HILLTOPS DOWN THUNDER 37-20

Wanda Harron Photography

REGINA – The Regina Thunder were unable to secure a win in their season opener against the Saskatoon Hilltops Saturday night in front of a home crowd of 1947 fans at Mosaic Stadium.

Although the Thunder started the game off with an early interception by Matthew Williams which led to an unconverted touchdown run in by quarterback Sawyer Buettner, the Thunder were unable to hold on for long.

The Hilltops finished the game with a final score of 37-20.

The Thunder struggled to get their run game going, rushing for a total of only 36 yards. Buettner relied on his arm passing for a total of 327 yards.

Buettner spread the ball around to seven different receivers however Kristopher Calcutt led the Thunder with 115 yards receiving.

As for the Hilltops, Adam Machart rushed for 110 yards and quarterback Jordan Walls passed for 271 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball Tyson Haubrich from the Thunder made 4 tackles followed by Robbie Lowes and Scott Parker who tied for 3. The Hilltops Cody Pieters had 6 tackles followed by Jared Giddings and Cam Shnitzler who tied for 4 each.

The Regina Thunder will take Sunday as a day off and be back watching film Monday night.

(Courtesy Roshelle Montgomery)