Carlton slotback Jordan Stene (#12) scored a touchdown following this catch against Regina's F.W. Johnson Wildcats en route to a 39-13 win in 5A provincial semifinal action on Nov. 2, 2024. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

By Logan Lehmann

High School Football

Carlton wins semifinal matchup over F.W. Johnson 39-13, advances to provincial finals

Nov 2, 2024 | 5:32 PM

The Carlton Crusaders are headed to the dance.

Carlton punched their ticket to the 5A provincial final on Saturday afternoon in front of a lively home crowd at Max Clunie Field, downing the F.W. Johnson Wildcats 39-13 in the semifinal matchup.

Crusaders head coach Lindsay Strachan said he was impressed with his team right from the jump.

“We just competed. We talked about that quick start and I felt like we played really well right off the bat. [We] put the squeeze, put the pressure on right from right from the opening kickoff, so it was it was good. It was a great performance, proud of our kids, very proud of our staff and the scheme for today.”

Carlton led 24-0 at the half and led 38-0 at one point, but some great passing plays by the Wildcats in the back half helped them scrum together some points and make the score a bit more respectable.

Sentencing adjourned

Sentencing decision reserved for La Ronge manslaughter case

4h ago

Missing persons

11-year-old girl reported missing

5h ago

BDO Debt Solutions

Addressing the Rising Cost of Living in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Residents Facing Financial Pressure

6h ago

“We had lots of film, so I mean, by the end of the week, I think we probably both felt pretty familiar with each other,” said Strachan on preparing for the game. “Similar styles on both sides – defence brings lots of pressure, kind of a more spread offense. [It was] cool to see somebody that we don’t normally see, but I don’t know that there was many secrets, probably on either side, by the end of the week.”

With the win, Carlton now advances to the 5A provincial final next weekend where they’re set to face the Bishop James Mahoney (BJM) Saints. The Saints prevailed in their semifinal matchup over Moose Jaw’s Central Collegiate Cyclones, 31-3.

Strachan said he’s excited to be in the finals and is looking forward to matching up with the powerhouse Saints.

“We knew we had a good group coming back [this season]. You know, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking that maybe there’s a chance that you could be playing on that weekend. We had some really seasoned adversity where I think we kind of figured out that there was some work to do so to be here with that opportunity in front of us, it’s a pretty cool feeling.”

“[BJM is] not a team that we’ve watched at all this year so I’m looking forward to kind of seeing what they do, but that’s a that’s a quality program from year to year like they’re always competing for that 5A title in Saskatoon. We know we’re going to see a good team and a good game next week, so we’ll get prepped up and ready to roll.”

Kickoff for the 5A football provincial finals is set for Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m. at SMF Field in Saskatoon.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com