Photo courtesy of Brendan Pawliw, MyPGNow.com staff
Prince George Kodiaks 28
Valley Huskers 20
The Prince George Kodiaks have their first CJFL victory after an eight win on Saturday night on their home turf over the visiting Valley Huskers.
The turning point was a 70-yard pick six in the second half when Keon Raymond Jr. intercepted a pass and took it back the other way to pay dirt. It was one of five turnovers their defence forced on route to the victory. Marcellus Pope was a one-man wrecking crew with 12 solo tackles, three assists and forced a fumble. Jaden Craig was also solid blocking a kick, jumping on a fumble and tallying three tackles.
Offensively the Kodiaks did their scoring on the ground. Andrew Johnson rushed for two touchdowns on just two carries and quarterback Liam Oczkowski also scampered into the end zone. Keanu Brown carried the load with 10 carries for 106 yards.
The Huskers played well, but the turnovers hurt them. Quarterback Josh Janssen completed 21 passes for 320 yards and found Andrew Locke and Luc Rodrigues for majors. Meanwhile Reece Wyke continued to be a force on the ground with 24 carries and 124 yards.
Next week the Kodiaks (1-3) travel to face the Okanagan Sun (4-0) and the Huskers (3-2) will enjoy a bye week.
Langley Rams 24
Kamloops Broncos 6
The defending Canadian Bowl champion Rams finally found their first win of the season with a dominating game on both sides of the ball.
Ground and pound appeared to be the strategy as the Rams called 38 run plays and gained 254 yards, scoring three touchdowns. Steven Dilorenzo carried his club with 118 yards on 14 carries, while Hunter Norman, Caleb Wheeler and quarterback Tristen Secord-Yanciw each scored touchdowns.
On the defensive side the Rams held the hometown Broncos to 135 yards of total offence. Kinneth Balucos had an interception and three tackles to lead the visitors and Cole Barron had a sack.
The only Broncos points came from their kicker Kaidence Keepness who booted a pair of field goals from 16 and 28 yards out.
Next week the Rams (1-3) host the VI Raiders (1-4) and the Broncos (2-2) visit the Westshore Rebels (3-1).
Okanagan Sun 58
VI Raiders 1
The Sun continued their scorching pace to open the season tallying another 563 yards of total offence and holding the Raiders to just a single point and 14 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Dominic Britton was on fire with 207 yards on 15 completions and threw three more touchdown passes while running for another. Back-up quarterback Liam Kroeger also threw a touchdown pass. Noah Bymak hauled in two majors and Blaise Beauchemin and Mike O’Shea accounted for the others. Meanwhile the ground game chewed up 312 yards led by Aidan Wiberg who averaged 17 yards a carry, rushing seven times for 120 yards and a score.
For the second straight week O’Shea returned a punt for a touchdown, this time around he went 82 yards to the house.
The defence accounted for seven sacks led by Romareo Reid who had four of them. Isaac Wegner intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and had two tackles. Devan Boos had a team high seven tackles and blocked a kick in the blowout.
Next weekend the Sun (4-0) will host the Prince George Kodiaks (1-3) for the first time, and the Raiders (1-4) visit the Langley Rams (1-3).
Week 5 kicks off across the country with nine games on tap in the CJFL
SATURDAY
GTA Grizzlies @ Ottawa Sooners – Saturday August 20, 2:00pm – Carleton University | WATCH HERE
A pair of winless teams will see action in the nation’s capital on Saturday afternoon as the Sooners host the Grizzlies.
Last weekend the Sooners fell to the defending Conference champion London Beefeaters 42-14 while the Grizzlies hosted their natural rivals the Hamilton Hurricanes and were shutout 24-0.
Head-to-Head
Records: Grizzlies 0-1 – Sooners 0-1
Points For: Grizzlies 0 – Sooners 14
Points Allowed: Grizzlies 24 – Sooners 42
Quinte Skyhawks @ London Beefeaters - Saturday August 20, 5:00pm – City Wide Field | WATCH HERE
The defending Ontario champion Beefeaters collected a blowout win last weekend in Ottawa and looked solid despite losing some key players to graduation. Their defence was excellent and they get a spark on the opening kick off when LJ Dyer returned it 105 yards for a touchdown.
The Skyhawks did not have a good showing last weekend as they opened just their second CJFL season. They were on the road at St. Clair and are still looking for their first points of the season. This weekend will be their second straight game on the road.
