Okanagan Sun players named to BCFC all-star defensive team

Five members of the Okanagan Sun have been named to the B.C. Football Conference’s 2017 all-star defensive team.

The announcement was made on the heels of the all-star offensive team, announced yesterday, which included offensive linemen Marshal Klein and Matthew Robinson, and receiver Nate Anderson.

Defensive lineman Cole Klughart (6’2” 250 lb) was named to the team in his first year with the Sun. The former University of Saskatchewan Husky put up 17 tackles and 4.5 sacks in eight regular season games.

The Sun took two of three linebacker spots with Conor Richard and Eli Haynes. The second-year Richard (6’0” 210 lb) is a repeat all-star. Heading into Saturday’s action, he’d recorded 33 tackles along with two sacks this year, while also recording a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Richard also recorded one interception, which he ran back for a touchdown. Richard is also a major contributor to the Sun’s special teams with 11 kickoff returns for 262 yards.

Fifth-year veteran Haynes (6’0” 225 lb) led the team with 40 tackles heading into Saturday’s game. He has also picked up two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and four deflected passes.

Defensive backs Tye Kitzman and Beck Fullerton were also named to the all-star team. Vernon’s Kitzman (6’2” 190 lb) is in his third year with the team. Before Saturday, he had 34 tackles and six interceptions. One of those picks was returned for a touchdown, and went along with his 10 deflected passes.

Fullerton (6’2” 215 lb) joins Richard as an all-star for the second year in a row. He had 24 tackles recorded before Saturday, along with two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two deflected passes. He ended the regular season with two interceptions.

The team was chosen by five league members, six members of the media and all six BCFC head coaches.

The Sun continue their preparations for a semifinal playoff game against the Vancouver Island Raiders on Sunday.