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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)

BC Conference Week 1 Summary

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 07/24/2022, 4:45pm PDT

Rebels, Sun and Huskers claim victory

Westshore Rebels 36
Langley Rams 20

The visiting Westshore Rebels made a statement in Week 1 with a 16-point victory over the defending Canadian Bowl champion Langley Rams on Saturday afternoon in Langley.

The visitors jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.  The Rebels passing attack looked great as first year quarterback Tim Jessie finished 16 of 22 for 222 yards and threw three touchdowns to three different receivers.  Mike Oliva, Kieran Poissant and Zion Brown-Dogbe each got into the end zone as Brown-Dogbe hauled in a game high seven passes for 111 yards.

The ground game was equally effective as both Jessie and Gerren Hardisty each scored rushing touchdowns.

The 36 points the Rebels scored was more points the Rams allowed all of last season. They allowed just 32 points in eight regular season games in 2021.

Defensively the Rebels were solid, holding the Rams to just 68 yards on the ground.  Cordell Holder made three tackles and had two sacks, Isaiah Cardilicchia had a team high five solo tackles and Tarick Polius made four stops. 

After giving up 14 points in the first quarter the Rams battled back to bring the score to within two points at halftime but couldn’t hold down the Rebels in the second half.  Their offence scored a pair of ground touchdowns as both Caleb Wheeler and Steven Dilorenzo accounted for the majors. 

On the defensive side Howard Jiao had a game high eight touchdowns and Kinneth Balucos picked off a pass.

In Week 2 the Rebels (1-0) will welcome the Valley Huskers (1-0) for their home opener, while the Rams (0-1) will welcome the Okanagan Sun (1-0) on Saturday.

Okanagan Sun 50
VI Raiders 19

In a game that was relatively close at halftime, blew up in the second half as the Sun went on to route the Raiders in Nanaimo. 

It was the Raiders that would get on the scoreboard first thanks to a 75-yard touchdown pass to Maren Bradbrook from first year quarterback Ben Chomolok.  However, that was the only scoring the Raiders would get in the first half as the Sun led 15-7 at the break.

The second half was a completely different story as the Sun scored five touchdowns including a 70-yard bomb to Noah Bymak for a major.  In all returning quarterback Dominic Britton completed 18 passes for 339 yards and the touchdown.  He also scored a touchdown on the ground off nine carries and 33 yards.  Back-up quarterback Liam Kroeger came in the late stages and threw a touchdown pass to Farrell Yakam Kenfack.

The Sun ground game added 166 yards and a touchdown from Tristen Peddle while Jevon Garwood led the team with a game high 82 yards.

Over on the defensive side the Sun collected two more touchdowns as Garrett Cape and Grayson Statham each picked up a fumble and returned it for a major.  As a unit they combined for five turnovers and four sacks.

Along with the 75-yard touchdown strike, Chomolok completed 16 passes for 197 yards and threw a second touchdown pass to Bradbrook for the Raiders offence.

Their defence got on the board with an impressive 90-yard pick-six courtesy of Tyler Ruck. Will Adams put together a fine game with six tackles, a knockdown, had an interception and recovered a fumble. 

Next week the Sun (1-0) will stay on the road and visit the Langley Rams (0-1) while the Raiders (0-1) will visit the Kamloops Broncos (0-0) for their first game. 

Valley Huskers 31
Prince George Kodiaks 5

The Valley Huskers spoiled the Prince George Kodiaks inaugural game with a big victory in front of their hometown faithful. 

Returning quarterback Josh Janssen was simply outstanding completing 17 passes for 224 yards and threw four touchdowns to four different receivers.   He would target Dylan Manocha, David Coronado, Payton Lake and Luc Rodrigues for majors as Lake led the way with a game high six catches for 63 yards. 

The Huskers defence pitched a second half shutout and their offence scored 21 of their 31 points in the final two quarters.  Jackson Saunders had a team high four tackles and Chavis Spencer picked off a pass.

On the other side of the field the Kodiaks played in their first ever CJFL game but have yet to find the end zone.  Quarterback Liam Oczkowski threw for 182 yards including a 78-yarder hauled in by Andrew Brown, who finished with 107 receiving yards. 

