St. Clair Saints

Welcome Sault College Cougars

By Supplied 11/29/2023, 9:00am PST

The Cougars become the 20th franchise in the CJFL

The CJFL is excited to welcome our 20th franchise to begin play in 2025; the Sault College Cougars who will play in the Ontario Conference.

Sault College Athletics is thrilled to announce its entry into the CJFL marking a historic moment for the institution and the community of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The newly formed team, the Sault College Cougars, is set to kick off its inaugural season in the summer of 2025, bringing the excitement of college football to the heart of Northern Ontario.

The Sault College Cougars will compete in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) of the CJFL, where they will face formidable opponents, including the Quinte Skyhawks, GTA Grizzlies, St. Clair Saints, London Beefeaters, Hamilton Hurricanes, and the Ottawa Sooners. The competition is fierce, with the winner of the OFC advancing to the national championship stage for a shot at the Canadian Bowl, battling the top teams from the Prairie and BC Conferences.

Sault College is committed to building a competitive program, and the Cougars will feature a sixty-five-man roster. Student athletes will be eligible from ages 18 to 23. The selection process for the coaching staff and player recruitment is already underway, with Sault College’s Athletic Director Paul Orazietti, former Associate Head Coach at the University of British Columbia, set to lead the program in its initial seasons.

"Our goal at Sault College is to invest in sports programs deeply rooted in the local community, and football certainly fits this bill," stated Paul Orazietti. "Sault Ste. Marie boasts incredible local talent for a community of its size, and our hope at the College is to provide our local high school players with the opportunity to pursue both a post-secondary education and a post-secondary football experience while remaining in their hometown or in Northern Ontario.”

The College envisions football becoming a major cornerstone of campus life, contributing to the vibrancy of student engagement. The sport will also be a primary focus for the new turf field planned at Sault College, creating a dynamic space for both athletes and fans.

"We know football will add a tremendous buzz on campus," added Orazietti. "Sault College Athletics invites the community to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion as they embark on their journey in the CJFL, shaping the future of college life in Sault Ste. Marie. Go Cougars!"

For more information, to volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Paul Orazietti - Athletic Director, Sault College Email: athletics@saultcollege.ca

CJFL Major Award Winners

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters) 11/10/2023, 8:45pm PST

The best players from 2023 are recognized

The Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) is proud to announce their Outstanding Player Award winners for the 2023 season. The awards were handed out Friday night at the Celebration of Excellence in Westshore, BC

The award winners are:

Gordon Currie Coach of the Year
Dexter Janke – Westshore Rebels – he led his Rebels to their first ever undefeated regular season at 10-0 and has his franchise in their first Canadian Bowl since 2016

Offensive Rookie of the Year
Receiver Darius France – St. Clair Saints – he had 18 receptions for 391 yards and had three touchdowns

Defensive Rookie of the Year
Linebacker Noah Nelson – Ottawa Sooners – 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, one for a touchdown, 1 forced fumble, 7 assisted tackles

Special Teams Player of the Year
Defensive Back Dylan Roberts – London Beefeaters – he had 11 specials teams tackles on the season and held excellent containment during each kick

Larry Wruck Outstanding Defensive Player
Linebacker Stephen Smith – Regina Thunder - 44 tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked kick, 1 fumble recovery

Peter Dalla Riva Outstanding Offensive Player
Quarterback Te Jessie – Westshore Rebels - (second consecutive season) – 150 of 212 for 2453 yards, 41 touchdowns. He completed 70.8% of his passes, the second-best percentage in CJFL history

CJFL Past Commissioners Award
PK Ethan Hartman – Edmonton Huskies

CJFL Stewart MacDonald Executive of the Year
Paul Dimini – Calgary Colts

Ed Henick Award
Paul Shortt – CJFL Deputy Commissioner

CJFL Life Member
Darcy Park – Edmonton Wildcats

Rick Smoke Community Involvement Award
Hamilton Hurricanes

The 115th Canadian Bowl will kick-off Saturday November 11, at 3:00pm at Starlight Stadium in Westshore BC.

BROADCAST INFO
Watch the pay per view Canadian Bowl broadcast HERE

First Team Offensive All-Canadians

By Ryan Watters 11/09/2023, 9:00am PST

They were the best offensive players in 2023

Photo courtesy of Louis Christ Photography

The Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) is proud to announce the First-Team Offensive All-Canadians for the 2023 season.

Offensive Line

Isaiah Letander – Valley Huskers (second consecutive season)
Jeff Vander Werff – Okanagan Sun (second consecutive season)
Ezzat Elnagmi – St. Clair Saints
Cody Shumanski – Saskatoon Hilltops
Riley Schick – Regina Thunder

Receivers

Kieran Poissant – Westshore Rebels (second consecutive season) – 54 receptions, 849 yards and 13 touchdowns

Drake Douglas – Saskatoon Hilltops - 42 receptions for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns

Javier Lewis – St. Clair Saints - he caught 20 passes for 536 yards and had a Conference high seven touchdowns

Nicholas Sirleaf – Calgary Colts - 45 receptions for 739 yards and 8 touchdowns

Running Backs

LJ Dyer – London Beefeaters - he won the Ontario Conference rushing title with 1158 yards on 136 carries and had nine touchdowns

Boston Davidsen – Saskatoon Hilltops - 170 carries for 1184 yards and 9 touchdowns

Quarterback

Te Jessie – Westshore Rebels (second consecutive season) – 150 of 212 for 2453 yards, 41 touchdowns. He completed 70.8% of his passes, the second-best percentage in CJFL history.