PFC FINAL

Sunday’s PFC final is an all-province affair as the Saskatoon Hilltops host the Regina Thunder.

Mike Waldron wants to boot the Regina Thunder out of the Prairie Football Conference playoffs again.

Only this time he’ll be looking to help his Saskatoon Hilltops in a much different capacity.

As a rookie in 2009, Waldron stepped in for injured kicker Chris Bodnar with three games left in the regular season in order to be included on the travel roster.

He made his first post-season appearance by kicking four converts in a 30-24 win over the Thunder in the PFC semifinal.

The Hilltops are now preparing for their third playoff meeting against the Thunder in four seasons on Sunday (noon, Griffiths Stadium).

And it’s clear much has changed in the last three years for the former Mount Royal Collegiate soccer defender.

“It’s completely different,” said Waldron, a starting halfback, about his current status on the team. “It’s a main role on the defence as a defensive back. There’s a lot more action. I love it a lot more.

“Not to say that kicker is a bad position, but I like the excitement and I like hitting.”

That much was evident last Sunday as the Hilltops beat the Edmonton Wildcats 42-11 in the PFC semifinal.

Waldron had what Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant called an “exceptional” game as he recorded two interceptions, forced a fumble and make four tackles — including a devastating hit on Wildcats receiver Brad Quartel.

He was named PFC defensive player of the week for his efforts.

“Now I just have to improve on what I did last week,” Waldron said. “Hopefully I can. I’ve been working this week to do that.”

After a 2012 season that saw the 6-foot-3, 200-pound defender equal his 2011 regular season totals with 25 tackles and one interception, Waldron is continuing to play his best football when it counts.

Defensive backs coach Brent Turkington said that’s been Waldron’s tendency ever since getting to play in the 2010 Canadian Bowl, where he helped the Hilltops to a 34-23 victory over the Vancouver Island Raiders.

“It seems like when the big game’s on the line or there’s lots at stake,” Turkington said, “Mike seems to raise his level of play.”

Both Turkington and Sargeant note that they’ve noticed an increased sense of urgency and determination from Waldron in recent weeks.

A fourth-year Hilltop, Waldron is in his fifth and final year of Canadian junior football eligibility.

“Mike’s playing his best football that I’ve seen in his career,” Sargeant said.

“Here’s a 22-year-old on borrowed time, really putting it to the limits.

“He’s shown great leadership and he’s bringing passion to the plate. When Mike Waldron brings passion to the plate, he’s a primary playmaker on that field. I’m very impressed with his energy and effort.”

The Thunder, who are looking to avenge a 2010 PFC final loss to the Hilltops, enter the game backed by a dynamic receiving corps that includes Will Heward and Camille Lagimodiere.

“I always felt what we’re going to do is we’re going to set up the run with the pass,” Thunder head coach Erwin Klempner said. “Our strength is passing.”

That means Waldron and the Hilltops secondary should be busy Sunday, giving him a chance to add to his playoff resume.

“We know it’s going to be a big challenge for us (defensive backs),” he said. “We’re going to have to step up.”

And if he can, Waldron will be a factor in another recent playoff victory for the Hilltops over the Thunder.