Photo courtesy of Jason Harding

The Okanagan Sun finished first in the BC Conference in 2018 and had home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  However the Langley Rams caught fire at the right time and beat up the Sun at the Apple Bowl to capture the Cullen Cup.

It’s been a long offseason and the Sun have been retooling for another run at the BC title and an opportunity to host the 2019 Canadian Bowl.

What’s Changing?

The biggest and most visible change is at the top as former CJFLer and CFLer Jamie Boreham takes over as head coach after Ben McCauley stepped down following last season.  This is Boreham’s first head coaching role in the CJFL after playing for the Abbotsford Airforce.  He also spent nine seasons in the CFL with Hamilton, Saskatchewan and Toronto, winning the 2007 Grey Cup with the Riders.

Key Grads:  

LB Cody Thompson was the anchor of a stifling defence a year ago making 10 solo tackles, had a sack and a knockdown.

QB/DB Keith Zyla is simply an athlete able to play multiple positions.  In his time with the Sun he was the starting quarterback, a receiver and played in the secondary.  Last year after injuries to the starting and backup quarterbacks Zyla was thrust back into action.  He completed 20 passes for 285 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes.

DB Tye Kitzman was rock solid in the Sun secondary winning back to back All-Star awards and seems to always be among the team leaders in tackles.  Last season he had 20 stops, blocked a kick, had five knockdowns, recovered two fumbles and had four interceptions including a 56 yard pick-six.

What They Need:

The Sun are in need of depth at every position.  With a new head coach and staff they will evaluate all their options and try to fill their positions accordingly.

Counting On:

DB Conor Richard returns after an All-Canadian season a year ago.  He has turned into one of the best defensive players in the CJFL with a nose for the ball. Last season he had an incredible six blocked kicks, six sacks, 20 solo tackles and a defensive touchdown.

DB Tyler Going had a breakout season last year and the Sun are hoping for more this year.  He led the Sun with 31 tackles and six interceptions including a 54 yard pick-six.  He also recorded two sacks, three knockdowns, two forced fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries.

QB Alex Douglas is new to the Sun from Toronto.  He is a veteran player that will fight in main camp to get the starting position under centre.   He is a former highly sought after recruit signing with the University of Guelph.  Coach Boreham says they are expecting big things from him, but obviously his success will rely heavily on the offensive line led by tackle Dan Townsend.