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Recent Prairie Conference News

Week 5 Preview

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 08/19/2022, 10:45am PDT

A full slate of CJFL games this weekend

Week 5 kicks off across the country with nine games on tap in the CJFL

SATURDAY

GTA Grizzlies @ Ottawa Sooners – Saturday August 20, 2:00pm – Carleton University | WATCH HERE

A pair of winless teams will see action in the nation’s capital on Saturday afternoon as the Sooners host the Grizzlies.

Last weekend the Sooners fell to the defending Conference champion London Beefeaters 42-14 while the Grizzlies hosted their natural rivals the Hamilton Hurricanes and were shutout 24-0.

Head-to-Head

Records: Grizzlies 0-1 – Sooners 0-1
Points For: Grizzlies 0 – Sooners 14
Points Allowed: Grizzlies 24 – Sooners 42

Quinte Skyhawks @ London Beefeaters - Saturday August 20, 5:00pm – City Wide Field | WATCH HERE

The defending Ontario champion Beefeaters collected a blowout win last weekend in Ottawa and looked solid despite losing some key players to graduation.  Their defence was excellent and they get a spark on the opening kick off when LJ Dyer returned it 105 yards for a touchdown.

The Skyhawks did not have a good showing last weekend as they opened just their second CJFL season.  They were on the road at St. Clair and are still looking for their first points of the season.  This weekend will be their second straight game on the road.

Head-to-Head

Records: Skyhawks 0-1 – Beefeaters 1-0
Points For: Skyhawks 0 – Beefeaters 42
Points Allowed: Skyhawks 82 – Beefeaters 14

Hamilton Hurricanes @ St. Clair Saints - Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Acumen Stadium | WATCH HERE

A pair of undefeated teams will square off on Saturday night in Windsor as the Hurricanes play their second straight on the road and the Saints are at home like they were last weekend.  Neither team has given up a point in 2022.

The Saints blasted with Quinte Skyhawks last weekend putting up 82 points as the majority of their players saw action.  They had four different quarterbacks throw touchdown passes which is extremely rare in CJFL history. 

Meanwhile the Hurricanes pitched a shutout last weekend beating the GTA Grizzlies.  

It’s early in the season but this game could have homefield advantage implications for the playoffs down the road.

Head-to-Head

Records: Hurricanes 1-0 – Saints 1-0
Points For: Hurricanes 24 – Saints 82
Points Allowed: Hurricanes 0 – Saints 0

Langley Rams @ Kamloops Broncos - Saturday August 20, 6:00pm – Hillside Stadium | WATCH HERE

The Broncos have one of their best starts to a season in franchise history and will look to keep it going on Saturday evening at home.  They will host the defending Canadian Bowl champion Rams who are coming off a bye week after opening the season with three straight losses. 

Last weekend the Broncos recorded their first ever win in Nanaimo beating the VI Raiders behind 270 yards on the ground.  Cameron Grzegorczyk galloped for 122 of those yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown.   Their run defence was also very good holding the Raiders to 75 yards on the ground.  They will face a solid running attack with the Rams this weekend. 

Speaking of the Rams they are still looking for their first victory and should be well rested after their bye.  They have had issues scoring points, averaging just seven in their last two games. 
This is the only meeting of the season between these two teams.

Head-to-Head

Records: Rams 0-3 – Broncos 2-1
Points For: Rams 34 – Broncos 77
Points Allowed: Rams 70 – Broncos 50

Passing Leaders: Trey Jones – 20 of 33 for 312 yards (Rams) – Reid Vankoughnett – 30 of 63 for 599 yards and 3 touchdowns (Broncos)

Rushing Leaders: Caleb Wheeler – 41 carries for 206 yards and 1 touchdown (Rams) – Cameron Grzegorczyk – 43 carries for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns (Broncos)

Receiving Leaders: Beckham Dickie – 8 receptions for 161 yards (Rams) – Colton Meikle – 9 receptions for 198 yards and 1 touchdown (Broncos)

Leading Tacklers: Cole Barron – 10 tackles (Rams) – Maurice Onyeamenu – 12 tackles (Broncos)

VI Raiders @ Okanagan Sun – Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Apple Bowl | WATCH HERE | Sun Radio Broadcast

It’s the second meeting of the season between these two teams after the Sun blasted the Raiders in Nanaimo 50-19 in the season opener.   That game the Sun collected 583 yards of total offence and scored touchdowns on both sides of the ball.