Head-to-Head
Records: Skyhawks 0-1 – Beefeaters 1-0
Points For: Skyhawks 0 – Beefeaters 42
Points Allowed: Skyhawks 82 – Beefeaters 14
Hamilton Hurricanes @ St. Clair Saints - Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Acumen Stadium | WATCH HERE
A pair of undefeated teams will square off on Saturday night in Windsor as the Hurricanes play their second straight on the road and the Saints are at home like they were last weekend. Neither team has given up a point in 2022.
The Saints blasted with Quinte Skyhawks last weekend putting up 82 points as the majority of their players saw action. They had four different quarterbacks throw touchdown passes which is extremely rare in CJFL history.
Meanwhile the Hurricanes pitched a shutout last weekend beating the GTA Grizzlies.
It’s early in the season but this game could have homefield advantage implications for the playoffs down the road.
Head-to-Head
Records: Hurricanes 1-0 – Saints 1-0
Points For: Hurricanes 24 – Saints 82
Points Allowed: Hurricanes 0 – Saints 0
Langley Rams @ Kamloops Broncos - Saturday August 20, 6:00pm – Hillside Stadium | WATCH HERE
The Broncos have one of their best starts to a season in franchise history and will look to keep it going on Saturday evening at home. They will host the defending Canadian Bowl champion Rams who are coming off a bye week after opening the season with three straight losses.
Last weekend the Broncos recorded their first ever win in Nanaimo beating the VI Raiders behind 270 yards on the ground. Cameron Grzegorczyk galloped for 122 of those yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown. Their run defence was also very good holding the Raiders to 75 yards on the ground. They will face a solid running attack with the Rams this weekend.
Speaking of the Rams they are still looking for their first victory and should be well rested after their bye. They have had issues scoring points, averaging just seven in their last two games.
This is the only meeting of the season between these two teams.
Head-to-Head
Records: Rams 0-3 – Broncos 2-1
Points For: Rams 34 – Broncos 77
Points Allowed: Rams 70 – Broncos 50
Passing Leaders: Trey Jones – 20 of 33 for 312 yards (Rams) – Reid Vankoughnett – 30 of 63 for 599 yards and 3 touchdowns (Broncos)
Rushing Leaders: Caleb Wheeler – 41 carries for 206 yards and 1 touchdown (Rams) – Cameron Grzegorczyk – 43 carries for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns (Broncos)
Receiving Leaders: Beckham Dickie – 8 receptions for 161 yards (Rams) – Colton Meikle – 9 receptions for 198 yards and 1 touchdown (Broncos)
Leading Tacklers: Cole Barron – 10 tackles (Rams) – Maurice Onyeamenu – 12 tackles (Broncos)
VI Raiders @ Okanagan Sun – Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Apple Bowl | WATCH HERE | Sun Radio Broadcast
It’s the second meeting of the season between these two teams after the Sun blasted the Raiders in Nanaimo 50-19 in the season opener. That game the Sun collected 583 yards of total offence and scored touchdowns on both sides of the ball.
The Raiders did keep up the fight all game scoring 12 of their 19 points in the second half and quarterback Ben Chomolok threw a pair of touchdowns. Defensive back Tyler Ruck returned an interception 90 yards for touchdown as time expired in regulation.
Last weekend the Sun flexed their first-place muscle and dismantled the Westshore Rebels to take sole possession of first place in the Conference. The Raiders fell to the Kamloops Broncos at home for their third loss of the season.
Head-to-Head
Records: Raiders 1-3 – Okanagan Sun 3-0
Points For: Raiders 59 – Sun 135
Points Allowed: Raiders 137 – Sun 55
Passing Leaders: Ben Chomolok – 69 of 119 for 839 yards and 6 touchdowns (Raiders) – Dominic Britton – 46 of 84 for 892 yards and 7 touchdowns (Sun)
Rushing Leaders: Ben Chomolok – 32 carries for 157 yards and 1 touchdown (Raiders) – Jevan Garwood – 28 carries for 210 yards and 1 touchdown (Sun)
Receiving Leaders: Andre Gordon – 19 receptions for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns (Raiders) - Colby Miletto – 11 receptions for 180 yards and 1 touchdown (Sun)
Leading Tacklers: Jason Henderson – 14 tackles (Raiders) – Peyton Ryder – 12 tackles (Sun)
Valley Huskers @ Prince George Kodiaks - Saturday August 20, 7:00pm – Masich Stadium | WATCH HERE
For the second straight week and third time this season the Huskers and Kodiaks meet. The only difference however is this game will be played in Prince George.
The Huskers have won the previous two meetings including a 34-17 victory last weekend in Chilliwack. They have used their ground game to pound the Kodiaks behind Reece Wyke who chewed up another 82 yards last week and scored three touchdowns. Quarterback Josh Janssen has also been solid in the seasonal series and has connected on five touchdown passes.
