Two senior defensive backs from Bert Church High School have signed with B.C. teams in the Canadian Junior Football League, joining a 19-team national program that feeds into university and pro football.
Keagan Barendregt has signed with the V.I. Raiders in Nanaimo. Keilan Thompson has signed with the Okanagan Sun in Kelowna.
Both clubs compete in the B.C. Football Conference, one of three divisions in the CJFL.
Barendregt earned the Chargers’ Defensive Backfield Award in 2023 and was nominated for Most Valuable Player.
He also participated in the 2023 U.S. Army Bowl in Texas and received interest from teams in both Canada and the United States, according to a school news release.
"Not only have the Raiders been a successful program through the years, but the team and coaches feel like one big family where everyone looks out for each other," Barendregt said in the release.
"On the Raiders, I feel I can have a big impact on the team and ultimately become champions and open doors for my future," he said.
Thompson was named the Chargers’ Defensive Player of the Year in 2023–24 and received a Rocky View Schools All-Star Award in 2024–25.
He was selected to compete in the December 2024 Indigenous Bowl in Soboba, Calif., a football event featuring Grade 12 Indigenous players from across North America, the release said.
Thompson committed to the 2024 B.C. conference champion Okanagan Sun after being recruited by U.S. college and junior teams.
"I am very thankful for Sun coach Travis Miller," Thompson said in the release. "He has offered me a great opportunity to pursue football at the next level with a fantastic organization."
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the rich history and culture of the Okanagan Sun," he said.
Thompson is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and plans to study engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan while playing for the Sun.
Chargers co-head coach Steve Larsen described the pair as "aggressive playmakers" who "play both the run and pass with speed, intensity and maximum contact."
"They will excel at the next level," Larsen said in the release.
Five other Bert Church alumni are currently signed to CJFL teams, including:
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Aedan Thompson, defensive end (team to be announced)
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Parker McKillop, linebacker, Kamloops Broncos
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Caleb Van Sluys, safety/defensive back, Calgary Colts
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Charlie Wiersma, kicker/punter/wide receiver, Westshore Rebels
"We are proud of the program we have built at Bert Church," Larsen said in the release.
"Every year we have student-athletes recruited for the next level; not only because of their talent but because of their integrity, grit and perseverance," he said.
Barendregt and Thompson are scheduled to begin their rookie CJFL seasons on July 19.
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