Okanagan Sun are championship bound!

After defeating the St. Clair Saints 42-24 in the CJFL National Semi-Final, the Okanagan Sun are Canadian Bowl bound for the first time since 2015.

The last time the Sun won a national title was in 2000.

They’ll travel by charter to Saskatchewan on Thursday as they get ready to take on the Prairie Division Champions, Regina Thunder, who beat the Saskatoon Hilltops 39-21.

For Tyler Going, who will play his final game in the CJFL this week, he was feeling like he had been waiting for this moment over the last several years.

“It’s my last time putting on the Okanagan Sun helmet, I’ve been here for six years,” he told Kelowna10. “It’s nice to finally make it to the nationals in my final year and just cherishing every moment I have, it’s awesome.”

Going said there has been a more veteran feel to the team as numerous players have been there for the last four to six years. He credited their high physical play, explosive offense, and special teams that helped them find success against the Saints, which eventually earned them a spot in the finals.

But heading into the national title game, they feel they still have a lot to prove to those out east.

“I think we’re the underdogs,” he said. “Everyone in the prairies thinks Regina’s going to win, but we are the National Conference Champions, and we feel it’s our game to lose.”

On the other end of the spectrum is first-year wide receiver, Noah Bymak, who finished second in touchdowns and third in yards among receivers in the BC Football Conference (BCFC).

Bymak, who spent last season playing basketball with the Okanagan College Coyotes, had to quickly shift into gear to get ready for his football season.

He credits the team for making it a seamless transition.

“We have a great group of leaders; everyone shows everyone what to do and it makes the job easier,” he said. “You look at every position and there’s a leader who’s been there for a long time, making it easier to trust the guy to your left or right.”

The upcoming game will also mark a homecoming for Bymak.

“I’m from Saskatchewan, so it’s special to go back home and play against guys I grew up with,” he explained. “The nerves are coming up and we’re super excited, it’s the game of the year.”

They will take on the Thunder Saturday, Nov. 12 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina at 11 a.m. PST.