Despite Cullen Cup loss, Rams remain optimistic

While they were unable to defend the title, Langley still gave a solid effort in the British Columbia Football Conference.

On the back of a 7-3 season, which was good enough for third in the league, the Rams easily slipped past the Okanagan Sun (8-2) in the Semi-Final, before eventually succumbing to the Vancouver Island Raiders in the Cullen Cup Final.

And although the Cullen Cup loss to the Raiders by a score of 48-37 represents the end of the Rams season, they can still take comfort in the fact that there were some incredible individual efforts to mark the campaign.

Evan Foster was against the Oustanding Defensive Lineman, thanks to his 15 solo tackles, 13 assists, and one interception for a touchdown. But most of all, it was his 16 sacks, which set a new single season record in the 130-year old Canadian Junior Football League.

Anthony Daley picked up the Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award for the second year running, while Brad Goodchild, also an offensive lineman, won the Ron White Community Service Award.

Kyle Albertini, with 94 carries, 838 yards (best in the conference), four touchdowns, an average of 8.9 yards per carry, won the Oustanding Offensive Back Award.

Daley, Shawn Mellesmoen (offensive lineman), Albertini, Malcolm Williams (receiver), Foster, Joe Patko (linebacker), Tanner Hamade (defensive back), and Steve Thomas (place kicker) were named to the all-star team.

All of this gives optimism for next season. But the man it may well hinge upon is quarterback Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren, who set Cullen Cup records for pass attempts, completions, and passing yards.

All the more remarkable when you consider that the 21-year old hadn’t played a full season as quarterback since high school.

Having won the Cullen Cup in 2012, and lost in 2013, it’s going to be exciting to see how the Rams react in 2014.

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