Photo courtesy of @in_motion_sports_photography

The CJFL Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, Elelyon Noa is moving on and up after signing with the BC Lions on Tuesday.

It is well documented that Noa was simply incredible during the 2024 CJFL season for the Okanagan Sun. He set a new BC Conference single season rushing record with 1612 yards, fourth all-time in the CJFL and added 23 rushing touchdowns.  He was also named the Offensive Player of the Game during the BC Conference Cullen Cup and the CJFL National Semi-Final game. 

Prior to the Sun, the La Mesa California native began his college career at Utah State from 2020-21, appearing in 20 games with 678 yards and four touchdowns on 169 total carries and hauling in 14 receptions for 100 yards.

He then moved to Boise State for his junior season and rushed for 133 yards on 33 carries and caught two passes for 16 yards in 12 games.

Noa was a standout at La Mesa’s Helix High School where in his senior year broke the program’s career rushing mark set by Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, which had stood since the 2003 season.

He becomes part of the lengthy list of former BC Conference running backs that have signed with the Lions following their junior career including Andrew Harris, Jamal Lyles and Andrew Pocrnic.

Terms of Noa’s deal were not announced.   The CJFL wishes him the best of luck! 
 

The CJFL is pleased to announce the Players of the Week following the National Semi-Final and the Ontario Conference title game.

Offensive Players of the Week

National Semi-Final
RB Elelyon Noa – Okanagan Sun
In big games you need your best players to be at their best and Elelyon Noa was that for the Okanagan Sun as they went into Regina to win the National Semi-Final.  Noa carried the ball 18 times, picking up 84 very difficult yards and scored a fourth quarter touchdown from 17-yards out to seal the win for his club.  He also tossed a two-point conversation pass after his touchdown. 

Ontario Conference
QB Matthew Guenette – St. Clair Saints
After a long road back, Matthew Guenette returned to the helm of the Saints offence and delivered a masterful performance as the Saints continued their unbeaten season in a statement win that punched the Saints’ ticket to the Canadian Bowl.  Guenette shredded the London defence as he completed 23 of 29 passes for 377 yards and six touchdowns and scampered five times for an additional 42 yards and had a touchdown.

Defensive Players of the Week

National Semi-Final
LB Jacob Bond – Okanagan Sun
He was the BC Conference Defensive Player of the Year and he should why on the national stage with an incredible 11 solo tackles and assisted on eight others against a very talented Regina running attack. He was also able to force a fumble and the Sun won the national semi with their defence.

Ontario Conference 
LB Carl Fabre – St. Clair Saints
In a video game like atmosphere where the offences put up points on both sides of the ball, the Saints defence simply made more plays and making the plays all over the field was Carl Fabre.  The Saints linebacker had eight tackles, had a quarterback sack and forced a key fumble deep in London territory that set up a quick touchdown for the home side.   Fabre totalled 18 defensive points on the night.

Special Teams Players of the Week

National Semi-Final
PR Jakeb Cortus – Regina Thunder
He was the leading punt return for the Thunder during the national semi-final returning eight punts for 95 yards as he attempted to give his offensive teammates good field position.

Ontario Conference 
PK Jack Lewis – St. Clair Saints
As he has done all season long, Jack Lewis showed why he was the conference all-star as he was perfect on the night nailing all ten of his converts and drilling an all important field goal as time expired in the first half as he connected on his only field goal attempt from 34 yards out.