Week 9 of the CFL 2025 season delivered standout moments, led by Damonte Coxie, Trey Vaval, and Willie Jefferson in a thrilling week of football action.
Star Performers Define Week 9 of CFL 2025
Where: Across stadiums in Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa
When: Week 9 (July 30 – August 3, 2025)
What: 3DownNation’s weekly CFL awards spotlight offensive, defensive, special teams, and coaching excellence — along with best and worst plays and games.
Week 9 of the 2025 Canadian Football League (CFL) season delivered high-octane drama, career-defining plays, and breakout performances. Recognized by 3DownNation contributors, the weekly awards reflect the highs and lows across the league — as teams shift focus to crucial mid-season matchups in Week 10.
Damonte Coxie Claims Top Offensive Honour
Who: Damonte Coxie, Wide Receiver, Toronto Argonauts
Why: Dominated with 187 receiving yards, 2 TDs
How: Precision route-running, strong hands, elite yardage gains
Toronto Argonauts’ receiver Damonte Coxie lit up Winnipeg’s defence with a commanding 9-catch, 187-yard, 2-touchdown performance. Despite a narrow team loss, the Louisiana native vaulted to the top of the CFL’s receiving chart. Coxie is now just 86 yards away from a personal career high — and he’s played only eight games.
Jefferson Reignites Winnipeg’s Defence
Who: Willie Jefferson, Defensive Lineman, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Why: Key to ending Bombers’ 3-game losing streak
How: Recorded sack, forced fumble, 4 pass deflections
Veteran defensive force Willie Jefferson led a spirited Winnipeg defence against Toronto. His forced fumble directly led to a defensive touchdown by rookie Jay Person — a crucial momentum-shifter in a tightly contested game. Jefferson’s leadership and versatility reminded fans why he’s a six-time All-CFL selection.
Rookie Sensation Vaval Electrifies Special Teams
Who: Trey Vaval, Kick Returner, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Why: Historic 2-return-touchdown game
How: 93-yard kickoff & 97-yard punt return TDs
Trey Vaval’s star rose fast in Week 9, becoming just the 17th CFL player ever to score two return touchdowns in a single game. The Minnesota State product showed blistering speed and vision, scoring twice within two quarters. His breakout performance also earned him the Breakout Player of the Week nod.
Hamilton’s Line and Coaching Excellence on Display
Where: Hamilton @ Edmonton
Why: Elite offensive line and coaching impact
How: Allowed 1 sack, 350 passing yards, 3 TDs
Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ offensive line — featuring Bordner, Revenberg, Woodmansey, Dobson, and Barrow — protected quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell flawlessly, giving up just one sack. Offensive production soared, and Mitchell threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns, securing a second straight O-line award for the unit.
On the coaching front, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive coordinator Marc Mueller was lauded for dismantling the league’s top-ranked Montreal defence with 34 points — a mix of aerial and ground domination.
Highlights and Lowlights: The Week in Plays and Games
Best Play: Trevor Harris (Saskatchewan) delivered a stunning back-shoulder touchdown to KeeSean Johnson — a precision pass that defied tight coverage and spatial limits.
Worst Play: Montreal’s McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw a pass straight to Saskatchewan’s Nelson Lokombo — who dropped it, then dropped to do 10 pushups in self-penalty.
Game of the Week: Toronto at Winnipeg saw explosive action across all phases — offence, defence, and special teams — with Winnipeg sealing the win in a sold-out stadium thriller.
Least Entertaining Game: Calgary at Ottawa was marred by sloppy execution. Calgary’s P.J. Walker threw three interceptions, and injuries crippled the Stamps’ offence, though Ottawa fans celebrated their team’s much-needed win.
Looking Ahead
As CFL heads into Week 10 with two divisional and two interdivisional matchups, eyes will remain on rising stars like Coxie and Vaval. With tight standings and playoff hopes brewing, the intensity is only just beginning to rise across Canadian stadiums.
Stay tuned to Mapple News Wire and 3DownNation for your weekly CFL highlights, analysis, and award picks.
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