Okanagan Sun beat the Westshore Rebels 23-17 to Claim the 2024 Cullen Cup en route to the CJFL National Semi-Final
Photo Credits: Eric Stansfield
Okanagan Sun Triumph Over Westshore Rebels to Claim 2024 Cullen Cup Secure Second Championship in Three Years, Advance to CJFL National Semi-Final
Kelowna, BC – In what is becoming a familiar clash at the Apple Bowl on Saturday, October 19th, the Okanagan Sun emerged victorious over the Westshore Rebels, capturing the 2024 Cullen Cup with a 23-17 win. Marking the Sun’s second British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) championship in three years and propels them into the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) National Semi-Final.
Under the leadership of BCFC Coach of the Year Travis Miller, the Sun dominated the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. Their offense was spearheaded by Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, running back Elelyon Noa, who shattered the BCFC single-season rushing record with 1,612 yards and 23 touchdowns. Rookie quarterback Marek Filipek, named Outstanding Offensive Rookie of the Year, showcased remarkable poise throughout the season, guiding the Sun’s high-powered offense with maturity beyond his years.
In the semi-final, the Sun faced the Valley Huskers. Despite a close contest that saw the Sun leading by just three points heading into the fourth quarter, they unleashed a 28-point barrage to secure a 50-19 victory. Defensive back David Lewis stood out intercepting Husker three passes, en route to punching their ticket to the BCFC conference final.
Conversely, Westshore Rebels had a season defined by grit and tenacity. After finishing the regular season as the third seed, the Rebels faced the second-seeded Langley Rams in the semi-final. In a thrilling upset, they edged out the Rams 25-21 on the road. Quarterback Ethan Pickard demonstrated resilience, overcoming injuries to lead his team with determination. The Rebels’ defense made its presence felt, intercepting five passes and stifling the Rams’ rushing attack, setting the stage for their third consecutive Cullen Cup matchup against the Sun.
The championship game was a microcosm of the teams’ seasons—intense, competitive, and unpredictable. The Sun seized early control, marching down the field on their first drive with Noa punching in a one-yard touchdown to the soundtrack of the home crowd’s screams. Kicker Liam Attwood added a 12-yard field goal, and quarterback Liam Kroeger, stepping in for the injured Filipek, connected with receiver Jordayne Falconer for a 26-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17-3 by halftime.
However, true to form, the Rebels were not to be underestimated. Capitalizing on two interceptions in the third quarter, they mounted a comeback. Pickard found Zion Brown for a 12-yard touchdown pass, and Carter Williams followed with an 11-yard rushing touchdown, levelling the score at 17-17.
In the decisive fourth quarter, the Sun showcased why they were the top seed. Attwood, displaying nerves of steel, kicked field goals from 31 and 26 yards to regain the lead. The Sun’s defense, anchored by Defensive Player of the Game David Lewis, who added three more interceptions to his impressive playoff tally, clamped down on the Rebels’ offense. On the game’s final play, defensive back and former 2024 Team Canada World Junior DB Easton Fenske intercepted Pickard. When the clock struck 0:00, the Sun emerged victorious beating the Westshore Rebels 23-17.
A Season of Accolades for the Sun
The Okanagan Sun’s success was amplified by numerous individual honours:
- Travis Miller: BCFC Coach of the Year
- Elelyon Noa: Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year and Outstanding Offensive Back
- Jacob Bond: Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year and Outstanding Linebacker
- Ahmed Borhot: Outstanding Defensive Back, leading the CJFL with eight interceptions during the regular season.
- Kaiden Kerntopf: Outstanding Offensive Lineman
- Marek Filipek: Outstanding Offensive Rookie of the Year
As the Sun prepare for the CJFL National Semi-Final on October 27th, their focus shifts to the national stage and capturing their 4th CJFL title. They will face the winner of the Prairie Football Conference final between the undefeated Saskatoon Hilltops and the Regina Thunder.
About the CJFL
The Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) is a national amateur football organization that provides opportunities for players aged 17 to 22 to play at a highly competitive level across Canada. Established in 1974, the CJFL comprises multiple conferences, including the British Columbia Football Conference, Prairie Football Conference, and Ontario Football Conference. The league is dedicated to fostering the development of young athletes both on and off the field, promoting sportsmanship, education, and community involvement. Through its commitment to excellence, the CJFL plays a crucial role in the growth of Canadian football, serving as a bridge to higher levels of the sport.
About Football Canada
Football Canada is the national governing body for amateur football in Canada, committed to developing and promoting the sport at all levels—from grassroots to high-performance national teams. Founded in 1884, Football Canada oversees programs and competitions that engage players, coaches, and officials across the country. The organization strives to foster a safe and inclusive environment, emphasizing the values of teamwork, respect, and excellence. Through partnerships with leagues like the CJFL and initiatives in player development and coaching education, Football Canada plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in the nation.
