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Recent Prairie Conference News

Community Service Leader

By CJFL Media 11/05/2024, 7:00am PST

The Past Commissioner Award winner

The 2024 CJFL Past Commissioner Award winner is Demarco Espinoza Mattoon of the Edmonton Wildcats!

He talks with Ryan Watters about his inspiring community service and Ryan tells him he is this year's award recipient.

This is the Wildcats submission for Demarco's work in the community:

Demarco is in his fourth season with the Wildcats and has been relied on for his leadership abilities both on and of the field. In all four of his seasons, he has jumped on every opportunity to give back to the football community - helping ref flag football tournaments, coaching minor camps, and helping at high school jamborees.

Most notably however is the work he does in the inner city. Demarco started volunteering over two years ago with a group putting together bagged lunches and handing them out to the homeless in the downtown core. Last year he decided to get even more involved and is now part of a group that goes out once a week (whether it is -40 or +40) and hands out clothing, drinks, and snacks in the inner city. Demarco’s consistency and calm nature has made him a core part of that team.

Even during the season, Demarco uses the one night a week that he is not practicing to volunteer downtown. During extreme heat waves in the summer, Demarco often initiates getting his teammates together to go hand out water bottles. He also often invites and encourages them to join him at the monthly outreaches.

The team he volunteers with downtown describe him as “a quiet calm with a deep sense of loyalty and service for those who are less fortunate than most of us” and “the guy who shows up and starts working immediately. You won’t even know he’s there until whatever you’re doing becomes easier, you turn and he’s there. He’s always willing to step in and participate, whatever the task may be”.

Demarco is the very definition of quiet and humble. He is never boastful about the inspiring work he does in the community, and never asks for anything in return. He can always be counted on to show up and will step into whatever role needs to be done, whether it is pouring hot chocolates, stepping into hostile situations, or helping with wellness checks. Volunteering in the inner city doesn’t come with any type of reward or recognition, and can often be a thankless job, but Demarco’s desire to serve those who are less fortunate in our community has pushed him to be an integral part of his inner-city outreach team.

The Wildcats are incredibly proud of both the work that Demarco does and his character. He leads by example and has a strong drive to not only make our team better but to make the community better
 

Al Park Community Service Winner

By CJFL Media 10/30/2024, 8:00am PDT

Demarco Espinoza Mattoon of the Edmonton Wildcats

Each CJFL season teams across the country give back to the community that supports them.  Players and coaches volunteer at several events and/on non-profit organizations, chipping in where they can to make a difference.  

The week of the Canadian Bowl the CJFL honours one such individual who takes their volunteerism to the next level and name them the CJFL Past Commissioner Award winner for outstanding community service.  

The Prairie Conference nominee for this award is Demarco Espinoza Mattoon of the Edmonton Wildcats who was named the Conference’s Al Park Community Service Award winner.  

Demarco is in his fourth season with the Wildcats and has been relied on for his leadership abilities both on and of the field. In all four of his seasons, he has jumped on every opportunity to give back to the football community - helping ref flag football tournaments, coaching minor camps, and helping at high school jamborees.

Most notably however is the work he does in the inner city. Demarco started volunteering over two years ago with a group putting together bagged lunches and handing them out to the homeless in the downtown core. Last year he decided to get even more involved and is now part of a group that goes out once a week (whether it is -40 or +40) and hands out clothing, drinks, and snacks in the inner city. Demarco’s consistency and calm nature has made him a core part of that team.

Even during the season, Demarco uses the one night a week that he is not practicing to volunteer downtown. During extreme heat waves in the summer, Demarco often initiates getting his teammates together to go hand out water bottles. He also often invites and encourages them to join him at the monthly outreaches.

The team he volunteers with downtown describe him as “a quiet calm with a deep sense of loyalty and service for those who are less fortunate than most of us,” and “the guy who shows up and starts working immediately. You won’t even know he’s there until whatever you’re doing becomes easier, you turn and he’s there. He’s always willing to step in and participate, whatever the task may be.”

Demarco is the very definition of quiet and humble. He is never boastful about the inspiring work he does in the community, and never asks for anything in return. He can always be counted on to show up and will step into whatever role needs to be done, whether it is pouring hot chocolates, stepping into hostile situations, or helping with wellness checks. Volunteering in the inner city doesn’t come with any type of reward or recognition, and can often be a thankless job, but Demarco’s desire to serve those who are less fortunate in our community has pushed him to be an integral part of his inner-city outreach team.

The Wildcats are incredibly proud of both the work that Demarco does and his character. He leads by example and has a strong drive to not only make our team better but to make the community better.

Everyone at the CJFL thanks Demarco for the amazing work he does and are proud to nominate him for the Past Commissioner Award.  The winner of this prestigious award is announced the week of the Canadian Bowl and the recipient is invited to the Banquet of Champions to be recognized.
 

Playoff Players of the Week

By CJFL Media 10/29/2024, 1:30pm PDT

The best players from this past weekend

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.