Regina Thunder falls to Okanagan Sun 28-14 in CJFL semi-final
The Regina Thunder fell to the Okanagan Sun in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) semi-finals – as it attempted to secure a chance at the national title.
The two sides met at 1 p.m. Sunday on Leibel Field in Regina.
The Sun took control early. Nearly stalled at third and goal, the team was able to run in its first touchdown six minutes into play.
Despite several valiant attempts, the Thunder would stay off the scoreboard until the second quarter.
Running back Sadik Sadik would drive the ball in to tie the game with 12:47 left in the quarter.
Immediately following the score, the Thunder would have some issues getting the punt off. After several attempts, the kick would reach the Sun’s endzone.
The Sun surrendered the extra point to make the contest 8-7 Thunder.
This razor thin lead wouldn’t last after the Sun pulled off a pick six with four minutes left in the half – 14-8 in favour of Okanagan.
The dying seconds of the first half would see the Thunder force and recover a fumble in Sun territory.
Unable to capitalize on the major, the Thunder would settle for a field goal – making the score 14-11 at half time.
The third quarter would see the Thunder tie again after managing a field goal following drives by running backs Ryland Leichert and Sadik.
The Sun would answer back twice in the last six minutes of the quarter. With their two field goals extending their lead 20-14.
More scoring wouldn’t be seen until the late in the fourth quarter. The Sun would reach the Thunder endzone and pull off a two-point conversion for the scoreboard to read 28-14.
The Thunder would try their best to mount a comeback but one wouldn’t materialize.
The team headed into the game with high spirits following a decisive victory against their provincial rivals, the Saskatoon Hilltops.
The loss marks the second time the team has been bested by the Okanagan Sun in as many years.
If the team would have won, it would’ve secured a berth in the 115th Canadian Bowl.
With their victory, the Okanagan Sun will face off against the St. Clair Saints on Nov. 9 at Acumen Stadium for the national title.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is it peaking now?
CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried.
'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs
A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off.
Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening.
The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping
The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet.
Afraid of losing the U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts
Mexico has been taking a bashing lately for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America, and officials here are afraid a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could try to leave their country out of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Minister calls GST holiday, $250 cheques for 18 million Canadians 'a targeted approach'
Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien is calling the federal government's proposed GST holiday and $250 rebate cheques a 'targeted approach' to address affordability concerns.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?
The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.
NEW Thinking about taking an 'adult gap year'? Here's what experts say you should know
Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts.
UN talks in disarray as a rough draft deal for climate cash is rejected by developing nations
As nerves frayed and the clock ticked, negotiators from rich and poor nations were huddled in one room Saturday during overtime United Nations climate talks to try to hash out an elusive deal on money for developing countries to curb and adapt to climate change.