North Battleford's Lynden Mitchell (#21) gets a little help from a teammate to take down the Carlton ball carrier following a short run during the first game of the North Sask. Football League (NSFL) season at Max Clunie Field in Prince Albert on Sept. 12, 2025. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

High School Football

Carlton topples North Battleford in season opener

Sep 12, 2025 | 11:03 PM

The North Battleford Comprehensive Vikings fell short in their first game of the new North Sask. Football League (NSFL) season on Friday, dropping a 32-14 decision to the Carlton Crusaders in Prince Albert.

Prior to kickoff, a moment of silence was held for one of Carlton’s own, Rocky Urschel. Urschel was a Grade 12 student at Carlton last year and a member of the Crusaders provincial winning football team, before tragically passing away earlier this year on April 25 in a car accident. In an emotional moment, Urschel’s family joined Carlton’s captains at centre field in the coin toss and some were seen wiping away tears.

Carlton would win the coin toss.

North Battleford received the ball first, but couldn’t muster any offence and were forced to punt. Carlton then scored a touchdown on their first possession to take the early lead.

The very first play of North Battleford’s ensuing drive was then intercepted by the Crusaders, however, the Vikings defence managed a stop and forced Carlton to attempt a field goal. After a botched snap, kicker Zane Litzenberger scooped up the loose ball and took it to the house for another seven points, making it 14-0.

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

16h ago

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

North Battleford would go three-and-out on the very next drive before they finally had a break. Carlton quarterback Colm Phillips threw an interception in his own end, leading to a long field goal attempt that was nailed from 40 yards out by Max Gubbe. The score was 14-3 after the first quarter.

North Battleford scored the first points of the second frame with another field goal, before Carlton answered with one of their own on the next possession, making it 17-6.

After both teams traded the ball, Carlton would get the next big play when Rylan Morrison broke several tackles for a 30 yard gain, getting the Crusaders into field goal range where they would convert again just before halftime.

After Carlton put yet another field goal through the uprights to take a 23-6 lead in the third quarter, Morrison scored another touchdown to start the fourth.

Hope was still glimmering for the Vikings with less than five minutes to play in the fourth when Corey Cherney ran the ball in from 17 yards out to give North Battleford their first touchdown of the game. The Vikings then went for two on the point after and were successful, cutting into the deficit and making it 30-14.

However, with 40 seconds to go, a Carlton punt was received in the endzone where the ballcarrier was tackled, giving the Crusaders two more points, and handing North Battleford the 32-14 loss.

The Vikings will look to get back on track this Thursday when they welcome the St. Mary Marauders to town for a 7 p.m. start.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com