Photo courtesy of Joanna Kurowski Photography

It’s Week 9 of the CJFL season with a full slate of games.

SATURDAY

PRAIRIE CONFERENCE 

Edmonton Wildcats @ Winnipeg Rifles – Saturday September 23, 7:00pm – Maple Grove | WATCH HERE

With three games remaining this is a very important match up for both teams as they meet for the only time this season.

The Rifles’ playoff hopes are fading and need a win this weekend to keep them alive.  They are trying to snap a four-game slide after winning their first game of the season.  

The Wildcats desperately need a victory this weekend and need to win their final three and get some help if they want to make the playoffs.  They must take it one game at a time, starting with this tilt in Winnipeg

Head-to-Head

Records: Wildcats 0-5 – Rifles 1-4
Avg Points For: Wildcats 10.6 – Rifles 14.6
Avg Points Allowed: Wildcats 44.8 – Rifles 33.2

Passing Leaders:  Marcos Soltero – 39 of 68 for 476 yards (Wildcats) – Thomas Hubbard – 59 of 117 for 660 yards (Rifles)

Rushing Leaders: David Lezama – 22 carries for 119 yards (Wildcats) – Kaiden Banfield – 66 carries for 240 yards (Rifles) 

Receiving Leaders: Travis Heggart – 15 receptions for 161 yards (Wildcats) – Kaiden Banfield – 17 receptions for 188 yards, 3 touchdowns (Rifles) 

Leading Tacklers:  Kieran Harris – 23 tackles (Wildcats) – Jaxon Gruninger – 22 tackles (Rifles)

ONTARIO CONFERENCE

Hamilton Hurricanes @ Quinte Skyhawks - Saturday September 23, 2:00pm – Loyalist College | WATCH HERE

Both teams are desperate for a win this weekend as they fight to try and stay alive in the playoff race.  This is the one and only meeting of the season between them.  

The Hurricanes need a win to snap their two-game skid and remain in third place, while the Skyhawks have lost three straight and are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. 

With points at a premium, this is the Hurricanes final road game of the regular season.  

Head-to-Head

Records: Hurricanes 3-3 – Skyhawks 2-3
Avg Points For: Hurricanes 32.5 – Skyhawks 19.8
Avg Points Allowed: Hurricanes 27.5 – Skyhawks 34.4

Passing Leaders:  James Duke – 31 of 71 for 485 yards, 8 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – Josiah Bowman – 33 of 58 for 412 yards, 4 touchdowns (Skyhawks) 

Rushing Leaders: Jacob Schooley – 34 carries for 298 yards, 2 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – Jake Venditti – 65 carries for 274 yards (Skyhawks)

Receiving Leaders: Jeremy Hicks – 12 receptions for 244 yards, 3 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – Nick Szigeti– 17 receptions for 248 yards, 1 touchdown (Skyhawks) 

Leading Tacklers:  Zach Chaddock – 24 tackles (Hurricanes) – Burkely Banilevic – 28 tackles (Skyhawks) 

GTA Grizzlies @ London Beefeaters – Saturday September 23, 5:00pm – City Wide Field | WATCH HERE

This is the only meeting of the season between these two teams as the Beefeaters welcome the Grizzlies. 

The Beefeaters have punched their ticket to the postseason with two games remaining and if they can get out to a lead they have the opportunity to rest some of their starters.   They have won two straight games outscoring their opponents 90-16.  This tilt with the Grizzlies is their final home game of the regular season. 

As for the Grizzlies they have struggled all year and have been shutout in five for their six games so far.  They will look to turn things around and have some success in London.

Head-to-Head

Records: Grizzlies 0-6 – Beefeaters 4-2
Avg Points For: Grizzlies 2 – Beefeaters 33.6
Avg Points Allowed: Grizzlies 55.6 – Beefeaters 15.8

Passing Leaders: George Denniss – 28 of 53 for 357 yards, 2 touchdowns (Beefeaters) 

Rushing Leaders: LJ Dyer – 108 carries for 884 yards, 5 touchdowns (Beefeaters) 

Receiving Leaders: Jonathan Stoddard – 17 receptions for 207 yards, 1 touchdown (Grizzlies) – Jagger Horst – 19 receptions for 303 yards, 2 touchdowns (Beefeaters) 

Leading Tacklers:  Devonte Edwards – 29 tackles (Grizzlies) – N’Kosi Stewart – 15 tackles (Beefeaters) 

Ottawa Sooners @ St. Clair Saints – Saturday September 23, 7:30pm – Acuman Stadium | WATCH HERE

It’s a rematch as these two teams meet for the second time this season.  Back on August 19th the Saints scored 21 points in the first quarter on their way to a 30-4 victory.  Javier Lewis had a massive game with two rushing touchdowns and caught a TD strike as well. 

