The Regina Thunder fell to the Okanogan Sun in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJF) semi-finals – while trying to secure a chance at the national title.

The two teams meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

The Sun took control very early. Nearly pinned on third-and-goal, the team was able to score its first touchdown six minutes into the game.

Despite several valiant attempts, the Thunder remained off the scoreboard until the second quarter.

Running back Sadik Sadik drove in the ball to tie the game with 12:47 left in the quarter.

Immediately following the score, the Thunder would struggle to punt. After several attempts, the kick would reach the Sun’s end zone.

The Sun gave up the extra point to make the game 8-7 Thunder.

That slim lead didn’t last after the Sun managed a pick-six with four minutes left in the half – 14-8 in Okanogan’s favor.

The final seconds of the first half would see the Thunder force and recover a fumble in Sun territory.

Unable to capitalize on the major, the Thunder would settle for a field goal – making the score 14-11 at halftime.

The third quarter would see the Thunder tie again after making a field goal following drives from running backs Ryland Leichert and Sadik.

The Sun would answer twice in the final six minutes of the quarter. With their two field goals, they extended their lead 20-14.

Further scores would not be visible until the end of the fourth quarter. The Sun would reach the Thunder end zone and make a two-point conversion to make the scoreboard read 28-14.

The Thunder would do their best to stage a comeback, but it wouldn’t come to fruition.

The team entered the game in good spirits after a decisive victory against their provincial rivals, the Saskatoon Hilltops.

The loss marks the second time the team has been defeated by the Okanogan Sun in as many years.

Had the team won, it would have secured a spot in the 115th Canadian Bowl.

With their victory, the Okanogan Sun will face the St. Clair Saints on November 9 at Acumen Stadium for the national title.