The Prairie Football Conference is back this weekend and, while the Saskatchewan contenders remain the same, the Regina Thunder will begin the 2026 season with a new face leading the offence.
The defending Canadian Bowl champion Saskatoon Hilltops and the Thunder are once again expected to battle for top spot in the PFC. Still, Regina coach Scott MacAulay has turned the keys of the offence over to second-year quarterback Jayden Zelionka. MacAulay said the decision was made after an offseason evaluation and believes the youngster is ready for the opportunity.
"He's very athletic. He's very driven," MacAulay said. "We're excited to see what he can bring to the table."
The Thunder also have confidence in backup Eric Heroux, a 6-foot-4 passer with a strong arm, giving Regina what MacAulay describes as a "one-A, one-B" quarterback situation.
One of the Thunder's most intriguing additions this season comes from halfway around the world.
Brazilian offensive lineman Arthur Santos-Lobao joined Regina after MacAulay discovered him through an Instagram connection with football contacts in Montreal and Brazil.
What began as a social media interaction eventually turned into a recruiting opportunity after MacAulay connected with the head coach of Brazil's national football team. The Thunder coach believes Santos-Lobao has all the tools to succeed.
"He's very athletic. He's strong. He's mean. He understands the game," MacAulay said.
MacAulay also hopes the relationship could eventually create an exchange program, allowing Canadian players to experience football in Brazil.
While the Thunder offence features several new faces, MacAulay believes Regina's defence will once again be the team's biggest strength. The Thunder return a deep and experienced defensive line featuring several fourth- and fifth-year players, allowing the coaching staff to rotate six or seven linemen without losing production.
The defensive secondary returns much of last season's starting group, while a new crop of linebackers has emerged to replace graduating veterans.
"We're feeling pretty confident," MacAulay said. "There are so many veterans back that you're taking off where you were last year and moving forward."
The Thunder backfield is anchored by running back Peter Boersch, who rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season before earning a spot on the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster. MacAulay said Boersch has returned to the Thunder with valuable experience and has become another coach on the field.
The Thunder also added Owen Istace, a Weyburn product returning after time at Mount Allison, giving Regina another proven option in the running game.
"I think at the end of the year you're going to be talking about two guys carrying the rock for the Regina Thunder," MacAulay said.
Despite losing several key veterans, MacAulay remains confident the Thunder will once again contend for a championship. He expects the team's athleticism to help a younger roster develop as the season progresses.
"We're young, but I think by Week 4 or 5 we're going to be exactly where we need to be," he said. "We're going to take some lumps early, but I think our athleticism will allow us to pick things up pretty quickly."
The Thunder open their season Sunday in Edmonton against the Wildcats.
Meanwhile, the defending Canadian Bowl champion Saskatoon Hilltops believe they may be even stronger than the team that captured the program's 24th national title last season.
Coach Tom Sargeant said this year's roster features more overall talent than the championship squad, while still carrying the confidence that comes with wearing the blue and gold.
"I think this year's team has a little more talent," Sargeant said. "We're going to be pretty exposed. We're going to be fun to watch."
The Hilltops begin their title defence Sunday in Winnipeg as they look to add another Prairie Football Conference championship and another Canadian Bowl to their storied history.
