Recent Prairie Conference News
Caleb Akerley is back with the Edmonton Huskies
Photo courtesy of Gord Mellor
The Edmonton Huskies have high expectations on the special teams side of the ball this year with the return of Caleb Akerley.
He is a two-time All-Canadian kick returner that is hoping to make it three years in a row and continue to put up impressive stats. Last season he returned 23 kickoffs for 512 yards, averaging over 22 yards a return. He returned two missed field goals averaging 23 yards a return and 23 punts setting up his offence will good field position. Akerley also has his eyes set on bigger production numbers as a receiver hoping to set up his offence with a nice return, then helping them move the ball down the field catching passes.
His speed sets him apart from most of the kick returners across the CJFL. Not only is he fast, but combine that with his ability to make plays and make cover teams miss tackles is unique. Now entering his fourth season, teams will no doubt try and kick away from him.
One of the plays that sticks out in his mind over his past three seasons came in his rookie campaign against the Wildcats. As a matter of fact, it was the first time getting into the game on special teams and he returned a punt all the way to the house for a touchdown!
Last year’s final game against the Regina Thunder has been his favourite CJFL game to play in. He says, “It was a great battle throughout with the energy and Intensity indescribable.” The Huskies didn’t win that game but Akerley says he and his teammate are better for it and learned a lot.
He and the Huskies open the season on the road on August 11th when they travel to meet the defending Canadian Bowl champion Saskatoon Hilltops.
Caleb Akerley is a CJFL Player to Watch in 2024!
Calgary Colts QB is a Player to Watch
Photo courtesy of Shelly Priest Eclectic Shots
The Calgary Colts feel this is the year they can move up in the Prairie Conference standings and challenge for a championship.
After playing in USports for a couple of seasons, quarterback Caine Harrison made the jump to the CJFL last year. He was the back-up to start the year, but by the end of the season he was the starter and guided his club into the playoffs.
He finished the 2023 regular season with 50 completions for 733 yards and threw five touchdown passes.
Now in 2024 the Colts and Harrison have high expectations as presumably he’ll be the starter after they break camp later this spring. He certainly looks like a prototypical quarterback at 6’4 and 190 pounds with a very strong arm.
He not only has the physical attributes but believes the strength of his game is actually his football IQ. He is very good at reading over the defence and exploit a potential mis-match. He still has plenty to learn, but his IQ is very high.
Outside of winning a national championship in Calgary, Harrison’s goal this season is to be the very best player, quarterback and teammate he can be each time he steps of the field. A nod as the CJFL First Team All-Canadian would be the icing on the cake individually as well.
Last season was certainly a memorable one for him and his favourite memories came in their final game of the regular season, a win and you’re in scenario. With their season on the line he threw an 82-yard touchdown bomb on the first play of the game that set the tone for the entire contest. He would finish with 382 yards and four touchdowns in their victory, punching their ticket to the Canadian Bowl playoff round.
Harrison and the Colts open the new CJFL season on August 11 at home against the Edmonton Wildcats, the same team the ended the season with last year when Harrison had that monster game.
Caine Harrison is a CJFL Player to Watch in 2024!