DB Jared Giddings returns an interception in the 4th Quarter of the Canadian Bowl on November, 12. (Photo: CJFL/Screenshot)

After starting three playoff games and recording a pair of interceptions along the way, Jared Giddings made his impact for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

The first-year Topper turned in some strong playoff performances when given the opportunity and helped lead Saskatoon past the Westshore Rebels in the Canadian Bowl.

Midway through the fourth quarter of the championship game, Giddings stepped in front of a pass as the Rebels were driving to make it a one score game.

His interception was a key play in helping the Hilltops, who would eventually win 37-25.

"I wanted to do anything I could to help the team and the opportunity came along and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," he explained of the interception. "It was a good feeling overall, and it was nice to help out the team."

Two weeks prior, Giddings had another interception in the Prairie Football Conference final against the Calgary Colts.

While he saw some action throughout the regular season, Giddings was called upon to step up in the playoffs after injuries hit the team.

Starting games as a rookie on the Hilltops isn't something overly common, given their rich tradition of winning, and Giddings says that for the coaches to have that confidence in him was big.

"It helped me out a lot, considering that they all believed in me and knew I could step up to the challenge. It made it a little bit easier."

Along with Giddings, there were four other graduates of Humboldt Collegiate Institute on the team.

Playing in their fifth and final seasons of junior ball were offensive lineman Drayke Unger and defensive tackle Dillon Buckle. 

Connor Guillet played out his third season with the team, while Tristan Hering entered year two.

Giddings said that winning with guys from the same area was special.

"It was nice having those guys on the team, they helped me out a lot," he noted. "It was good to see with Drayke (Unger) and (Dillon) Buckle, that they get to go out with championships and now I get to play a few more years with those other two boys."

He added that Unger and Buckle provided advice for him as he began his time with the Hilltops.

"They just taught me to stick with it no matter what. The first few years are going to be a grind and you just got to get through it and your time will come. They helped me get through all the tough times, so it was nice having them."

"Play for your teammates. Everyone comes from around the province, so you don't really know them that well, so everyone has to rally together for your team and get a win for the fifth year guys."

Giddings, who is taking classes in Agriculture, has four more years left of eligibility with the Hilltops, and his focus is to keep improving.

"I want to get better and make some more friends on the team here, so I just hope we can keep winning and it will be a good time."


You can hear more with Giddings below.