In a hard-fought, physical showdown between two of the NSFL’s top teams, the Martensville Royals suffered their first regular season loss of the year, falling 21-13 to the defending provincial champion P.A. Carlton Crusaders.
The game, billed as a battle for first place in the Northern Saskatchewan Football League, lived up to its hype. With both teams entering undefeated, intensity was high from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Despite a valiant effort, the Royals came up just short in a game that saw momentum swings, hard hits, and standout performances on both sides of the ball.
“This was a playoff-caliber game,” said head coach Craig Robertson. “We knew it was going to be a battle. The boys left everything on the field.”
The Royals defense delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, holding the Crusaders’ high-octane offense to just three scores. Wyley Loewen was a force on the defensive line, consistently disrupting plays and applying pressure in the backfield. Meanwhile, D’Shawn Lewis drew the tough assignment of covering the Crusaders’ top receiver and held his own throughout the contest.
“Our defense was lights out,” the coach added. “They made Carlton earn every yard.”
Offensively, the Royals strung together several impressive drives and found the end zone twice through the air. Quarterback Hawkley Dereniwski connected with Lane Robertson and D’Shawn Lewis for the Royals’ two touchdowns. The offense showed resilience and grit, moving the chains with authority despite facing a physical Carlton defense.
Injuries continue to test the team’s depth, and the bruising nature of Friday’s contest took its toll on several already banged-up players. Still, the Royals refused to back down and remained in striking distance until the final moments.
With the loss, the Royals now turn their attention to their next matchup — a home game this Friday against the Bishop James Mahoney Saints. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. at Wilson Field.
The game will also mark Senior Night, a special occasion to honor the contributions of the Royals’ graduating players.
“We’re hoping for a big crowd on Friday,” says Coach Munday. “The boys are hungry to bounce back, and there’s no better time than Senior Night to show what this team is all about.”
Come out and support the Royals as they look to get back into the win column and continue their push toward the postseason.
