For the third year in a row and the fourth time in school history, Steinbach Regional will play in a Winnipeg High School Football League championship game.

The SRSS defense forced four turnovers and the offense finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter as the Sabres defeated the St. Paul's Crusaders 8-7 Friday at Eastside Eagles Field.

Eric Adams recorded a interception, a forced fumble and a sack.

Dustin Erickson had a fumble recovery while Tyler Bueckert and Dakota Funk also had interceptions.

Funk's pick with 32 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the SRSS who will face the Kelvin Clippers in the championship game of the CTV Bowl Thursday, November 10th at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg.

The Clippers had two kick return touchdowns and a pair of pick-sixes in their 38-35 win over the River East Kodiaks

Austin Buhler carried the ball 30 times for 116 yards and had the Sabres go-ahead touchdown on a three-yard plunge.

How close was the semifinal between two very well coached football teams?

"Close, super close," answered Buhler after their victory over St. Paul's. "If it wasn't for our defense I don't think we could have won this. They only gave up one play which led to a score. It was super close."

The Sabres lost their final game of the season to the Crusaders in 2014 and the Sturgeon Heights Huskies in 2015.

"It's always an honour to get to the championship and be among the elite teams," said Sabres head coach Jamie Peters. "We pride ourselves as coaches in our program to make sure we can prepare our kids and give them the best chance to win and it's up to them to do that. We're happy to be there again. We got to make sure that we work hard next week and write a different ending."