Coming off two consecutive CJFL National Championships, the Saskatoon Hilltops are well positioned to challenge for yet another league title. With several key returnees on both sides of the ball, the team is set to makes its run this fall.
It is difficult to improve on back-to-back national title runs, but the Saskatoon Hilltops will enter the 2012 campaign with the intention of doing just that.
“The 2012 Hilltop team will work very hard to defend their National Championship, and try for…a three-peat in 2012,” explains Hilltops Head Coach, Tom Sargeant.
Though the established goal is no doubt a tall order, the Toppers are well-equipped to challenge for the trifecta.
The team will return its entire eight man coaching staff from last season, as well as a number of key entities on both sides of the ball.
“On offence it starts with two explosive linemen in all-star Tristan Hoath and Matt Leung,” says Coach Sargeant. “They are dominant linemen who will set the tone for the offence.”
The duo will be tasked with protecting 4th year quarterback Matt Karpinka, as well as standout running backs Brendan Gryba and Andre Lalonde.
The two runners compose a formidable tandem that will be relied on to eat yardage in 2012.
“Gryba will bring the speed and elusiveness,” notes Sargeant. “Lalonde will bring the power in the running game.”
The aerial assault will once again fall to Karpinka and veteran receiving targets Jon Trumpy and Kyle McGinnis.
On the defensive side, the Hilltops will enjoy the presence of 5th year linebackers Ben Cressman and Dylan Kemp who, according to Coach Sargeant, “will stop the run and bring an aggressive mindset to the defense.”
Heading the Hilltops’ recruiting class for 2012 is Centennial Collegiate signal-caller, Jared Andreychuk, who the team feels “will become an impact player in the PFC [Prairie Football Conference].”
Andreychuk will have the luxury of leaning on veteran QB Matt Kaprinka to assist with his development and progression as he begins his career with the Hilltops.
He will look to impress at the Toppers’ spring camp, alongside the club’s other blue chip prospects.
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