Okanagan Sun open 2025 BCFC season on the road in Langley Saturday

Story Courtesy Wayne Moore Castaanet

Photo & Artwork: @undrdogmediainc

The Okanagan Sun put the pads on for real Saturday night when they open up defence of their BCFC and Western Canadian championship on the road against the Langley Rams.

The Sun are coming off a season in which they rattled off 13 straight wins before falling 37-22 to the St. Clair Saints in the Canadian Bowl.

“It’s exciting,” said head coach Travis Miller prior to practice earlier this week.

“We had an opportunity to play Kamloops last weekend and exercise some demons.

“But, this week for sure, it’s a little more live fire action and an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season.”

The Sun beat the Rams both times they met last season, 22-15 to open the season at the Apple Bowl then a wild 41-38 in early September in Langley.

The Sun led 28-9 at the half but had to hold on in the second half for the three-point win.

Running back Elelyon Noa ran for 202 yards and scored all four Sun touchdowns.

But the BCFC single-season rushing leader won’t be in the lineup Saturday, having graduated following his record-setting 2024 season.

His spot in the backfield will be taken by veteran Gerren Hardisty who comes to the Sun after a season at York University where he was used sparingly on offence.

Two seasons ago, Hardisty ran for 1,309 yards and scored 16 touchdowns with the Westshore Rebels.

“This year, I think we arguably get the best running back that’s not named Elelyon Noa in our backfield,” said Miller.

“Geeren is a phenomenal athlete and a great person.

“When you put those things together and the competitive fire that kid has…if you know me well enough you know I’m a run first coach. I don’t think we are going to change from that.”

The other big change on offence is under centre where Liam Kroeger comes in as the unquestioned number one quarterback.

Kroeger split time with rookie Marek Filipek last season, however the CJFL’s offensive rookie of the year has committed to the University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s.

“Coming in as the unquestioned number one you have that support.

“We do have some really good young quarterbacks in that room. They work together, they’re a passionate group who are all winners on and off the field.

“Giving Liam the support he needs and the reps he needs in order to develop is key. I think we’ll go as far as his arm and Gerren’s legs will take us.”

And the defence - always a strong suit for any Sun team.

The Sun have lost all-Canadian Jacob Bond, but added some studs, led by JaQuintis Summers, a 285 pound defensive end out of Prichard, Alabama who comes to the team after four years at Lane College.

“Our defence is incredible. I think the defence is definitely going to be the strength of the team, specifically the defensive line.

“We have six guys in that group that could be superstars anywhere else other than here because they’ll be rotating together.”

The Sun will open the home portion of the regular season next Saturday, July 26 when they welcome the VI Raiders to the Apple Bowl.