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The Regina Thunder left no doubt in Sunday’s Prairie Football Conference (PFC) semifinal, rolling over the Edmonton Huskies 49–10 at Leibel Field and punching their ticket to the conference final at Mosaic Stadium.
It was a complete team performance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jackson Harnett, facing his former team, ran for two touchdowns, including a 94-yard score that brought the Thunder sideline to its feet.
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“I knew it was going to be a battle,” Harnett said after the game. “It feels great beating your past. Moving forward and not taking a step back is always nice.”
Regina Thunder quarterback Jackson Harnett rushed for one of his two touchdowns in a 49–10 win over his former team, the Edmonton Huskies. (Jacob Bamhour / 980 CJME)
That long touchdown run directly beside the Huskies’ bench added an extra layer of satisfaction.
“When you run directly beside your old bench, it gives you quite a bit of energy to keep on going,” he said with a grin.
Harnett credited the Thunder’s offensive line, which featured multiple all-stars recognized before the game.
“It’s perfection in a bottle,” he said. “When you have five big boys willing to risk their whole careers just to protect you, it means a lot.”
Thunder offensive lineman James Lucio helped anchor a dominant front that didn’t allow a sack and opened holes for big plays throughout Sunday’s semifinal. (Jacob Bamhour / 980 CJME)
Among those linemen was James Lucio, who said protecting his quarterback is personal.
“I look at him like my little brother,” Lucio said. “Family is everything to me. I’m not going to let another person touch my little brother.”
Lucio said earning all-star honours alongside his linemates was a shared achievement.
“It’s a blessing, but it’s not just one guy,” he said. “We’ve got the best offensive line in the CJFL.”
Brothers Kenten and Owen Effa celebrate after combining for a sack and a blocked punt in Regina’s 49–10 semifinal victory on Oct. 19, 2025. (Jacob Bamhour / 980 CJME)
On defence, the Effa brothers, Kenten and Owen anchored a dominant Thunder front that shut down the Huskies’ attack. Kenten finished with a sack and a blocked punt, while Owen added another sack and key stops in the box.
“It feels good, man,” Kenten said. “You put in the work all day in practice, and then get a chance and it pays off in the game.”
For the brothers, the playoff run is even more special because they get to share it together.
“I’m sure we’ll look back one day and just be so happy we had this time together,” Owen said. “Right now, we’re dialled in and focused on the job.”
The Thunder now advance to face their longtime rivals Saskatoon Hilltops in next Sunday’s Prairie Football Conference Final.
“It’s going to be pretty special,” Kenten said. “A big-time game, a big-time atmosphere. You just have to be at your best, and the best is required.”
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium, with the winner moving on to the Canadian Bowl.
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