Golden Suns win 6A Regina football championship

The third time was the charm for the LeBoldus Golden Suns football team.

After losing Regina Intercollegiate Football League championship games in 2017 and 2018, the Suns topped the Riffel Royals 22-8 on Friday to earn the 6A Schwann Conference title.

For Grade 12 tailback Ryker Frank, it was a good way to cap his senior year of football.

“Ever since last year, I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth, and I wasn’t going to feel that again,” he said after the contest at Leibel Field.

The Golden Suns dropped last year’s city final to the Miller Marauders. The year before that, the Campbell Tartans beat LeBoldus by just two points.

Frank, a team co-captain, knew this year’s final game would have a different outcome.

“It’s unreal,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for this for three years, and we knew we weren’t coming off this field without a win tonight.”

Frank led his team with three rushing touchdowns, along with 28 carries for 218 rushing yards. He thanked the big guys in front of him for making his job easy.

“I had faith in my boys, in my O-line, so I knew they could get the job done,” he said.

The Golden Suns added some balance to their run game with some medium and short passing plays. Quarterback Christian Fischer finished the game 12-for-19 passing for 160 yards and one interception.

Like his tailback, Fischer is in his senior year and is a team co-captain.

“I’m very proud of everyone around me. It’s a huge team win. I have to thank the defence, the O-line and the coaches. It wouldn’t have been possible without them,” he said.

Letting Frank pound the ball on the ground was part of their game plan, Fischer said.

“We wanted to establish the line of scrimmage and then make (the Royals) play off of that — and from there just do whatever,” he said.

Fischer said the loss to Miller in 2018 was tough, which made him all the more thankful Friday night.

This is the fourth straight season the Golden Suns have advanced to the city championship game; they also beat Riffel in 2016.

Head coach John Foord credited everyone involved with the school’s football success.

“There are great people involved,” he said. “We pride ourselves in surrounding ourselves with great coaches, great support staff, players (and) trainers.

“And we’ve got a lot of character in our group. At the end of the day, I think that’s what makes the difference. People are all working hard, together, and they’re united. At the end of the day, I think that’s what breeds success.”

LeBoldus slotback Jerry Wiebe led his team in receiving, with four catches for 79 yards. On defence, linebacker Kaeden Brennan amassed 10.5 tackles.

Riffel quarterback Ashton Brandt was 11-for-16 passing for 67 passing yards and one interception. Royals tailback Hunter Bohay had 24 carries for 172 yards and one touchdown.

Slotback Ethan Ball caught five passes for 29 yards for the Royals, who got five tackles from Mason Engele.

Next up for LeBoldus is a shot at the provincial high school championship, set for next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

The Golden Suns are to play the Saskatoon Holy Cross Crusaders, who beat the St. Joseph Guardians 33-9 in the Saskatoon city final Friday night.