Photo courtesy of @in_motion_sports_photography

The 2024 CJFL season was a record breaking one with so many outstanding individual and team performances culminated with the St. Clair Saints hosting the 116th Canadian Bowl for the first time in 25 years.

In addition to team successes, there were plenty of individual players who had excellent campaigns. Some were rewarded for their efforts at the CJFL Celebration of Excellence, including Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year Elelyon Noa and Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Stephen Smith. 

Other than the award winners, there were so many other players across the board, like receivers, defenders, kickers, and more, that had eye-popping seasons as well.

As we turn the calendar to 2025 the CJFL highlights some of the statistical regular season leaders of several categories as we put a stamp on 2024.

Skyhawks football is pleased to introduce Leith Fisken as the clubs' new head coach for the 2025 season.

Leith Fisken attended Donald A. Wilson highschool in Whitby Ontario. During his remarkable high school career as a quarterback, Leith was able to lead the Gators to three L.O.S.S.A titles and two Metro Bowl appearances. Leith would also represent Team Ontario in 2007 under Acadia University legend Lee Barette and offensive guru Chris Coulson.  After being named the 2009 Senior Football most valuable player for the Gators, Leith attended the University of Ottawa. While there Leith played four seasons for the Ottawa Junior Riders in the QJFL under Max Palladino and Robert Bento. During his time with the Junior Riders he was able to capture a QJFL championship in 2010 and the team’s most valuable offensive player award in 2011. During Leith’s time in Ottawa, Leith was mentored by Canadian football Hec Crighton winners Brad Sinopoli and Larry Mohr. Following his graduation from Ottawa University, Leith spent one season with the Ottawa Invaders under former Texas-El Paso Miners (NCAA Divison 1) and Ottawa GeeGees quarterback, Wayne Jacobs. Leith enjoyed working with coach Jacobs and fellow quarterback colleague, Jeff Hildreth from Bishops University.

Leith’s coaching career began in 2013 with Ashbury College as a quarterback coach, under the watchful eye of former Toronto Argo and Queens Gael, Jon Landon. Ashbury was able to capture the CISAA championship that season before falling in the semi-finals of the Metro Bowl.

Following the CISAA season Leith moved back home to Whitby and played three seasons with the GTA All-Stars where he would team up with Hec Crighton winner Tommy Dennison, the formidable quarterback duo finished the 2014 season number one and number three in the league in all passing categories respectfully. Following his rookie season with GTA, Leith would have a brief stint in the CJFL becoming the starting quarterback for the now dissolved Burlington Braves.

After taking a brief break from football, Leith moved to Quinte West in 2016 where he and his wife Veronica and two young children reside today. In 2017, Leith teamed up with President and Coach Peter Gabriel, for the inaugural season of the Quinte Skyhawks. After the season Leith would step away to focus on his professional career. Fast forward to 2024 Leith returned to the Skyhawks for the U14 OSFL fall season as both a quarterback coach and offensive assistant. The team would go on to finish the season 6-1 before falling in the semi-finals of the OSFL championship. Leith is excited for his new opportunity with an exceptional organization and looks to lead the Quinte Skyhawks into national contention in the near future. Leith is a proven winner and leader both on and off the football field, and will demand his players respect the game, embrace the community, and wear the Skyhawks name with pride!