‘We know what we need to do’: Saskatoon Hilltops prepare for season with title aspirations

Hilltops Head Coach Tom Sargeant says the motivation is ‘burning bright as ever’ when asked about getting back to the PFC final after losing the conference title game against the Regina Thunder last season.

“We know what we need to do. We know how we need to do it. Let’s see how it starts tonight,” Sargeant said ahead of Thursday’s annual alumni game at Ron Atchison Field.

The Hilltops enter the season with some returning veterans at key positions, along with a few younger players hoping to step up, including at quarterback.

With the departure of Trey Reider, it would be expected that fifth year pivot Brexton Elias would step into the starting role to carry the offense.

But on Thursday, Sargeant says Elias is hurt right now and would not play in the alumni game. So the Week 1 starting quarterback could be Charlie Molder or Hayden McMahon, both of whom saw playing time last season.

“They are in an interesting spot – a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old that have to step up. Until Brexton is healthy, it’s who we are and it’s what we are.”

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At running back, the powerful Corbin Ebben is back to carry the rock after averaging 120 yards a game on the ground last season.

And Charles Sawi, who returned a missed field goal attempt 112 yards for a touchdown in last year’s conference semifinal, is also back with the blue and gold.

Defensively, Sargeant says Johnathon Stevens is expected to be a major presence.

Stevens, an imposing six-foot, two inches, 285-lb defensive lineman, is back after being invited to Roughrider camp earlier this season, which no doubt offered a great experience.

Stevens registered three sacks last year and four tackles for a loss in six games and had six sacks in 11 games in 2023, along with four forced fumbles.

Sargeant says he’s expecting big things out of Stevens, along with Isaac Michayluk and cornerback Jayce Mowles.

But outside of that, Sargeant says the Hilltops still need to put some pieces in place.

The Saskatoon Hilltops will open the season on the road on Aug. 10 against Winnipeg before returning for their home opener on Aug. 17 against the Edmonton Huskies.