‘Need a great defensive performance’: Hilltops ready for challenge against provincial rivals

(Matt Young / CTV News)

With eight interceptions in the first three games, the Saskatoon Hilltops defence has reason to be riding high.

And it’s partly thanks for Jace Mowles, who is causing quarterbacks headaches and having a banner season.

“Jace Mowles is having one of those all-Canadian years. He’s our corner we put in the toughest scenarios and he’s just a great man-to-man cover guy,” said Head Coach Tom Sargeant.

Sargeant also praised defensive coaches Jeff Yausie and Brent Turkington for helping devise a scheme that puts Mowles and other veterans in the right place on the field.

“Coaches put me in a great spot, and I just executed very well and made a play on the ball,” said Mowles, who has three interceptions on the season, including two in their last game against Winnipeg.

Mowles said when he was playing football growing up, he always wanted to play defence as he enjoyed it more than playing receiver, adding size was a bit of a factor.

“I was very small as a kid and that’s really all I do could do because I was the smaller one out there on the field, but I could make plays and contribute to the team.”

Sargeant describes Mowles as a ‘quiet, confident guy’ who knows he will play at an elite level no matter what he’s asked to do.

“He’s got a lot of playing time; played in a lot of big games. So we put him in the big time moments and he’s been 100 per cent so far.”

Sargeant said having experience from Mowles as well as quality players like Nathan Young and Jackson Dean who understand their roles, are a key reason why the defence has tightened things up over the last two games.

But make no mistake, Sargeant is aware of the tall order ahead of this squad this weekend when they travel down highway 11 to face the Regina Thunder.

“On paper, they’ve proven why they are the only undefeated team for a reason, and they certainly play a very physical brand of football and high-end football.”

The Hilltops secondary will face a Regina Thunder quarterback in Adam Mosher who has only thrown one interception through the first three weeks of the season.

Meanwhile, Saskatoon will also have to figure out how to stop a Thunder running game that’s averaged an astronomical 325 yards rushing per game, with zero fumbles.

Challenge accepted, says Hilltops defensive lineman Jonathan Stevens.

“They’re very physical, watching them against other opponents. Our job is to be more physical. And, you know, we expect them to run the ball just like they’ve been doing. But if they decide to pass as well, we have to be ready for that. So, we have to adapt on the flow if we have to. But we got a good game plan and I’m really excited for the game,” said Stevens.

Sargeant says having the bye week ahead of their road matchup against Regina is a plus, which has allowed them to put a lot of time into preparation.

“Hopefully, we can have a good coordination of 12 players understanding when its run to fit in and handle their gaps, and when it’s pass, get through their gaps and get in the right coverages whether it’s man or zone.”

The Thunder and Hilltops always play such a tight battle as two of the top teams in the PFC. A game the Hilltops have been looking forward too.

“We got Regina Saturday night at Mosaic. Nothing better than that” said Sargeant.