The Saints are in the driver seat in the Ontario Conference, clinching a playoff spot and with a victory over Ottawa would secure homefield advantage. 

As of late the Sooners have been playing better ball and have won three straight with two road games left on their schedule.  They currently hold down the final playoff spot and a win on Saturday would all but clinch a berth into the Canadian Bowl Championship Series. 

Head-to-Head

Records: Sooners 3-3 – Saints 5-0
Avg Points For: Sooners 35.3 – Saints 45
Avg Points Allowed: Sooners 16.8 – Saints 15.6

Passing Leaders: Owen Cowan – 81 of 133 for 1152 yards, 7 touchdowns (Sooners) – Maurice Sodja – 28 of 45 for 631 yards, 10 touchdowns (Saints)

Rushing Leaders: Alexandros Varvarigos – 41 carries for 264 yards, 5 touchdowns (Sooners) – MJ Marshall-Doyle – 29 carries for 303 yards, 5 touchdowns (Saints)

Receiving Leaders: Marcus Lynch – 30 receptions for 414 yards, 1 touchdown (Sooners) – Javier Lewis – 12 receptions for 359 yards, 6 touchdowns (Saints) 

Leading Tacklers:  Richard Graham – 17 tackles (Sooners) – Billy Patterson Jr – 11 tackles (Saints) 

BC CONFERFENCE

Prince George Kodiaks @ Valley Huskers – Saturday September 23, 2:00pm – Exhibition Field | WATCH HERE

It’s the only meeting of the season between these two teams as the Huskers welcome the Kodiaks.  

The Huskers are coming off their bye week so should be very rested as they look to get back to their winning ways.  They are hoping their quarterback Tyran Duval can return to the lineup after getting hurt the week before.  They are two points out of second place and in a tough battle with the Langley Rams for third.

The Kodiaks need a win to remain in the playoff conversation.  They are four points back of the final playoff spot and play three of their final four games on the road.   They have lost two straight and are hoping to get back to the win column.

Head-to-Head

Records: Kodiaks 2-4 – Huskers 4-2
Avg Points For: Kodiaks 11 – Huskers 36.5
Avg Points Allowed: Kodiaks 34.6 – Huskers 27.3

Passing Leaders:  Quinn Neukomm – 32 of 81 for 374 yards and 2 touchdowns (Kodiaks) – Tyran Duval – 82 of 132 for 1272 yards and 8 touchdowns (Huskers)

Rushing Leaders: Xander Shane – 46 carries for 220 yards (Kodiaks) – Reece Wyke – 83 carries for 571 yards and 5 touchdowns (Huskers)

Receiving Leaders: Kaden Wagner – 20 receptions for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns (Kodiaks) – Payton Lake – 26 receptions for 434 yards and 4 touchdowns (Huskers)

Leading Tacklers: Ryley Amendt – 23 receptions tackles (Kodiaks) – Kurtis Flynn – 26 tackles (Huskers)

Langley Rams @ VI Raiders – Saturday September 23, 5:30pm – NDSS Field | WATCH HERE

It’s the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams after the Rams took out the Raiders 54-3 in Week 2.

Quarterback Trey Jones erupted for five touchdown passes on 11 of 12 passes for 260 yards and the defence forced six turnovers.

This Rams defence has been stellar as of late giving up a total of 14 points in their last two games, which were both wins.  

A win this weekend would keep them close to the standings leaders and move one step closer to clinching a playoff spot. 

The Raiders parted ways with their head coach earlier this week and are hoping a change at the top can see immediate results on the field.   The club is still looking for their first win of the campaign. 

