The Saskatoon Hilltops are fully aware of the challenge they face this weekend against the Regina Thunder. “We just gotta put a stop to that powerhouse of a run game and they just gotta stop the big chunk plays” defensive lineman Noah Chelsom said. “They can run the ball like crazy. They put up some large numbers against a lot of teams. So it will be big on defence to get that stop and allow our offence to get rolling.” Chelsom has been a huge weapon on defence for the Hilltops, notching a sack and 10 tackles while knocking down four passes. He, along with Huntur Johnson, Zaden Taylor and the rest of the defence, will be tasked with trying to stop the top rushing team in the league. And coach Tom Sargeant says their defence is fully prepared. “You show up, you sign up and you step up. At the end of the day, the coaches have done a good job getting in the lab and coming up with some plans,” Sargeant said during practice Wednesday night. “We have some respect for that run game they got over there. But I think our defence is going to really hunker down and do our jobs out there,” said Linebacker Zaden Taylor. The Hilltops bring a strong defensive core into Regina, where they will face a squad that’s posting some eye-popping rushing numbers. Through four games, the Regina Thunder have averaged more than 300 yards rushing per contest, led by Peter Boersch, who is averaging over nine yards per carry. On top of that, the Thunder are averaging more than 45 points a game on the scoreboard. Thunder head coach Scott MacAulay says Peter Boersch’s success goes beyond his running ability. “He’s not the fastest or most elusive running back in the league. But he’s really good at setting up his blocks. He’s really good at trying to make sure that the offensive line are right with their blocks.” MacAulay says the Thunder lost a few veterans on the offensive line after last season, but adds the younger core is stepping up. “I think because we are young and maybe because they are inexperienced, they are definitely taking the coaching. They are definitely working hard together to make sure they are on the same page.” The Hilltops have recent history on their side, winning seven of the last nine matchups, and quarterback Griffin Sander is closing in on 1200 yards passing. The top two teams are set for what should be another classic. Kickoff is Saturday at Leibel Field in the provincial capital.