The Raiders did keep up the fight all game scoring 12 of their 19 points in the second half and quarterback Ben Chomolok threw a pair of touchdowns.  Defensive back Tyler Ruck returned an interception 90 yards for touchdown as time expired in regulation. 

Last weekend the Sun flexed their first-place muscle and dismantled the Westshore Rebels to take sole possession of first place in the Conference.  The Raiders fell to the Kamloops Broncos at home for their third loss of the season.

Head-to-Head

Records: Raiders 1-3 – Okanagan Sun 3-0
Points For: Raiders 59 – Sun 135
Points Allowed: Raiders 137 – Sun 55

Passing Leaders: Ben Chomolok – 69 of 119 for 839 yards and 6 touchdowns (Raiders) – Dominic Britton – 46 of 84 for 892 yards and 7 touchdowns (Sun)

Rushing Leaders: Ben Chomolok – 32 carries for 157 yards and 1 touchdown (Raiders) – Jevan Garwood – 28 carries for 210 yards and 1 touchdown (Sun)

Receiving Leaders: Andre Gordon – 19 receptions for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns (Raiders) - Colby Miletto – 11 receptions for 180 yards and 1 touchdown (Sun)

Leading Tacklers: Jason Henderson – 14 tackles (Raiders) – Peyton Ryder – 12 tackles (Sun)

Valley Huskers @ Prince George Kodiaks - Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Masich Stadium | WATCH HERE

For the second straight week and third time this season the Huskers and Kodiaks meet.  The only difference however is this game will be played in Prince George.

The Huskers have won the previous two meetings including a 34-17 victory last weekend in Chilliwack.   They have used their ground game to pound the Kodiaks behind Reece Wyke who chewed up another 82 yards last week and scored three touchdowns.   Quarterback Josh Janssen has also been solid in the seasonal series and has connected on five touchdown passes. 

On the other side the Kodiaks are still looking for their first win and have been getting better and more competitive.  Last week at Valley quarterback Liam Oczkowski threw for 187 yards had a touchdown pass and ran for another.  Their defence held the Huskers to under 100 yards on the ground and Nicholas Tremblay recorded two sacks. 

Head-to-Head

Records: Huskers 3-1 – Kodiaks 0-3
Points For: Huskers 96 – Kodiaks 42
Points Allowed: Huskers 67 – Kodiaks 100

Passing Leaders: Josh Jansen – 52 of 101 for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns (Huskers) – Liam Oczkowski – 36 of 73 for 584 yards and 2 touchdowns (Kodiaks)

Rushing Leaders: Reece Wyke – 69 carries for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns (Huskers) - Liam Oczkowski – 13 carries for 114 yards and 1 touchdown (Kodiaks)

Receiving Leaders: Dylan Manocha – 13 receptions for 175 yards and 1 touchdown (Huskers) – Andrew Brown – 4 receptions for 159 yards (Kodiaks)

Leading Tacklers: Jaiden Claassen – 19 tackles (Huskers) – Marcellus Pope – 10 tackles (Kodiaks)

SUNDAY

Edmonton Huskies @ Saskatoon Hilltops – Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – SMF Field | WATCH HERE

This could be the best game of the weekend as the Huskies visit the Hilltops on Sunday afternoon in a battle of two undefeated teams…granted they’ve only played once.  It’s still early in the season, but this game could have playoff positioning implications as this is the only meeting of the regular season. 

Last weekend the Hilltops pitched a second half shutout and beat the Winnipeg Rifles 19-10 relying on their field goal kicker Conner Green.  He was named the Special Teams Player of the Week after knocking through four field goals and a convert to score 13 of their 19 points.   Their lone touchdown came on the ground from Boston Davidsen who finished with 162 yards on 27 carries. 

