The Okanagan Sun has been a powerhouse in the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), thrilling fans across the Okanagan Valley, for the past 44 years.
With 17 BC Football Conference (BCFC) championships, 10 appearances in the national final, and three Canadian Bowl titles, the Sun are among the most prestigious programs in the country.
The Sun open their 2025 regular season on Sat., July 19, at 4 p.m. against the Langley Rams at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley.
The Rams are led by head coach Cory Philpot, a former CFL running back who guided them to a Canadian Bowl win in 2021.
There won鈥檛 be a radio broadcast this week due to a BC Lions scheduling conflict, but fans can stream the game on BCFCTV.com. Local supporters are invited to join a 鈥淲atch Party鈥� at Train Station Pub (1177 Ellis St.).
The Sun鈥檚 home opener is on Sat., July 26, at 7 p.m. versus the Vancouver Island Raiders.
In 2024, the Sun went 10鈥�0 during the regular season, then won three playoff games鈥攊ncluding a victory over the Regina Thunder at home鈥攖o reach the Canadian Bowl in Windsor, Ontario. Their pursuit ended there, falling 37鈥�22 to the host St. Clair Saints.
Some standout players from that championship team have moved on:
- Elelyon Noa, a star running back and CJFL rushing champion.
- Jacob Bond, a top linebacker, has made his professional debut with the BC Lions.
- David Lewis, a key defensive back, is also absent from the roster.
Head coach Travis Miller shared his optimism ahead of the new season.
鈥淲e have a group of dedicated players who are extremely motivated and committed to our goals,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his offseason, we鈥檝e made some great additions, both on the field and on the sidelines, with new players and coaches who bring energy, experience, and a winning mindset.鈥�
Some returning and new players to keep an eye on include:
- Liam Kroeger, quarterback: Kroeger has earned the starting QB spot for the 鈥�25 season. He finished the 2024 regular season with 51 completions on 80 attempts for 731 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. In three playoff games, Kroeger had 22 completions on 38 attempts for 350 yards and one touchdown.
- Jordayne Falconer, wide receiver: Led the team with 19 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. Added seven catches for 171 yards and a touchdown in the postseason.
- Gerren Hardisty, running back: Returning to the BCFC after a year at York University. Previously a two-time Special Teams Player of the Year, BCFC All-Star, and CJFL Second Team All-Canadian.
- JaQuintis Summers, defensive end: A newcomer from Lane College (Tennessee), with 74 total tackles and 8.5 sacks over four years.
- Grayson Statham, linebacker: In his fourth season. Second in solo tackles in 2024 with 33, plus eight in playoffs.
- Vicente Ferreira, defensive back: Third season with the team. Logged 19 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions in the regular season, plus two more picks in the playoffs.
- Grady Hay, punter: In his third season. Had 60 punts for 2,289 yards (29.6-yard net average) and two singles, including a strong showing in the CJFL semi-final.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a strong sense of purpose in our locker room right now,鈥� Miller added. 鈥淭he culture we鈥檝e built is one of accountability, effort, and brotherhood. We鈥檙e looking forward to the challenge ahead and can鈥檛 wait to compete each week.鈥�
The full regular-season schedule is available on the .
