The Saskatchewan entries in the Prairie Football Conference both survived scares in Week 3, but came away with important victories.
The Regina Thunder improved to 3-0 with a 60-35 win over the Winnipeg Rifles on Sunday at Leibel Field. The final score suggested a comfortable Regina victory, but the Thunder had to rally after Winnipeg took a 21-18 lead into halftime. Regina responded with 32 points in the third quarter to take control of the game.
Receiver Tanner Donovel was a major part of the comeback, catching nine passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Donovel said the Thunder didn't panic when things weren't going their way in the first half.
"I think just staying calm as a team and trusting each other, trusting ourselves," Donovel said. "You know, ran through plays all week."
The third-year receiver also credited quarterback Jayden Zelionka for putting the ball in the right spots and his teammates for creating opportunities.
"I think just Zelionka putting the ball where it needs to be and myself just trusting where to go, where to be and when," Donovel said. "And then obviously everyone else blocking for me, making it a lot easier."
Donovel has also enjoyed working with Regina's young quarterback, saying he believes he is ready for the starting role.
"It's been great so far," Donovel said. "I think he's completely ready for the starting role and he's been killing it."
The Thunder will put their unbeaten record on the line this week when they host the 2-1 Edmonton Huskies.
For Donovel, the key heading into the matchup is continuing to focus on the details.
"I think it's just treating every play as a life of its own," he said. "Every practice, every day is its own thing and just getting better as much as you can."
The Saskatoon Hilltops also bounced back in Week 3, defeating the Calgary Colts 36-26. The Hilltops appeared to have the game in hand before Calgary scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes, but Saskatoon held on to improve to 2-1.
Running back Brody Komarnicki stepped into the starting role with Corbin Ebben injured and delivered 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. He also added an eight-yard reception. Komarnicki credited the Hilltops' blocking for helping him find success.
"Everyone was blocking extremely well," Komarnicki said. "O line, receivers, everyone that even if they weren't directly involved in the play, were doing their part. It just makes it way easier for as a running back when everyone's doing that."
The Hilltops' Week 4 matchup will be a rematch with the 2-1 Edmonton Wildcats, the team that handed Saskatoon its first regular-season loss in years earlier this season. Komarnicki acknowledged that the rematch is important, but said the Hilltops' focus is more about improving themselves than seeking revenge.
"It's a rematch and of course we want to win," he said. "But I think the most important thing we want is to play to our capabilities. Like, we know we're better than this."
Komarnicki said the Hilltops have spent the week watching film and focusing on the small details that need to be cleaned up.
"Although it is a rematch, I think the biggest test is ourselves and making sure that we are playing smart and just playing as a football player," he said.
The Saskatoon running back also isn't concerned about the pressure that comes with playing for the PFC's most successful program. Instead, he welcomes opponents bringing their best.
"I don't think you really want to have it any other way," Komarnicki said. "It's always a great game. That's the best way to put it.
"And it makes you better when people you're playing are giving it 100 percent. I wouldn't want to have it any other way. It makes for a good football game."
With the regular season reaching its midpoint, both Saskatchewan teams are looking to build momentum heading into the stretch run.
The other Week 3 game saw the Edmonton Wildcats defeat the Edmonton Huskies 42-13. Winnipeg and Calgary meet in a matchup of winless teams in the other Week 4 contest.
