Saskatoon Hilltops Secure Historic 24th Canadian Bowl Championship
In a heart-stopping finish that will be remembered for years to come, the Saskatoon Hilltops captured their record-extending 24th Canadian Bowl championship with a nail-biting 21-18 victory over the Okanagan Sun on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The thrilling contest unfolded before an enthusiastic crowd at SMF Field in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, where chilly temperatures did nothing to cool the intensity on the field.
Collins Shines as Offensive Powerhouse
David Collins, the Hilltops' standout running back from Minnesota, delivered a performance for the ages, carrying the ball 26 times for 143 yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns. His dominant ground game earned him the Canadian Bowl Offensive Player of the Game honors, a fitting recognition for his pivotal role in the championship victory.
"I've never been on the opposite side of things — it feels amazing," said Collins, expressing the euphoria of his first Canadian Bowl win. "It's an unreal feeling. I never expected to feel this way. I'm very happy for what we accomplished. I'm truly blessed."
Late-Game Drama and Icy Heroics
The game's momentum swung dramatically in the final minutes. After building a 16-4 halftime lead, the Hilltops' offense stalled in the second half, allowing the determined Sun squad to mount a comeback. With just 1:33 remaining in regulation, Okanagan quarterback Liam Kroeger capped an impressive 108-yard touchdown drive with an 18-yard scoring run, tying the game at 18-18 and setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
With the championship on the line and freezing conditions effectively "icing" the kicker naturally, Ryden Gratton stepped up for what would become the game-winning play. Despite not having attempted a field goal all game, Gratton calmly connected on a 37-yard field goal with just 28.6 seconds left on the clock, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
"That was the most nervous I've been in a long time," admitted Gratton. "It didn't even feel real. It was awesome. There's nothing better than doing that in front of all your friends and family in the stands."
Defensive Stands Seal the Victory
The Hilltops' defense delivered crucial plays when it mattered most. Earlier in the fourth quarter, with the Sun threatening from Saskatoon's 10-yard line, defensive lineman Huntur Johnson made a spectacular interception, tipping the ball to himself to create a massive momentum shift.
The victory was ultimately sealed when linebacker Zaden Taylor, one of the team's captains, intercepted a pass in the game's final moments to secure the championship. Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant praised Taylor's leadership, stating, "That's what a captain, what a leader should do."
The victory marks another chapter in the storied history of the Saskatoon Hilltops program, reinforcing their status as a Canadian Junior Football League dynasty with their 24th national championship title.
