A major storyline in the CJFL in 2025 was the play and improvement of the Prince George Kodiaks in the BC Conference, qualifying for the Canadian Bowl playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Coming into their fourth season in the CJFL the Kodiaks and head coach Jamie Boreham felt they had momentum and could make an impact on the field.  They had several returning players including quarterback Sawyer Thiessen who was an important piece of the Kodiaks offence following an impressive 2024 season.

Thiessen worked well with his group of receivers in his first campaign finishing with 1662 yards and 10 touchdowns.  He along with Andrew Brown, Kayle Cowley and Myron Brown all decided to return in 2025 knowing they could make a push. 

With the offensive pieces in place the Kodiaks needed to make sure some of the key cogs on defence were also coming back.  They confirmed their anchors in linebacker Caiden Crow, along with defensive linemen JJ Aboagye and Jason Kragt, then built their defence around those leaders.

In 2025 they didn’t start their season as they wanted, dropping two of their first three games.  However, in Week 4 they recorded their first win over the Langley Rams at home which ignited their squad following a convincing 33-13 victory.  From there they rattled off two more wins in their next two games and suddenly had set a new franchise record for wins in a single season with their fourth on August 30th on the road in Nanaimo. 

They stumbled in their final four games recording one victory and finishing in a tie in that span, but it was enough to clinch the third seed in the Conference and more importantly their first ever playoff game.

As the third seed they found themselves on the road, traveling to Westshore in the Canadian Bowl playoffs for their first postseason game.  They played the Rebels very tough and were tied 14-14 at the half before the Rebels found an extra gear in the third quarter.  Despite being down by two-scores heading into the final frame, the Kodiaks showed great character scoring 14 points in the final window, but it wasn’t enough in a 45-28 setback.

The experience of making the playoffs in a highly competitive BC Conference is invaluable for the players set to return in 2026.

Following the season Boreham was named the Conference and CJFL Coach of the Year after finishing 5-4-1 and guiding his club to the franchise’s first playoff game.  “2025 was a big year for the Kodiaks, coming off a great off-season training program and stabilizing the culture that we have been developing over the last few years,” says Boreham.  “This past year was a great test to see how far we've come. Although we did not accomplish the ultimate goal of being National Champions, making the playoffs and being ranked in the Top 10 in the country were benchmarks we wanted to achieve.  This season was exciting for our community, and a sign of the commitment and dedication of our players and coaches.”

On the offensive side the Kodiaks averaged the third highest scoring in the BC Conference at 28.6 points a game.  Thiessen finished with 1694 passing yards and 15 touchdowns completing 56.6% of his passes, spreading the ball around to several different receivers.  When a drive stalled kicker Brady Harper was there to tally 68 points, fourth most in the Conference.

Defensively Crow led British Columbia with 49 solo tackles and was named a CJFL Second Team-All Canadian. 

“In 2025 we took a major step forward—on the field, in the community, and by earning our first playoff berth,” says team President Craig Briere. “This season proved what the Kodiaks can become, and we’re committed to building on that momentum for an even stronger future.”

Following their success this past year, the 2026 campaign will have even higher expectations despite graduating 13 players who leave behind big cleats to fill.  The Kodiaks have been busy recruiting players since the season came to an end and are determined to get back to the postseason once again next fall.

Saskatoon Hilltops 21
Okanagan Sun 18

The Hilltops are CJFL champs for the 24th time in franchise history after they beat the Sun on Sunday afternoon in Saskatoon.

There wasn’t much scoring in the first quarter as both teams conceded a safety.

Early in the second quarter the Hilltops got into the end zone taking advantage of a shanked punt that set them up at midfield.  At the 2:55 mark of the second frame running back David Collins scored his first touchdown to give the Toppers the lead.  

Defensively the Hilltops settled in and didn’t give up much once they had the lead. Later in the quarter their offence went to work again culminating with a second Collins touchdown from 23 yards out.  Before halftime the Hilltops conceded a safety and led 16-4 at the break.

The Sun made adjustments at halftime and came out strong in the third quarter and finished off a great drive with a Marcus Christos touchdown run from a yard out.

The only other scoring in the third quarter was a Sun conceded safety, their second of the game.

In the fourth quarter the Sun put together their most impressive drive of the contest, marching 108 yards before Liam Kroeger called his own number and rushed 18 yards for a touchdown to tie the game with under three minutes to play. 

With plenty of time on the clock, the Hilltops got the ball to within field goal range with under 30 seconds to go.  Kicker Ryden Gratton stepped up and kicked the biggest field goal in his career, booting a 37-yarder right down the middle for the game winning kick.

Collins was named the Offensive Player of the Game carrying the load 26 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns.  Quarterback Griffin Sandler completed 11 passes for 104 yards spreading the ball around to seven different receivers.  

On the defensive side Isaac Michayluk was named the Player of the Game coming through with some huge stops, leading the game with nine tackles.  

Charles Sawi was named the Special Teams Player of the Game with seven returns gaining 66 yards.

The Sun offence did gain 404 yards with quarterback Liam Kroeger throwing 296 yards on 26 completions.  He found six different receivers and running back Gerren Hardisty led they way on the ground with 71 yards on 17 carries.  

The Hilltops are champs of the Canadian Bowl in 2025 and will look to repeat next year with the national championship held in British Columbia.