Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
Of the dozens of plays which line the Saskatoon Hilltops playbook, you’d be hard pressed to find many that don’t involve Charles Sawi somehow.
Aside from quarterback Griffin Sander, no player on the Hilltops touches the football more than Sawi.
Read more:
- NHL drafted stars Klimpke, Williams embracing expanded roles with Blades in 2026-27
- ‘A Hollywood story’: Huskies’ Amundrud returns from cancer battle in pre-season win
- StatCan figures show minor economic bump from FIFA World Cup soccer matches
From rushing, to receiving, to special teams returns, Sawi’s brand of quickness and agility is much-watch for both fans and teammates alike.
“He’s electric, what a player,” said Hilltops defensive back Shadi Nasr.
“You can’t sit down when you’re watching him. You stand up, you watch him run his way down the field and score at any time.”
Sawi has emerged as one of the biggest offensive threats in the Prairie Football Conference through three weeks, as he’s already put up 565 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns to help Saskatoon to a 2-1 record to begin the season.
Now in his fifth and final year of eligibility with the Hilltops, Sawi said it’s about embracing the moment and trusting in his abilities.
“It’s felt really good,” Sawi said. “If anything, I want to continuing building, continue believing in myself and have a successful season.”
Saskatoon Hilltops all-purpose back Charles Sawi is in his fifth and final CJFL season after being named 2025 Prairie Football Conference special teams player of the year. (Louis Christ/Saskatoon Hilltops)
Sawi hauled in a five-yard touchdown reception in Saskatoon’s 36-26 victory over the Calgary Colts last weekend, to go along with an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Hilltops 38-13 win against the Winnipeg Rifles in Week 1.
It’s nothing new for the former Holy Cross Crusaders star, after he broke out last season with 1,529 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns.
Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said Sawi has been instrumental in being able to set up the team for good field position since he first arrived on the scene four years ago.
“Everyone knows who he is,” Sargeant said.
“He always flips the field on his side and we’re always looking for creative ways to get him the football. We’re going to keep figuring it out, keep making him more important to do what we do and he’s always a guy that helps lead us to victory.”
In his three games this season, Sawi has racked up 234 receiving yards, 114 rushing yards and 217 yards on kickoff and punt returns.
He credits much of his growth this summer to the experience he’s gained over years wearing the blue and gold, as well as the extra work done at Ignite Athletics to amp up his explosiveness.
“I’ve been at Ignite since January,” Sawi said. “I’ve seen a whole lot of things, worked on my body a little bit.”
Sawi’s trophy case has been growing by the year with both conference and national recognition.
He was Canadian Junior Football League national offensive rookie of the year in 2022, Prairie Football Conference special teams player of the year last season and a pair of Canadian Bowl titles won in 2023 and 2025.
Even though he’s taken home personal and team accolades over his junior football career, Sawi said he still wants more in his senior year with the Hilltops.
“Never quit on what I’m doing,” Sawi said. “I have a goal in mind, I believe I can get to that goal. Just keep moving forward and just keep crushing the opportunities that I get every single day.”
According to Sargeant, his multi-purpose back has risen to the occasion both in his play on the field this season and how he’s helping along new faces to the organization.
“I just think he knows it’s his time,” Sargeant said. “It’s his time to shine, it’s his time to get out there and lead this football team. He’s done that as a person, as a player.”
Sawi gives the credit in his added confidence to his longtime Hilltops coach, who he said has pushed him towards greatness since his first day in pads.
“It came from Sarge,” Sawi said. “He’s wanted me to be better, more so for the club and the program. That’s what I’m doing every single day.”
The only thing more noticeable than Sawi’s electrifying footwork, is the near constant smile on his face at all times at SMF Field.
It’s a trait Nasr has noticed on game days, at practices and in video sessions which helps energize the team week in and week out.
“Pre-game he’s walking around giving high fives, telling everyone to do their job,” Nasr said.
“Good guy, he’s always keeping the energy up.”
Knowing his time remaining as a member of the Hilltops is limited, Sawi said he’s taking pride in the little moments and embracing each time the football heads his way.
“I’m just getting on my feet, putting my face forward smiling and just taking the day,” Sawi said.
The Hilltops (2-1) will look for revenge on Sunday afternoon visiting the Edmonton Wildcats, the same team which handed Saskatoon a 28-22 loss in Week 2.
It will be a 1 p.m. kickoff at Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion in Sherwood Park today.
Read more:
