St. Clair Saints overpower the London Beefeaters to capture the 2024 OFC Championship en route to the 116th Canadian Bowl

Photo Credits: Michelle Berg

The St. Clair Saints showcased their depth and dominance in a historic victory over the London Beefeaters, winning 75-39 in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) final at Acumen Stadium on Saturday. The win secured the Saints their third consecutive OFC title and a berth in the 116th Canadian Bowl, which they will host for the first time since 2017.

Despite missing key players, including the OFC’s Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Special Teams Player of the Year, the Saints delivered an outstanding offensive performance, amassing over 500 total yards. The win marks a record for the most points scored in an OFC final and cements the Mike LaChance-led Saints’ as a powerhouse in Ontario football.

“It was insane,” said Saints’ quarterback Matthew Guenette, who stepped up to start in place of injured Maurice Sodja. “I knew we would play really well; we have a great team, but we played unbelievably on offence.” Guenette put on a stellar performance, throwing for 377 yards and six touchdowns while also running in a score.

Head Coach LaChance praised his team’s efforts in the high-scoring final. “I expected us to play well on offence, but I didn’t expect that onslaught,” he said. “We weren’t trying to turn it into a track meet, but at one point in the game, it felt like both teams were going to score on every possession.”

The Saints’ offence was led by a number of standout performers. Running back Jesse Burella, filling in for lead rusher M.J. Doyle-Marshall, accumulated 112 yards combined rushing and receiving, adding two rushing touchdowns and two touchdown catches. Cameron St. Kitts-Park, Darius France, Tai Colquhoun, and Riley Sagriff each contributed receiving touchdowns, while Peyton Harris added a rushing score. Kicker Jack Lewis converted all 10 touchdowns and added a field goal, while the Saints’ defence forced a safety.

“Our second string is just as good. The depth on our team is just ridiculous,” Guenette said, reflecting on the Saints’ ability to step up when key players were sidelined.

Defensively, the Saints held strong despite the absence of key players like Jaylin Burnett and Gaddy Kazadi. Burnett, the OFC’s Defensive Player of the Year, and Kazadi, the Special Teams Player of the Year, were unavailable, but the team’s depth shone through.

“This is the best team, talent-wise, that we’ve put together in 21 years,” said LaChance. “Winning the OFC is amazing, but we want to win a natty,” added Guenette, emphasizing the Saints’ goal to secure a national title.

The win over the Beefeaters also marked the Saints’ 500th all-time franchise victory.

The Saints will face the Okanagan Sun in the 116th Canadian Bowl on November 9th at Acumen Stadium. The Sun earned their spot in the national final with a 28-14 victory over the Regina Thunder.

H/T: Jim Parker – Windsor Sun

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.