The 2025 CJFL season was a tough one for the Edmonton Wildcats, just missing out on the playoffs by two points as they finished fifth in the highly competitive Prairie Conference.

They won a pair of games including their season opener but fell short on six others over the course of the year.  Three of their six losses were by four points or less which does give them optimism as they prepare for the 2026 CJFL season.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, five important pieces will not be returning next season now that they have graduated.   Four of these graduates come from their defensive line leaving behind several holes to fill.

DL Kevin Hessell was a longstanding player with the Wildcats and played his final season coming back from an ACL tear in 2024.  He finished the campaign with 10 tackles, two assisted tackles and two quarterback sacks.

DL Lajaune Morgan played four CJFL seasons and was an important part of the Wildcats line.  In 2025 he put pressure on opposition recording 10 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, had a sack and a knockdown.

RB Jayden Sak (pictured) played his first three CJFL season with the Wildcats, before moving to the Langley Rams in the BC Conference in 2024, then returned home to Edmonton for his final campaign in 2025.  He carried the ball 23 times this past season averaging just under five yards a carry and scored a touchdown.  He is the lone Wildcats’ offensive graduate.

DL Dreyden Schlecht was part of the CJFL’s Top 50 Projected Players of 2025 and a Wildcats Player to Watch coming into the season.  He didn’t disappoint as one of the emotional leaders on their defensive line.  He finished the season with nine solo tackles, eight assisted stops and had a fumble recovery.

DL D’Wayne Williams is arguably the biggest loss for the Wildcats on the defensive line after another outstanding campaign.   He played three seasons with the Wildcats after beginning his junior football career with the crosstown Huskies. This season he was named a Conference All-Star after collecting 27 tackles, 12 assisted stops, forced two fumbles and even had an interception.

The CJFL wish the Wildcats graduates luck in the next chapter of their lives.