Photos courtesy of Crazy Bees Photography

Coming into 2025, the Valley Huskers believe they have what it takes to finally advance in the BC Conference. Since head coach Bob Reist took over the Huskers have been developing their program into a highly competitive one in the CJFL and they are ready to take the next step.

Like in the previous years, the Huskers qualified for the Canadian Bowl playoffs last season but have not had a home playoff date yet, something they are working towards this season.  They have several key pieces returning and are looking to make a significant jump in the standings.

On the offensive side a CJFL Player to Watch is running back Jawad Harb who put up impressive numbers last season rushing for 966 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards a carry.  He would also leak out of the backfield making 11 receptions for over five yards a catch. 

As he prepares for this new season, he has a few individual goals in mind but one definitely sticks out, “An individual goal I have for myself this year is get 1000+ yards rushing. I was close to it last season and feel like I could get it this year and be named an All-Canadian.”

Coach Reist has been impressed with the work Harb has put into this offseason and he expects him to build on last year which was a breakout year.  “This offseason, I’ve focusing on my strength and speed,” says Harb.  “I feel like I definitely got stronger and faster.”

Entering his fourth season Harb is getting more and more comfortable in his skillset, “My biggest strength on the field is being a patient running back, I like to see the gaps develop then hit them with full speed. Once I get going it’s hard to bring me down.”

The Huskers will need to see big things from their featured back this season and are excited to have him carry the rock.

On the defensive side the Huskers are led by fifth year linebacker Andy Ofosuhene who had a spectacular season last year with a CJFL high 53 tackles.  He also had 17 assisted stops, three sacks, two knockdowns and three fumble recoveries.  “Andy is chasing Husker career records this season,” says Coach Reist.  “He is poised to finish his Husker career with another elite season.” 

Since last year ended Ofosuhene got right back into the gym and has been preparing to lead this team again, “I made sure to focus on training for speed and power in the weight room and on the field this offseason. I also took time to focus on mobility and injury prevention which will hopefully keep me healthy and available for the whole season.”

Other than team wins he has a couple of goals in mind, “The two main individual goals I have is to once again lead the CJFL in tackles and the other is to be named a BC Conference All-Star.”  Like all veteran Huskers, there is a clear team goal in 2025, “I want to have a home playoff game and win the game! Every year we have the pieces to win, yet we haven’t gotten the job done. I am excited to give it one last go and I hope we are able to get over the obstacles we face in the playoffs.”

The Huskers defence will be relying on his nose for the football, something Ofosuhene believes he’s quite good at, “I believe that my biggest strength is my speed and ability to get to the ball carrier. I have the ability to play sideline to sideline as well as blitzing and getting to the quarterback quickly.”

This upcoming season, the Huskers will get an extra week of preparation receiving a Week 1 bye before opening their schedule on July 26 when they visit the Westshore Rebels.  They will open the season with three straight games visiting the Rebels, the Langley Rams and VI Raiders before their home opener on August 16th. 

Jawad Harb and Andy Ofosuhene are CJFL Players to Watch in 2025!