Carlton and St. Mary ahead of the snap during their NSFL semi-final matchup in 2023. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Postseason football

St. Mary clinches playoff spot with narrow win over Lloydminster, Carlton secures first seed in NSFL

Oct 12, 2024 | 10:35 AM

It’s a case of déjà vu in the North Saskatchewan Football League (NSFL).

Following the wrap up of the league’s second regular season on Thursday, the final standings ahead of playoffs look pretty similar to what they were a year ago.

Like last season, Carlton once again finished atop the standings, going a perfect 4-0 to claim the NSFL’s regular season title for the second straight year while outscoring their opponents 137-23. Over the past two seasons, the Crusaders have yet to lose a regular season contest as they are now a flawless 8-0, with their only loss against a league opponent coming during last year’s semi-final when St. Mary stunned everyone by pulling off a massive 32-28 upset.

Also, like last season, St. Mary squeaked into the final playoff spot after winning their final game of the season. In the same situation against Lloydminster as they were a year ago, the Marauders managed to narrowly down the Barons on the road, 6-4, in Thursday’s contest to clinch the final playoff spot. For Lloydminster, this is the second consecutive year they’ve missed the postseason.

With Carlton taking the No.1 seed and St. Mary claiming the fourth spot, the only difference from this year to last year is the No. 2 and No. 3 seed where North Battleford and Martensville swapped spots. Last year’s NSFL Champions North Battleford dropped down to the third seed with a 2-2 record, while Martensville moved up to second with three wins compared to one loss. Regardless of the seed, the playoff matchup is the same as last season however, the result may be a bit different.

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In last year’s playoff matchup, North Battleford won 22-0 to advance to the finals. But looking at how their regular season meeting went this season, Martensville enters as the favourites following their 37-21 win back on Oct. 4.

The all-Prince Albert semi-final will be played at Max Clunie Field, however, a date and time has yet to be announced. The same goes for the North Battleford-Martensville matchup, with that game set to be played in Martensville.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com