The Huskies are on the road for the second straight weekend after getting past the Calgary Colts last week.  Running back Alex Gayle was outstanding with four touchdowns on 24 carries and 117 yards.  On the other side of the ball the defence collected nine turnovers highlighted by a pair of interceptions from Masen Lane. 

Head-to-Head

Records: Huskies 1-0 – Hilltops 1-0
Points For: Huskies 37 – Hilltops 19
Points Against: Huskies 17 – Hilltops 10

Passing Leaders: Jordan Lane – 7 of 19 for 133 yards (Huskies) – Damon Dutton – 17 of 27 for 185 yards (Hilltops) 

Rushing Leaders: Alex Gayle – 24 carries for 117 yards and 4 touchdowns (Huskies) – Boston Davidsen – 27 carries for 162 yards and 1 touchdown (Hilltops)

Receiving Leaders: Carver Trapp – 4 receptions for 77 yards (Huskies) – Dillan Heintz – 6 receptions for 69 yards (Hilltops) 

Leading Tacklers: Mikhail Biggs- 5 tackles (Huskies) – Joe Yausie – 8 tackles (Hilltops) 

Winnipeg Rifles @ Regina Thunder - Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – Liebel Field | WATCH HERE

The Thunder are back at home this weekend after a 42-point victory last weekend at Liebel Field.  The offence gathered an incredible 601 total yards while the defence shutdown the opposition forcing two turnovers.  Receiver Isaac Foord caught nine passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns and was named the Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

The Rifles played the Saskatoon Hilltops tough last weekend but didn’t score a point in the second half losing by nine points.  They found success through the air gaining 335 yards and had a touchdown. They also played excellent on defence in the second half allowing just three points.  They will need a similar formula this weekend in Regina, but obviously need to score in the second half.

Head-to-Head

Records: Rifles 0-1 – Thunder 1-0
Points For: Rifles 10 – Thunder 57
Points Allowed: Rifles 19 – Thunder 15

Passing Leaders: Bryson McNeil – 26 of 40 for 307 yards and 1 touchdown (Rifles) – Carter Shewchuk – 18 of 23 for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns (Thunder)

Rushing Leaders: Bryson McNeil – 7 carries for 24 yards (Rifles) – Ryland Leichert – 13 carries for 109 yards and 1 touchdown (Thunder)

Receiving Leaders: Adam Fast – 9 receptions for 105 yards (Rifles) – Isaac Foord – 9 receptions for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns (Thunder)

Leading Tacklers: Kyle Chorney – 9 tackles (Rifles) – Avery Wagner – 5 tackles (Thunder) 

Edmonton Wildcats @ Calgary Colts - Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – Shouldice Park | WATCH HERE

For the second straight week there is a Battle of Alberta in Calgary but this time the Colts host the Wildcats. Both teams are coming off losses from last weekend; the Colts losing to the Edmonton Huskies while the Wildcats fell to the Regina Thunder. 

The Wildcats scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground in the bookend quarters.  They had trouble moving the ball, something that they will need to do a better job at this weekend in Calgary.

The Colts on the other hand played the Huskies tough but committed nine turnovers.  Their touchdowns came through the air as Nick Kennedy found Cody Anglo twice. 

Head-to-Head

Records: Wildcats 0-1 – Colts 0-1
Points For: Wildcats 15 – Colts 17
Points Allowed: Wildcats 57 – Colts 37

Passing Leaders: Caleb Taylor - 15 of 27 for 177 yards (Wildcats) – Nick Kennedy – 19 of 31 for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns (Colts)

Rushing Leaders: Declan Mullin – 5 carries for 36 yards and 1 touchdown (Wildcats) – Alan Xiang – 8 carries for 19 yards (Colts)

Receiving Leaders: Gabe Hiebert – 6 receptions for 74 yards (Wildcats) - Cody Anglo - 2 receptions for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns (Colts)

Leading Tacklers: Max Melanson – 5 tackles (Wildcats) – Damien Bucknor – 6 tackles (Colts)

CJFL Top 50 Of 2022

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 07/22/2022, 4:00pm PDT

A projected list of the best players across the CJFL

The list of Top 50 players in the CJFL for 2022 are based on their past experience in junior football and not what they have done in other leagues.

