Photo courtesy of Mijen Multimedia

Defensive Backs Week in the CJFL wraps up.

If a defensive back can’t make an interception on a particular pass, the next best thing is to knock it down.  Over the years we have seen CJFL “ball hawks” have a special ability to get their hand(s) in between the ball and a receiver’s hands breaking up a potential completion.

There are times when a defensive back can get beat initially on a play, however a “DB” usually has great closing speed and does have the ability to still get back into that play and make a knockdown.   For the most part all they have to do is get a finger on the pass to change the path and successfully knock it down.

The CJFL single season record for knockdowns has stood for an incredible 24 seasons.  Kit Chansavang set the record during the 1996 season when he played for the Abbotsford Airforce.   His defensive play helped the Airforce to an outstanding 9-1 regular season giving up just 14 points a game as he set the record.  Unfortunately for the Airforce they would fall in the Cullen Cup championship game.

The CJFL top 5 single season knockdown leaders are:

1 – Kit Chansavang – 15 for the Abbotsford Airforce (BCFC) in 1996

2 – Adam Laurensse (pictured) – 13 for the VI Raiders (BCFC) in 2011

3 – Joe Mbaya – 12 for the St Leonard Cougars (OFC) in 2008

4 – Jonathan Krahenbil – 12 for the Regina Thunder (PFC) in 2005

5 – Troy Francis – 12 for Victoria Payless (BCFC) in 1989