The Saskatoon Hilltops advance to the Canadian Bowl after beating the St. Clair Saints 43-0. (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

By Derek Craddock

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Former River Riders still celebrating Canadian Bowl championship with Hilltops

Nov 16, 2023 | 2:20 PM

Two Prince Albert football players are still beaming after winning the CJFL Canadian Bowl last weekend with the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Cousins Justin and Ryan Adamko were part of the team that claimed the national title on Saturday, beating the British Columbia Football Conference-champion Westshore Rebels 17-10 in Victoria.

It was the team’s first CJFL title since 2019 and their 23^rd in club history.

Although it’s been a few days since the championship win, Justin said he and the team are still buzzing from the moment.

“All the guys have been super excited,” he said. “Our coaches have been super happy. It’s been a lot of fun.”

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“The boys put in a ton of work over the offseason, added Ryan. “Which showed how well everyone played.”

During the 2023 season, the Hilltops went a perfect 12-0 in the regular season. They beat the Regina Thunder to claim the Prairie Football Conference championship and beat the St. Clair Saints in the semi-finals to reach the Canadian Bowl.

Ryan said it was a great way to cap off the year, especially for the team’s graduating players.

“I was just happy that we played for our fifth years,” he said. I’m just happy we got to send them off as winners and walk off a winner at the end of the year.”

Justin and Ryan were part of the River Riders program and attended Carlton High School before joining the Hilltops and said playing football in Prince Albert helped them to become the players they are now.

They’re hopeful their success on the national junior stage will inspire other local football players.

“Football in PA is really good,” said Justin. “Hopefully more kids start playing in PA there’s lots of good programs there.”

Both players plan to return to the Hilltops next season in search of a second straight title.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com