On the other side the Kodiaks are still looking for their first win and have been getting better and more competitive. Last week at Valley quarterback Liam Oczkowski threw for 187 yards had a touchdown pass and ran for another. Their defence held the Huskers to under 100 yards on the ground and Nicholas Tremblay recorded two sacks.
Head-to-Head
Records: Huskers 3-1 – Kodiaks 0-3
Points For: Huskers 96 – Kodiaks 42
Points Allowed: Huskers 67 – Kodiaks 100
Passing Leaders: Josh Jansen – 52 of 101 for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns (Huskers) – Liam Oczkowski – 36 of 73 for 584 yards and 2 touchdowns (Kodiaks)
Rushing Leaders: Reece Wyke – 69 carries for 372 yards and 4 touchdowns (Huskers) - Liam Oczkowski – 13 carries for 114 yards and 1 touchdown (Kodiaks)
Receiving Leaders: Dylan Manocha – 13 receptions for 175 yards and 1 touchdown (Huskers) – Andrew Brown – 4 receptions for 159 yards (Kodiaks)
Leading Tacklers: Jaiden Claassen – 19 tackles (Huskers) – Marcellus Pope – 10 tackles (Kodiaks)
SUNDAY
Edmonton Huskies @ Saskatoon Hilltops – Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – SMF Field | WATCH HERE
This could be the best game of the weekend as the Huskies visit the Hilltops on Sunday afternoon in a battle of two undefeated teams…granted they’ve only played once. It’s still early in the season, but this game could have playoff positioning implications as this is the only meeting of the regular season.
Last weekend the Hilltops pitched a second half shutout and beat the Winnipeg Rifles 19-10 relying on their field goal kicker Conner Green. He was named the Special Teams Player of the Week after knocking through four field goals and a convert to score 13 of their 19 points. Their lone touchdown came on the ground from Boston Davidsen who finished with 162 yards on 27 carries.
The Huskies are on the road for the second straight weekend after getting past the Calgary Colts last week. Running back Alex Gayle was outstanding with four touchdowns on 24 carries and 117 yards. On the other side of the ball the defence collected nine turnovers highlighted by a pair of interceptions from Masen Lane.
Head-to-Head
Records: Huskies 1-0 – Hilltops 1-0
Points For: Huskies 37 – Hilltops 19
Points Against: Huskies 17 – Hilltops 10
Passing Leaders: Jordan Lane – 7 of 19 for 133 yards (Huskies) – Damon Dutton – 17 of 27 for 185 yards (Hilltops)
Rushing Leaders: Alex Gayle – 24 carries for 117 yards and 4 touchdowns (Huskies) – Boston Davidsen – 27 carries for 162 yards and 1 touchdown (Hilltops)
Receiving Leaders: Carver Trapp – 4 receptions for 77 yards (Huskies) – Dillan Heintz – 6 receptions for 69 yards (Hilltops)
Leading Tacklers: Mikhail Biggs- 5 tackles (Huskies) – Joe Yausie – 8 tackles (Hilltops)
Winnipeg Rifles @ Regina Thunder - Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – Liebel Field | WATCH HERE
The Thunder are back at home this weekend after a 42-point victory last weekend at Liebel Field. The offence gathered an incredible 601 total yards while the defence shutdown the opposition forcing two turnovers. Receiver Isaac Foord caught nine passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns and was named the Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
The Rifles played the Saskatoon Hilltops tough last weekend but didn’t score a point in the second half losing by nine points. They found success through the air gaining 335 yards and had a touchdown. They also played excellent on defence in the second half allowing just three points. They will need a similar formula this weekend in Regina, but obviously need to score in the second half.
Head-to-Head
Records: Rifles 0-1 – Thunder 1-0
Points For: Rifles 10 – Thunder 57
Points Allowed: Rifles 19 – Thunder 15
Passing Leaders: Bryson McNeil – 26 of 40 for 307 yards and 1 touchdown (Rifles) – Carter Shewchuk – 18 of 23 for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns (Thunder)
Rushing Leaders: Bryson McNeil – 7 carries for 24 yards (Rifles) – Ryland Leichert – 13 carries for 109 yards and 1 touchdown (Thunder)
Receiving Leaders: Adam Fast – 9 receptions for 105 yards (Rifles) – Isaac Foord – 9 receptions for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns (Thunder)
Leading Tacklers: Kyle Chorney – 9 tackles (Rifles) – Avery Wagner – 5 tackles (Thunder)
Edmonton Wildcats @ Calgary Colts - Sunday August 21, 1:00pm – Shouldice Park | WATCH HERE
For the second straight week there is a Battle of Alberta in Calgary but this time the Colts host the Wildcats. Both teams are coming off losses from last weekend; the Colts losing to the Edmonton Huskies while the Wildcats fell to the Regina Thunder.
