The Ottawa Sooners of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) announced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon at the Barrhaven Source for Sports that they have signed Jesse Mills and Dechaun Beals. Both Halifax players will suit up for the Sooners in the 2012 season.

“Were very excited to have to players of this quality and leadership joining us next year with the Sooners,” comments Rob Raistrick, president of the Ottawa Sooners.

Both players are familiar with each other as they helped lead the Citadel Phoenix in winning three consecutive Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) titles from 2008-2010.

Mills started the last five games of the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) League for the Saint Mary’s Huskies as quarterback and his record was 4-1 in five starts. Moreover, the 6’4, 230 pound pivot represented Canada for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Team, who defeated the United States team in Texas earlier this month.

As the quarterback with the Citadel Phoenix of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL), he boasted an undefeated record in his three years on the team and led the team to a third consecutive Tier 1 championship title in 2010.

During his time with the Phoenix, Beals was known quick and powerful running back. In 2010, the 5’11, 180 pound standout was Nova Division offensive player of the year in the NSSAFFL. That season alone, Beals racked up 1514 yards on 62 carries (an average of 24.4 yards per carry) while amassing 14 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. In 2011, the explosive running back took the year off from football to focus on work.

With today’s signing by the Sooners, both players are also the first two confirmed names on the football roster for the Carleton Ravens. The Ravens are set to rejoin the Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) in the 2013 season and will be coached by Steve Sumarah.

A big factor in both Mills and Beals decision to come play in Ottawa was to have the opportunity to play for the new Ravens head coach. Mills played for Sumarah at Saint Mary’s last season.

“Both players are just outstanding football players,” said Sumarah in the press release. “They’re also very happy with everything about the Sooners’ program, including the convenience of being able to play their junior football right on campus (at Keith Harris Stadium).”


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