Fresh off their first Yates Cup title in 16 years, Queen's Football has wasted no time shifting into full preparation mode for this weekend's Mitchell Bowl. This year's team will be looking to mimic the 2009 Yates Cup champion squad, which went on to capture the Mitchell Cup over the Laval Rouge et Or and the Vanier Cup against the Calgary Dinos after that Yates Cup victory.

Queen's Football arrived in Saskatoon on Thursday and have spent the past two days on the field, sharpening their execution and settling into their environment ahead of Saturday's national semifinal against the host Saskatchewan Huskies.

Queen's Football will take on the Huskies Saturday at 3:15 PM. Fans can catch all the action on CBC Gem and CBCSports.ca.

Saturday's matchup marks just the second all-time meeting between the two programs and the first in 36 years. Queen's enters the national semifinal with an undefeated road record this season - 6–0 away from Kingston - and will look to extend that streak to seven victories to secure a berth in the Vanier Cup.

Head Coach Steve Snyder said the trip is off to a good start and that preparation for Saturday's tilt is going well, crediting his team's efficiency and focus from the moment they left Kingston.

"It was a really smooth day. Travel out of Kingston was about as smooth as it could be," Snyder said after Thursday's practice. "Saskatoon has been great so far. We just finished our first practice since being in the province — great success, the guys getting out and stretching their legs and being able to execute plays; personnel groupings coming on and off the field. Overall, I would say it's been a successful day one."

Queen's Football spent Friday back on the field, continuing preparations for the Mitchell Bowl. After a few full practice sessions and a walk-through, the next time Queen's steps onto the field at Griffiths Stadium, it will be with kickoff looming large.

Since arriving in Saskatoon, the team has been locked in on the week's goal, trusting in their preparation. All season, Queen's has taken a steady, 1-0 approach, concentrating on each game rather than their record or the history around them.

Quarterback Alex Vreeken and linebacker Justin Pace emphasized that focus during a media call earlier this week, highlighting the team's commitment to staying present.

"Super happy to be here. I think we have a pretty special group this year," said Vreeken. "We've been to three Yates Cups in the last five years, and I really wanted to get it done for Queen's this year.

"We had some losses earlier in the season, but our veteran group stayed steady and kept a 1-0 approach each week. We have a ton of respect for Saskatchewan, another blue blood program, and we're very excited for what should be a great game."

Pace echoed that sentiment.

"We had a great season with a lot of ups and downs, but we stayed steady the whole year. I think we kept our best football for late in the season," Pace said. "They're a very good program, playing great football. We're just excited to prepare and have another great weekend."

Head Coach Steve Snyder has also reinforced that message all week, emphasizing the importance of focus and preparation.

"It's been a tremendous journey so far. We have a veteran team with extraordinary leadership, and I couldn't be more proud of what our guys have accomplished. Now we're resetting, staying steady, and getting ready for what will be the ultimate challenge, going to Saskatchewan and playing the Huskies."

Queen's Football enters the Mitchell Bowl ready to take on a historic challenge and chase its ultimate goal, a berth in the Vanier Cup.