jump trying to get to know the playbook and get to know the guys and how they run their routes. It has been really, really amazing just to have a whole off-season with these guys and just throwing with them every week and just kind of see how they run their routes and what kind of depth they’re running.

“It is really helpful to be on the same page.”

The Hilltops opened their regular season on August 9 downing the Rifles in Winnipeg 38-13. Saskatoon’s home opener is slated for Sunday, August 16 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field against the Edmonton Wildcats.

Sander said the goal is to win a second straight CJFL title. With this being his final CJFL campaign, Sander said he wants to be in the moment as much as possible and soak in the journey the season will provide.

“I mean everybody wants to play in the game at the end of the year,” said Sander. “I feel like especially in your fifth year you don’t want to get there too quickly.

Griffin Sander wants to relish all parts of the 2026 season.

“I just take it day by day and don’t take anything for granted and just kind of just have lots of fun with my guys for my last year.”

For more information of the Saskatoon Hilltops including their tickets and game schedule, feel free to check out their website at www.saskatoonhilltops.com.

Epic Hilltops CJFL title win tops photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions.

Epic home CJFL championship wins by the Saskatoon Hilltops at Saskatoon Minor Football Field will never get old.

On November 9 at SMF Field, the Hilltops claimed a thrilling 21-18 victory over the Kelowna, B.C., based Okanagan Sun in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. With 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Sun quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home a touchdown from 18 yards out to complete a 108-yard scoring drive that saw an 18-11 Hilltops lead become an 18-18 tie.

Saskatoon responded with a drive to put kicker Ryder Gratton in position to nail what was ultimately the winning field goal from 37 yards out with 28.6 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Hilltops their 21-18 lead. On the ensuing Sun drive, third-year strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor intercepted Kroeger to seal the three-point win for the Hilltops. The victory marked the 24^th time the Hilltops became CJFL champions.

The Hilltops enjoy their CJFL title win during the team photo.

This year’s CJFL title tilt included the victors in the Hilltops (9-2 overall) and the vanquished in the Sun (13-1 overall), but neither team could be labeled as being defeated. The family at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex found the Sun players, coaches and staff were really gracious to interact with and a joy to have at SMF Field for a pair of days.

That November 9 day was so busy it caused that month’s upload of this blog to be moved up one day to November 8. Of course, the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl made for a natural anchor for this photo roundup.

The lead picture sees the Hilltops raising the Canadian Bowl to the sky as a part of their post-game celebrations. The second shot shows a close up view of the Hilltops enjoying themselves during customary post-game championship team photo. The third picture sees Hilltops star fifth-year defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens, left, and legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant enjoying a moment together as part of the team’s happy post-game festivities.

Johnathon Stevens (#57) and Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant enjoy the moment.

Along with the pictures from the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl, this photo roundup reflects the fact that stellar contest was the last football game to be held at SMF Field for the 2025 calendar year. The winter season moved in, and the Indoor Training Centre became the main hub of activity resulting in pictures from baseball, cricket, softball and ultimate disk.  

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 18 shots we hope you enjoy.

Collins in for six

Saskatoon Hilltops star graduating running back David Collins completes a 23-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the Hilltops 21-18 victory on that day, Collins had game highs in carries (26), rushing yards (143) and rushing touchdowns (two).

Kroeger valent in setback for Sun

Okanagan Sun star quarterback Liam Kroeger came up with a monster effort as his squad fell 21-18 in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. He completed 26-of-44 passes for 296 yards. Kroeger did throw two interceptions, but both picks came from athletic plays made by the Hilltops. He carried the ball six times for 54 yards and one major score.

Sweet Sun sideline catch

Okanagan Sun receiver Jordayne Falconer makes a tough sideline catch as his club came up short 21-18 against the Saskatoon Hilltops in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Falconer finished the contest making seven catches for 62 yards.

Final pose for Hilltop Cheer team in 2025

The 2025 edition of the Saskatoon Hilltop Cheer Team performed as a group on game day for the final time at halftime of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The cheerleaders struck their signature final pose to end their routine as the Hilltops would go on to win their 24^th CJFL title.

Hilltops grads enjoy the Canadian Bowl

The Hilltops graduating players enjoy a moment with the Canadian Bowl after winning their 24^th CJFL title on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The grads include front row from left, Isaiah Vallderruten, Brexton Elias and David Collins. The back row, from left, includes David Boyd Jr., Colton Zimmer, Jackson Dean, Nathan Young, Jace Mowles, Dalton Urban, Ryan Adamko and Johnathon Stevens. Tucked away further in the back behind Mowles and Urban is Nahom Menghestab.

Frisky officially signs with Scarlet Knights

There were all happy times in Classroom 2 at the Indoor Training Centre on November 19. Emma Frisky officially signed on with the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Women’s Softball Team. Frisky’s family held a celebration with family, friends and some of Emma’s coaches over the years. The Frisky family photo of the signing includes, from left, father Tyrel, Emma, mother Tracy and brother Jack.

Building leg power

A member of the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy does a jumping exercise with a weighted bag during a training session on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. The exercise with the weighted bag was one stop on a circuit for a conditioning workout.

Berries Academy trio all smiles

A trio of players from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy pose for a picture during a break between taking part in hitting drills on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. It is always important to mix in some fun while putting in work to get better.

Off-speed treat

A pitcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program works on an off-speed pitch during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on November 25. A large number of the program’s pitchers were out sharpening their skills on this night.

A perfect track

A catcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program tracks the ball into her glove during a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. With the 222’s having a number of pitchers out working on their skills on this night, a large number of catchers came out to work on their craft.

Big smash

A hitter from the 222’s Fastpitch program drives the ball for what would result in an outfield hit during a game at a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitters during these practice sessions focus on improving their respective approaches at the plate.

Cool under pressure

The teams have fun-loving names, but the players that make up the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society have great skill too. In this contest on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre, a player from the Ultimate Chicken House sets to slip a pass through a defender from the Turnovers.

A catch for a score

A player from the Ultimate Chicken House hauls in a scoring catch in a Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society game against the Turnovers on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre. Everyone who takes part in these games gets a great workout and leaves feeling positive about their overall day.

Building strength

A player from the Going Yard Baseball Academy throws a medicine ball during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The player was working on building up his strength in order to help him throw a baseball farther and faster.

Line drive

A hitter from the Going Yard Baseball Academy drives a ball off a tee into a net during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitter was working on the mechanics of his swing.

Hawkins gets in work

Professional pitcher and Going Yard Baseball Academy coach Garrett Hawkins gets in his own work during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawkins did some throwing on this day. On November 18, Hawkins’s contract was selected by the San Diego Padres to be part of their MLB roster. That officially places Hawkins on the club’s 40-man MLB roster.

Let it rip

A bowler fires a lightning fast toss at a wicket during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The bowler was part of a group of players who rented out some turf time at the Indoor Training Centre to play the game they love in a modified format with a half field.

Alert scoring run

A pair of hitters make a run to score a point during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. In the modified format with a half field, the players were looking to the outfield to check out how defenders were doing when it came to getting the ball back to the close infield. The night time session on this day was great for enjoying both friendship and the sport.