Previews and Predictions (Sask HS): It’s playoff time in Saskatchewan!

Each and every week, Sask Tipster brings you the week’s preview and predictions for Saskatchewan High School Football. Here are this week’s previews and predictions for games in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw leagues:

REGINA INTERCOLLEGIATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE (RIFL):

Balfour Redmen (4-3) vs. Sheldon Williams Spartans (3-2-2)

Last time these two teams met was in 2013. This anticipated matchup could be the best game to watch during the RIFL quarterfinals. Fairly even, both teams will rely on the run. We give the playmaking advantage to  Balfour Redmen’s RB  Ryan Schienbein and QB Austin Halstead. Sheldon Williams’ lineman will have their hands full trying to stop Schienbein from getting through, and if they do, count on Halstead to do the damage. Either way, the edge is to the Redmen in what should be a close one.

PREDICTION: Balfour Redmen 29, Sheldon Williams Spartans 23

Greenall Griffins (5-4) vs. Johnson Wildcats (1-7)

The Greenall Griffins should be able to run though this one without too much difficulty. Johnson has had a hard time scoring touchdowns on offense, while Greenall has averaged over 22 points per game. The Wildcats defense will be on the field a lot, and in order to stand a chance in this one, they will need to create turnovers. Expect Greenall to run the ball early and often and escape away with a fairly easy victory.

PREDICTION: Greenall Griffins 38, Johnson Wildcats 2

SASKATOON SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTORATE (SSSAD):

Centennial Chargers (6-1) vs. Walter Murray Maurauders (2-5)

The Centennial Chargers are clear favourites in this one. Their 6-1 record is proof of the strength of their team, with their only loss coming to the 4A SSSAD favourites, CFC#23  Holy Cross Crusaders. Walter Murray’s record doesn’t show how good this team really is. Centennial will need to play tough in order to control the game. Expect the Chargers’ star RB Adam Machart to score a few times in this one. Don’t expect an upset, but don’t expect Walter Murray to roll over either.

PREDICTION: Centennial Chargers 33 , Walter Murray Marauders 14

Aden Bowman Bears (4-3) vs. P.A. St. Mary’s Blues (3-4)

Perhaps the best matchup of the 4A SSSAD playoffs, the Aden Bowman Bears will attempt to repeat their 45-7 victory over P.A. St. Mary’s early this year. The P.A. St. Mary’s Blues are coming of a 38-1 victory and their confidence is high, which should help them in the early going. If the Blues can stay in this one at halftime, they have a realistic chance of winning. They will need to play tough and fast to do so. If the Bears get on top early, this game will be similar than their last match-up. Expect the Blues to fare better this time around.

PREDICTION: Aden Bowman Bears 38, P.A. St. Mary’s Blues 21