The Saskatoon Hilltops defeated the Winnipeg Rifles 35-20 in PFC action at Canad Inn Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Hilltops benefitted from special teams points in the first quarter. Lane Bannerman scored on a 65 yard punt return 2:27 into the football game to give Saskatoon a 7-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, the Hilltops scored on a fumble recovery in the endzone. Brett Pisio laid a solid hit on a Winnipeg returner on a missed field goal, and Adam Morrison pounced on the ball to give the visitors a 14-0 lead at the 11:20 mark.

It took some time, but the Saskatoon offense improved in the second half. Brendon Gryba capped off a five play, 72 yard drive with a 10 yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Hilltops a 24-6 lead.

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Matt Harder (who came in to relieve starter Matt Karpinka) hit Kyle McGinnis on a 4 yard touchdown catch to give Saskatoon a commanding 32-6 lead.

Winnipeg tried to rally, putting up 14 fourth quarter points. Brett Carter and Devin Cox scored late majors for the Rifles in the final five and a half minutes of the football game.

Saskatoon starter Matt Karpinka was 10 for 18, for 137 yards and one interception.

Matt Harder finished the game, eight for 11 for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively Derrick Sorenson had two quarterback sacks. Kicker Zach Schmidt was two for four in field goals, with the longest being a 42 yarder.

The 1 and 1 Hilltops host the 0 and 2 Edmonton Huskies on Sunday, August 26th at 1:00 p.m. at Gordie Howe Bowl.

wmorrison@rawlco.com