Head-to-Head

Records: Rams 4-2 – Raiders 0-7
Avg Points For: Rams 38.3 – Raiders 12
Avg Points Allowed: Rams 12.3 – Raiders 62.7

Passing Leaders: Trey Jones – 88 of 144 for 1314 yards, 14 touchdowns (Rams) – Ben Chomolok – 97 of 189 for 1000 yards, 8 touchdowns (Raiders)

Rushing Leaders: Kairo Hassan – 80 carries for 411 yards, 5 touchdowns (Rams) - Ben Chomolok – 38 carries for 218 yards, 1 touchdown (Raiders)

Receiving Leaders: Isaiah Edwards – 27 receptions for 423 yards, 7 touchdowns (Rams) – Paul Romanoff – 15 receptions for 205 yards, 

Leading Tacklers:  Evan Nolli – 18 tackles (Rams) – Nathan Haluik – 27 tackles (Raiders)

Westshore Rebels @ Kamloops Broncos – Saturday September 23, 6:00pm – Hillside Stadium | WATCH HERE

The Rebels and Broncos meet for the second time this year after the Rebels smoked them in Week 2 by the score of 70-10.

On paper this is a tough matchup for the Broncos who allow the second most points per game taking on the top offence and top team in the country.  The Broncos will need to play a perfect game and hope the Rebels are “off” in order for a victory. 

Last week the Rebels scored 95 points, which is tied for fifth most in a single game in CJFL history.  

The Rebels have punched their ticket to the postseason and will no doubt give some of their starters a rest if they can jump on top of the Broncos early on.

Head-t0-Head

Records: Rebels 7-0 – Broncos 0-6
Avg Points For: Rebels 59.5 – Broncos 7.2
Avg Points Allowed: Rebels 14.1 – Broncos 43 

Passing Leaders: Te Jessie – 117 of 162 for 1894 yards, 31 touchdowns (Rebels) – Clark Snider – 56 of 115 for 748 yards, 3 touchdowns (Broncos)

Rushing Leaders: Gerren Hardisty – 79 carries for 763 yards, 8 touchdowns (Rebels) – Cam Gregorcyzk – 53 carries for 196 yards (Broncos) 

Receiving Leaders: Kieran Poissant – 42 receptions for 643 yards, 9 touchdowns (Rebels) – Colton Meikle – 26 receptions for 419 yards, 3 touchdowns (Broncos) 

Leading Tacklers: Demar Hohnstein – 40 tackles (Rebels) – Maxim Bosic – 25 tackles (Broncos)

SUNDAY

PRAIRIE CONFERENCE 

Saskatoon Hilltops @ Edmonton Huskies – Sunday September 24, 1:00 – JP Bowl | WATCH HERE

It’s the only meeting of the season between these two teams and the final road game of the year for the Hilltops. 

The Conference leaders have been outstanding through their first five games with their defence not allowing much.  In four of their five wins they have kept their opposition to seven points or less and have pitched one shutout.  

Offensively they have put up a lot of points, scoring over 47 points each time they hit the field.  

The Huskies will need to find a way to slow them down while putting up some points.   They have averaged 40 points in their last four games, which included a loss last weekend in Calgary.  Sunday’s game is their final home game of the season.

Head-to-Head

Records: Hilltops 5-0 – Huskies 3-2
Avg Points For: Hilltops 47.4 – Huskies 35.2
Avg Points Allowed: Hilltops 6.6 – Huskies 27.2

Passing Leaders:  Trey Reider – 77 of 118 for 1140 yards, 13 touchdowns (Hilltops) – Carson Neitz – 55 of 102 for 933 yards, 8 touchdowns (Huskies)

Rushing Leaders: Boston Davidsen – 93 carries for 709 yards, 6 touchdowns (Hilltops) – Ife Adebogun – 51 carries for 317 yards, 2 touchdowns (Huskies) 

Receiving Leaders: Drake Douglas – 26 receptions for 384 yards, 1 touchdown (Hilltops) – Carver Trapp – 12 receptions for 213 yards, 2 touchdowns (Huskies) 

Leading Tacklers: Matt Wist – 15 tackles (Hilltops) – Kaige Houle – 18 tackles (Huskies) 

Calgary Colts @ Regina Thunder – Sunday September 24, 1:00pm – Leibel Field | WATCH HERE

It’s a rematch of the first game of the year between these two teams which saw the Thunder score 16 points in the final quarter to win 36-20.