The Wildcats scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground in the bookend quarters. They had trouble moving the ball, something that they will need to do a better job at this weekend in Calgary.
The Colts on the other hand played the Huskies tough but committed nine turnovers. Their touchdowns came through the air as Nick Kennedy found Cody Anglo twice.
Head-to-Head
Records: Wildcats 0-1 – Colts 0-1
Points For: Wildcats 15 – Colts 17
Points Allowed: Wildcats 57 – Colts 37
Passing Leaders: Caleb Taylor - 15 of 27 for 177 yards (Wildcats) – Nick Kennedy – 19 of 31 for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns (Colts)
Rushing Leaders: Declan Mullin – 5 carries for 36 yards and 1 touchdown (Wildcats) – Alan Xiang – 8 carries for 19 yards (Colts)
Receiving Leaders: Gabe Hiebert – 6 receptions for 74 yards (Wildcats) - Cody Anglo - 2 receptions for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns (Colts)
Leading Tacklers: Max Melanson – 5 tackles (Wildcats) – Damien Bucknor – 6 tackles (Colts)
Photo courtesy of Shoot The Breeze Photography
Okanagan Sun 65
Westshore Rebels 29
What was pegged as a first place, evenly matched showdown on Saturday night turned into any but that as the Sun dominated the Rebels.
The Sun erupted for 23 points in the first quarter which set the tone for the lopsided victory. Offensively quarterback Dominic Britton completed 12 passes for 292 yards and threw five touchdowns including a pair to Blaise Beauchemin. Mike O’Shea, Colby Miletto and Jevon Garwood also hauled in majors. Garwood and Tristen Peddle scored on the ground and O’Shea returned a punt in the opening quarter 79 yards to paydirt.
On the defensive side the Sun held the Rebels to just 60 yards on the ground and forced seven turnovers. Aiden Hennessey recovered a pair of fumbles, one of which was returned 47 yards for a touchdown and Isaac Wegner picked off a pass.
The Rebels did keep fighting throughout the game and were able to score 21 of their 29 points in the second half. Quarterback Te Jessie threw for 309 yards, and a pair of touchdown passes to Kierran Poissant and he ran for another.
A bright spot on the Rebels special teams was Cairo Berry who set a new team record for punt return yardage in a game with 189 on five returns. He beat the old team mark of 175 yards on six returns from 1991 set by former CJFL Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, Simon Beckow.
Next weekend the Sun (3-0) will host the VI Raiders (1-3) and the Rebels (3-1) will enjoy a bye week.
Valley Huskers 34
Prince George Kodiaks 17
The Huskers continue their hot start with their third win of the season and second over the Kodiaks.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Week, running back Reece Wyke had another strong game with 82 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a pass for eight yards. Speaking of passes quarterback Josh Janssen completed 12 of them for 237 yards and found David Coronado for a 53-yard touchdown strike.
Their pass rush on the defensive side was impressive compiling five sacks, two of which by James Moar. Meanwhile Sawyer Tether intercepted a pass and Kurtis Flynn made six tackles.
The Kodiaks offence came from their quarterback Liam Oczkowski. He threw for 187 yards, found Jerome Erickson for a touchdown, and added another one on the ground. Erickson caught a game high nine passes for 99 yards.
Defensively Nicholas Tremblay was good with a pair of sacks and Keon Raymond had a team high five solo tackles.
These two teams will meet each other again this coming weekend, but this time the Kodiaks (0-3) will host the Huskers (3-1) on Saturday night.
Kamloops Broncos 35
VI Raiders 16
For the first time in franchise history the Broncos beat the Raiders in Nanaimo.
Their offence used the ground and pound method to perfection as five different ball carries rumbled for 270 yards and four touchdowns. Cameron Grzegorczyk hauled most of the load on 21 carries for 122 yards and had a major. Kaleb Senz, Evan Guizzo and quarterback Reid Vankoughnett each had a score while receiver Chris Finden caught a touchdown from Vankoughnett.
The Broncos defence held the Raiders to 75 yards on the ground and forced an incredible nine turnovers. Keagan Curtis picked off two passes and made three tackles to lead the way.
After giving up 21 points in the second quarter, the Raiders found it difficult to work their way back. Quarterback Ben Chomolok completed 24 passes for 316 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes. His favourite target was Dylan Pye who caught six passes for a game high 108 yards and a score.
Next weekend the Broncos (2-1) will host the Langley Rams (0-3) and the Raiders (1-3) will visit the Okanagan Sun (3-0).