Hilltops kick off season with win over Edmonton Huskies

The Saskatoon Hilltops kicked off their season in style, taking to SMF Field for their home opener against the Edmonton Huskies.

The Saskatoon Hilltops kicked off their season in style, taking to SMF Field for their home opener against the Edmonton Huskies.

As the defending champions, the Hilltops had much to prove, and after a slow start, they found their rhythm, securing a decisive 38-13 victory.

Head Coach Tom Sargent acknowledged that the team has room for improvement, particularly on offense.

"We gotta tighten up in all areas. We gotta block better, we gotta tackle better, we gotta execute better," Sargent told CTV News on Sunday.

He was pleased with the defense, noting that it performed at the same high level as last year, but emphasized the need for the offense to step up.

"We basically gave them 13 points because of offense. Not defense. Defense is at the level it was last year, so that gets old coach excited, but we gotta get that offense to another level, and hey, we're gonna do that," said Sargent.

Quarterback Trey Reider was a standout, running in two touchdowns, including a remarkable 30-yard dash that gave the Hilltops some breathing room. However, Reider was quick to credit his teammates for his success.