‘One inch can make or break a play’: Stevens bringing Roughriders experience to Saskatoon Hilltops

WATCH: The Saskatoon Hilltops face Winnipeg on Sunday, bringing Roughriders experience to the field.

When the Saskatoon Hilltops take the field for their season opener against Winnipeg on Sunday, they will be bringing a little experience from the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“It was amazing. It was a great experience,” said defensive lineman Johnathon Stevens, who spent time with the Roughriders in training camp, as well as logging minutes in a preseason game. “They are very technical there. From the pros to here, it’s never more apparent that one inch can make or break a play.”

And Coach Tom Sargeant says time with the Green and White will elevate his presence on the field with the Hilltops.

“John is awesome. You know, as I said, such a great kid. He’s had a great career, an all-Canadian. And for him to get that feather in his cap to go to Rider camp and perform as well as he did and then come back here,” Sargeant said.

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The 6′2″, 292-pound lineman says he is passing on what he learned with the Riders to his current teammates, embracing a leadership role on the field. Something Sargeant says will be important for the defensive unit this year.

“He is our leader, he’s the defensive playmaker that we’re going to rally around. That we are going to need to set the tone for this year.”

Stevens anchors a defense that will see returning veterans Isaac Michayluk and Jayce Mowels, described by Sargeant as a shutdown corner. But fans will notice some changes on offense, including at quarterback.

With the departure of Trey Reider, the job will now fall to one of three former backup quarterbacks: Brexton Elias, Charlie Molder, or Hayden McMahon, all of whom saw limited playing time last season.

Typically, it’s pretty well decided by Week One who will be the starter. But on Thursday, Sargeant wasn’t confirming who would take the reins.

“They’ve all done the right things. They’ve had great off-seasons, and you know, we’re sort of letting it all develop. Ultimately, we’re looking for someone to kick the door down and say, ‘Hey, this is my team.’”

“The Hilltops will see a changing of the guard on offense. With the departure of Trey Reider, that means backup quarterbacks Brexton Elias, Charlie Molder, and Hayden McMahon will have to step into the starting role. But head coach Tom Sargeant is keeping his cards close to the vest.”

Regardless of who starts, motivation is higher than ever to try and get back to the conference title game after losing to the Regina Thunder last season.

That game saw the Thunder put on an excellent defensive performance, shutting down the Hilltops’ high-powered running and aerial attack.

“Coaches have talked about it. Players have talked about it. And we want a championship. And we’re going to do anything we can to win that,” said quarterback Charlie Molder.

The Hilltops will travel to Winnipeg to face the Rifles on Sunday, before returning for their home opener against the Edmonton Huskies on August 17.