CJFL GOW: PFC (9)

The season concludes with the Hilltops hosting the Colts

The PFC will enter the final week of the regular season and the Game of the Week is déjà vu all over again as the Saskatoon Hilltops (7-0) host the Calgary Colts (4-3) in a potential first round playoff preview.

Oddly enough these two teams began the season on August 16th and will wrap it up on Sunday at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field.  Back in Week 1 the Hilltops blasted the Colts 31-10 in Calgary.

The Hilltops have been outstanding this season, running the table thus far.  As a matter of fact they haven’t lost a game since September 6th of 2014, a stretch of 15 games (including playoffs).

The defending champs are scoring an average of 42 points a game this season while giving up just 14.   Through the first seven games Quarterback Jared Andreychuk is 102 of 161 for 1,501 yards with 18 touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions.  He doesn’t throw the ball deep very often with a nine yard average, but he is very accurate completing 63% of his passes with an efficiency rating of 112.9.

Against the Colts in Week 1 he finished 16 of 30 for 249 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes.

Defensively the Colts not only have to worry about the passing attack of the Hilltops, but their solid ground game as well.  This could be one of the most balanced offences the Hilltops have had in recent memory.  Logan Fischer leads the club with 92 carries and 790 yards, averaging 8.6 yards a carry.

Obviously the Colts defensive line will need to get pressure in the backfield, but it’ll be up to the linebackers to make plays, and the Colts have two of the best.  Jakub Jakoubek and Colton Burr are among the PFC leaders in tackles.  Back in Week 1 they combined for five tackles, seven assists and a knockdown.

The defensive backs of the Colts will also need to force a couple of turnovers to have success against the tall, lengthy Hilltops receivers.  Colts’ Owen Redlick has a Conference high five interceptions, including one against the Toppers.

On the flip side Hilltops defence has been outstanding allowing just 14 points a game.  Linebacker Cole Benkic is a force with 22 tackles, 14 assists, three knockdowns, 2 fumble recoveries and three interceptions including one for a touchdown. He had five stops against the Colts in Week 1.

The “D” have forced a Conference high 28 turnovers including four against the Colts in Week 1.

Offensively the Colts have scored 214 points.  Quarterback John Kiesman is 106 for 188 for 1,611 yards and has thrown 12 touchdowns.    His main target has been Kyle Brick with a Conference high six touchdowns on 24 receptions.

The Colts will need to establish a running attack against the big, strong Hilltops defensive line.  Xavier Ramsay will need to be a huge contributor.  He does have 62 carries for 504 yards, averaging 8.1 yards a carry this season.  He wasn’t in the lineup in Week 1.

It’ll be an entertaining game.  The Hilltops have clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs, however the Colts are still fighting for third place and will be scoreboard watching.   A win clinches third, however if they lose and the Winnipeg Rifles win the Colts will drop to fourth and will face the Toppers in the semi-final.   If both the Colts and Rifles lose the Colts will clinch third and travel to Regina in the playoffs while the Rifles will visit Saskatoon.

Kick-off in Saskatoon is set for 1:00pm.

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