Cullen Cup Preview
Cullen Cup Showdown: Rebels vs. Sun at the Apple Bowl
The BCFC champions Cullen Cup, featuring the defending champions, the Westshore Rebels, battling the undefeated Okanagan Sun goes Saturday 3PM at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Westshore Rebels (5-5) have faced a tumultuous season, fighting through adversity and injuries. Their resilience was on full display in their semi-final victory over the Langley Rams, where they narrowly edged out a 25-21 win. Led by quarterback Ethan Pickard, who finished the regular season as the conference’s premier passer, the Rebels possess a passing attack that, when clicking, can devastate defenses. However, the Sun's secondary has contained him in their two meetings, allowing Pickard only one touchdown against seven interceptions—a statistic he’ll be keen to improve upon.
On the other hand, the Okanagan Sun (10-0) enter the clash on a wave of momentum, coming off a 50-19 victory over the Valley Huskers. The Sun exhibited offensive might by scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter, defying a 17-7 second quarter deficit. However, questions linger about their star running back Elelyon Noa, who appears to be nursing an injury that limited him to just 56 yards in the semi-final. Noa, a record-setting rusher with 380 yards and four touchdowns against the Rebels this season, will need to be at or near full strength for the Sun to maintain their dominance.
The matchup also sees a fierce battle in both trenches. The Rebels lead the BCFC in quarterback sacks with 25 11 games, while the Sun's offensive line has allowed only four, a testament to their dominance in protecting the quarterback. However, the Sun's success will hinge on their ability to establish the run game early and effectively, allowing them to control the clock and dictate pace.
Offensive Struggles and Adjustments
While both teams boast potent offenses, they are grappling with internal issues. The Rebels, after losing key personnel due to injuries, saw defensive back Gio Linuzzi step into the backfield, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown in the semi-final. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball provides a spark for Westshore, but it also raises concerns regarding their depth in the backfield—a critical consideration against a tough Sun defense.
The Sun offense must adjust if Noa is not at 100%. Running back Tristen Peddle, who has contributed 413 yards, will need to rise to the occasion. The pressure will also lie on the shoulders of Marek Filipek or potentially Liam Kroeger, the latter demonstrating formidable arm strength off the bench in the semi-final. With the Sun's passing game averaging only 206 yards a game, the quarterback decision will significantly impact their attacking strategy.
Defensive Matchup and Key Players
Defensively, the Rebels are anchored by linebacker Ted Windom Jr. and the versatile Linuzzi, who have shown tenacity against high-powered offenses. Westshore's ability to force turnovers will be vital if they hope to disrupt the Sun’s rhythm..
On the flip side, the Sun’s defense is led by Ahmed Borhot and linebacker Jacob Bond. Their ability to hold the Rebels’ potent passing game at bay will play a crucial role in this championship bout. The matchup features two powerful defensive units that have shown the capability to dictate games, with the Sun being disciplined and the Rebels battling penalties, averaging a staggering 169 yards in infractions per game.
Historical Context and Final Predictions.
The Rebels and Sun meet in the Cullen Cup for the 3rd straight season with the Rebels winning last season and the Sun coming out on top in 2022.
Historically, the Rebels have struggled against Sun in the play-offs, losing six of their eight Cullen Cup meetings. But that history is a distant memory if the islanders knock the Sun off for the second straight year Saturday. Turning the trick on the Sun home field would be a bonus.
When the final gun sounded on the 2023 Cullen Cup that saw the Rebels beat the Sun 33-19 it would have been a good bet that these two teams would be playing again today based on the number of players eligible to return. When the dust settled and players either moved on to university early or hung up the cleats with junior eligibility remaining the Sun returned just 4 offensive and 3 defensive starters. The Rebels saw just 4 on offence and 7 on the defensive side on the ball return. Pundits may not have expected these two teams to be battling with everything on the line but by Saturday afternoon either the Sun will have won its second title in three seasons or the Rebels go back to back.
The winner advances to the CJFL national semi-final next Saturday against the PFC champions. The Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder also play Saturday afternoon.