The Game of the Week in the PFC will see the defending champion Saskatoon Hilltops (1-0) hit the road for the first time in the battle of Saskatchewan when they face the Regina Thunder (1-0).
The Hilltops beat the Winnipeg Rifles in Week 1, 32-20 at home last weekend with a very balanced attacked, compiling 221 yards through the air and 220 on the ground.
Quarterback Matt Karpinka would only complete nine passes, but tallied 158 yards, averaging 17.5 yards a completion. His favourite target was Graham Unruh who caught five of those passes for 83 yards.
It’s no secret, for the Hilltops to be successful they must run the ball. Veteran Andre Lalonde carried the load last weekend against the Rifles. He would carry 18 times for 150 yards and did score a touchdown.
The Hilltops kicking game could play an important on Saturday night. The Thunder have an excellent offense, so pinning them deep in their own end will be important. Last week backup quarterback Jared Andreychuck also acted as the punter averaging 30.8 yards a kick.
Defensively the Hilltops would allow 435 yards of total offense, but would cause three interceptions and recovered a fumble. The “D” will have to be more solid against the Thunder. In order for the Hilltops to slow down the Thunder, Quinn Pierce and Brett Pisio will need to play a large role.
The Regina Thunder kicked off the season will a convincing 42-23 win over the Calgary Colts last weekend. They would compile 359 yards of total offense, 265 of which was through the air.
Quarterback Asher Hastings had a terrific game finishing 14 of 17 for 261 yards and threw four touchdown passes.
Three different Thunder receivers each made four catches; Kasim Ocaya, Brady Keller and Will Heward, while Daniel Jacob Carr caught two touchdown passes including a 66 yarder.
The ground game must have success against the Hilltops to set up the passing game. Last weekend Nick Brown carried 15 times for 70 yards, averaging just 4.6 yards a carry.
Last weekend the Thunder defense would force two interceptions, while compiling three sacks. In order to slow down the Hilltops run game the front four of the Thunder will need to push back against the big offensive line. The linebackers will play an important role, led by Graydon Benner who led the team last week with five stops. Shawn Russel collected four tackles and will be called upon to have a big game against the Hilltops.
Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium in Regina is Saturday night at 7:00pm.
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