PFC FINAL: HILLTOPS 20 THUNDER 18

SASKATOON — The Regina Thunder dropped a tight one Saturday night with the provincial rival Saskatoon Hilltops, dropping a 20-18 decision at SMF Field. With the win, Saskatoon took sole possession of second place in the PFC at 4-1 while the Thunder fell to third at 3-2.

Regina got off to a good start and led 8-0 after the opening 15 minutes. However the Hilltops responded in the second with a touchdown from offensive lineman Drayke Unger to cut the lead to 8-7. James Vause added a field goal and it was 10-8 Saskatoon at the half.

The Thunder took back the lead on a field goal to make it 11-10 but Logan Fisher scored a touchdown late in the quarter for the Hilltops who led 17-11 going into the fourth quarter.

James Vause kicked his second field goal of the game in the 4th to extend the lead to 20-11. The Thunder got back in it with just 2:00 remaining courtesy of a touchdown catch from Kasim Ocaya making it 20-18. Regina got the ball back with 33 seconds left but could not complete the comeback.

Regina outgained Saskatoon in net offense 522 to 418 yards but lost the turnover battle 4-1.  Levi Paul led all Thunder receivers with 157 yards on 13 receptions.  Quarterback Sawyer Buettner had an eye-popping stat line, going 43/52 for 422 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The Thunder (3-2) return to action Saturday September 17th against the Calgary the Colts (4-0) at 7 PM in Medicine Hat.

(Courtesy Phil Andrews)