The season officially kicks off on Saturday with three games in the BC Conference opening their schedule.

Here is the official list for 2022.

Ranking Name Team
1 Rylan Sokul Regina Thunder
2 Mike O'Shea Okanagan Sun
3 Jared Hayes-Williams St. Clair Saints
4 Reece McCormick Regina Thunder
5 Daniel Kubongo Langley Rams
6 Carter Shewchuk Regina Thunder
7 Colten Dejong Langley Rams
8 Alex Gayle Edmonton Huskies
9 Billy Patterson St. Clair Saints
10 Tyler Eckert Langley Rams
11 Maurice Dubois Edmonton Huskies
12 Nikos Lazarakis Langley Rams
13 Jaxon Funk Saskatoon Hilltops
14 Kelon Thomas Okanagan Sun
15 Damon Dutton Saskatoon Hilltops
16 Dante Lewis St. Clair Saints
17 Carson Lethbridge Edmonton Huskies
18 Taz Bell London Beefeaters
19 Tyler Going Okanagan Sun
20 Konnor Johnson Saskatoon Hilltops
21 Connor Klassen Regina Thunder
22 Garrett Cape Okanagan Sun
23 Justin McKerracher Regina Thunder
24 Adner St. Hilaire Edmonton Huskies
25 Isaac Foord Regina Thunder
26 Brandon Kamenz Winnipeg Rifles
27 Riley Schick Regina Thunder
28 Kieran Poissant Westshore Rebels
29 Chris Costigan Hamilton Hurricanes
30 Josh Allen St. Clair Saints
31 Terrell Theberge Hamilton Hurricanes
32 Mitchel Spence London Beefeaters
33 Chavis Spencer Valley Huskers
34 Corey Levesque St. Clair Saints
35 Eric Maximuik Regina Thunder
36 Kyle Chorney Winnipeg Rifles
37 Sean Adams VI Raiders
38 Andy Ofosuhene Valley Huskers
39 Nathan Zacharias Edmonton Wildcats
40 Austin Morgan Westshore Rebels
41 Avery Dunster Kamloops Broncos
42 Tyler Thompson London Beefeaters
43 Boston Davidsen Saskatoon Hilltops
44 Jeremy Hicks Hamilton Hurricanes
45 Joel Klaassen Langley Rams
46 Jordan Maucieri Calgary Colts
47 Jason Henderson VI Raiders
48 Burkley Banilevic Quinte Skyhawks
49 Cam Grzegorczyk Kamloops Broncos
50 Ike Okafor Calgary Colts

 

National Signing Day

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 05/29/2022, 8:45am PDT

Players begin their CJFL career on June 1st

For some Wednesday June 1st is the biggest day of their young lives, as the CJFL presents its National Signing Day.

The day is earmarked every year on June 1st, the day in which players can finally sign with a CJFL club.  When a player signs he is essentially signing for his entire junior football career as the player then becomes the property of that team.  

So many considerations are made before signing with a CJFL club; location, team support, roster depth, coaching staff, scholarship program, etc all weighs in on a player’s decision.
National Signing Day is not only exciting for the players, but the coaches as well.   Their ideas, hopes and hard work will finally come to fruition as they start to fill their roster spots.

Following National Signing Day coaches can continue to recruit and sign a player immediately if he’s a good fit for their team.  That said the bulk of the players ready to play in the CJFL will sign on June 1st.

Once players sign on the dotted line, coaches can begin developing their schemes and systems around their potential starters.  They can also begin preparing for their Main Camp along with Week 1 of the regular season.

All three Conferences and 19 CJFL teams will participate on June 1st, signing players to their 2022 roster.

Fans can keep up to date with CJFL National Signing Day on social media with #CJFLSigningDay as teams will be posting once a player signs.