Their defence was led by Marcellus Pope and his game high six tackles.

This weekend the Huskers (1-0) will visit the Westshore Rebels (1-0) and the Kodiaks (0-1) have the weekend off to lick their wounds. 

Photo courtesy of Crazy Bees Photography

Week 1 Kicks-Off

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 07/23/2022, 8:15am PDT

Three games will be featured in the BC Conference

Photo courtesy of Shoot the Breeze Photography

The 2022 CJFL season opens in the BC Conference on Saturday with six of the seven teams in action in a tripleheader.

Westshore Rebels @ Langley Rams – Saturday July 23, 4:00pm | McLeod Stadium

FINAL SCORE - Westshore Rebels 36 - Langley Rams  20

The defending Canadian Bowl champion Rams open their title defence against the new look Rebels in game 1 of the season on Saturday.

Last year the Rams finished 7-1 during the regular season and went undefeated in the playoffs winning their first national title in London.  The Rams defence was incredible last season averaging four points allowed during the regular campaign and pitched a shutout in the Canadian Bowl, 37-0.

This season they will a look little different without All-Canadian Kyle Clarot in the secondary but will still be fast and athletic led by Tyler Eckert on the defensive line. All-Canadian linebacker Colten Dejong also returns and will no doubt play a major factor.

The Rebels managed only one victory last season and have high hopes for 2022 with a new look team. They will have plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball, but their defence should stand out.   Linebacker Austin Morgan returns as does Cordell Holder to lead their group. Defensive tackle Tarick Polius played only five games in 2021 and has returned to the Rebels at 6’7 and 310 pounds.

Head-to-Head 2021

Records: Rebels 1-7 – Rams 7-1
Points For: Rebels 133 – Rams 182
Points Against: Rebels 258 – Rams 32

Okanagan Sun @ VI Raiders – Saturday July 23, 5:30pm | NDSS Field | WATCH HERE | Sun Radio HERE

FINAL SCORE - Okanagan Sun 50 - VI Raiders 19

On the island Saturday afternoon, the Sun and Raiders lock horns after a lopsided seasonal series in 2021.  The Sun won all three games last year including their playoff semi-final.  The Sun were just one win away from the national semi-final in 2021 and are looking to rebound this season.  Quarterback Dominic Britton returns to the club after a solid first season and still has Mike O’Shea to throw to. However, the run game will look different after the graduation of the CJFL Offensive Player of the Year in Malcolm Miller.

The Sun defence is laced with veteran leadership including All-Stars Tyler Going, Garrett Cape and Kelon Thomas.  This side of the ball should be their strength; however they will be relatively balanced.

The Raiders offence will need some time to find their stride after the graduation of veteran quarterback Jake Lebarge following last season.  Running back Jason Henderson does return and should take the pressure off the new quarterback. 

Defensively the Raiders return a couple of solid weapons including Sean Adams.

Head-to-Head 2021

Records: Sun 7-1 – Raiders 5-3
Points For: Sun 360 – Raiders 207
Points Allowed: Sun 73 – Raiders 221

Prince George Kodiaks @ Valley Huskers – Saturday July 23, 7:00pm | Exhibition Stadium | WATCH HERE

FINAL SCORE - Valley Huskers 31 - PG Kodiaks 5

Saturday’s nightcap could be the most intriguing match-up of the day as the brand-new Kodiaks hit the field for the first time.  Little is known about the expansion franchise, but they have recruited well and are looking to make an immediate impact.

The Huskers have several players back including quarterback Josh Janssen for his second campaign.  He does have some healthy competition as the Huskers have brought in a decorated back-up.   Their run game will need to prove themselves after the graduation of Brandon O’Connor following last year.

It is the defensive side of the ball that will be their strength, at least early on.  James Moar returns as does Rookie of the Year candidate Andy Ofosuhene and defensive back Chavis Spencer. 

These two teams will be become very familiar with each other as they match-up three times in the first five weeks of the season. 

This game is the first BC Conference Game of the Week on Telus Optik TV, a new agreement between the Conference and the provider.

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