Both defences played well, the Thunder found their stride in the final frame to put the game away.   Running back Ryland Leichert was outstanding with 21 carries for 170 yards and touchdown. 

The Thunder are 2-0 against teams from Alberta so far this season.  The Colts meanwhile have won two straight and a win on Sunday, coupled with a Huskies loss would bring them into a tie for third place.  

Head-to-Head

Records: Colts 2-3 – Thunder 4-1
Avg Points For: Colts 31.4 – Thunder 32.6
Avg Points Allowed: Colts 39.6 – Thunder 20.4

Passing Leaders:  Liam Oczkowsk – 119 of 180 for 1538 yards, 9 touchdowns (Colts) – Carter Moberg – 83 of 157 for 1342 yards, 11 touchdowns (Thunder)

Rushing Leaders: Alan Xiang – 61 carries for 248 yards, 3 touchdowns (Colts) – Ryland Leichert – 92 carries for 632 yards, 3 touchdowns (Thunder)

Receiving Leaders: Nicholas Sirleaf – 28 receptions for 495 yards, 5 touchdowns (Colts) – Isaiah Woodley – 24 receptions for 470 yards, 3 touchdowns (Thunder) 

Leading Tacklers: Khalid Anglo – 17 tackles (Colts) – Stephen Smith – 26 tackles (Thunder) 

The CJFL is proud to announce the Week 8 Players of the Week. 

Offensive Players of the Week

Prairie Conference
QB Liam Ozkowski – Calgary Colts

On Sunday quarterback Liam Ozkowski turned in his best junior performance using his arm and his legs.  Through the air he completed 32 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns.  When the coverage was there, he had the smarts to put the ball under his arm and carry it five times for 61 yards and scored two more touchdowns. 

BC Conference
QB Te Jessie – Westshore Rebels

For the third time this season quarterback Te Jessie has been the best offensive player in the BC Conference.  This past weekend he completed 15 passes for 358 yards and threw six more touchdowns.  He also ran once for 17 yards. 

Ontario Conference
RB LJ Dyer – London Beefeaters

In a pivotal game that clinched London a home playoff game LJ Dyer was an unstoppable force for the Beefeaters punishing the Hamilton Hurricanes for an incredible 318 yards on 36 carries.  His 318 yards is third most all-time in the OFC and tied for 11th most all-time in the CJFL.

Defensive Players of the Week

Prairie Conference
DB Cedric McCallum – Edmonton Huskies

It was a physical game on Sunday between the Huskies and Calgary Colts with one player stepping up big time for his team. Cedric McCallum was a beast making 11 solo tackles to lead the defensive push. 

BC Conference
DL Phillip Palmarin – Okanagan Sun

The speed and agility of Phillip Palmarin of the Okanagan Sun on Saturday night was unmatched by the Kamloops Broncos. He was everywhere on the field recording an interception, a sack, jumping on two fumbles, tallying a sack and assisting on two others. 

Ontario Conference 
LB Zach Chaddock – Hamilton Hurricanes

Zach Chaddock was the main reason that prevented the offensive player of the week from reaching pay dirt on Sunday. Chaddock was seemingly always in the middle of the action as he accumulated nine solo tackles, had a sack, one batted ball and a fumble recovery for an impressive 25 defensive points.

Special Teams Players of the Week

Prairie Conference
DL Steven Groves – Edmonton Wildcats

It was a tough day for the Wildcats on Sunday, but one player that stood out on special teams was the play of Steven Groves.  He helped hold down the Saskatoon Hilltops return game and make four solo special teams tackles. 

BC Conference 
DL Phillip Palmarin – Okanagan Sun

It’s the second Player of the Week honour for Phillip Palmarin who was simply incredible on special teams.  Some players go their entire football career never blocking a kick…Palmarin had two on the weekend turning in a very memorable game. He also added a pair of special teams tackles,

Ontario Conference 
KR/PR Daniel Bumbaco – St. Clair Saints

The most electric special teams play of the weekend was turned in by Daniel Bumbaco as he fielded a punt from deep within his own territory and raced the length of the field for a 112-yard punt return touchdown.  The first quarter score broke open the game as the Saints routed the Grizzlies on the road. Bumbaco’s return was tied for the ninth longest in OFC history.