Elijah Black Crowned 3A Football Player of the Year in BC

Elijah Black, quarterback for the W.J. Mouat Hawks, has been named the 2025 3A Football Player of the Year in British Columbia. The announcement was made on November 16, 2025, following a remarkable season where Black led the province with an impressive 1,733 passing yards and 14 touchdowns over six games.

Black’s performance established him as a standout player, completing an astounding 77 percent of his passes, with a total of 114 completions, significantly ahead of the next highest quarterback who recorded 76 completions. His contributions were crucial to the Hawks achieving a perfect 6-0 record in the regular season, which secured them the top seed for the playoffs.

Not just a threat in the air, Black’s versatility shone through as he also ranked 16th in rushing yards among 3A players, accumulating 359 rushing yards and scoring an additional 11 touchdowns. His overall offensive prowess has propelled the Hawks through the postseason, where he has already thrown for 769 yards and 13 touchdowns, coupled with 152 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Coaching Praise and Team Dynamics

W.J. Mouat Hawks’ head coach, Andrew Harder, praised Black’s rare talent and poise on the field. “There hasn’t been a quarterback that I’ve seen in B.C. football that has his poise in the pocket,” Harder stated. He highlighted Black’s ability to manage the game effectively, both before and after the snap.

Black has been recognized not only for his athletic skills but also for his leadership qualities. His calm demeanor in the huddle and steady approach have made him a reliable figure for his teammates. “He doesn’t ride highs or lows and lets his play speak for itself,” Harder noted.

Despite receiving the accolade, Black emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving individual recognition. “Realistically it’s not just an award for myself,” he remarked. “It doesn’t happen without linemen blocking, receivers running routes, and making catches—it’s more of a team award.”

Black’s journey this season has been particularly fulfilling as many of his teammates are friends he played with on the Abbotsford Falcons youth teams. This shared history has fostered a strong offensive unit, which Black credits for his success.

Future Aspirations and Training

In addition to his impressive performance on the field, Black has also set his sights on a potential college football career. He has received scholarship offers from UBC and the University of Waterloo, reflecting his potential to advance to higher levels of competition.

After his Grade 11 season, Black dedicated himself to enhancing his rushing ability, which contributed significantly to his improved statistics this year. He noted, “I trained really hard on getting bigger, faster, and stronger.” His commitment has paid off, with his rushing touchdowns nearly doubling from two to eleven.

Operating predominantly from the shotgun formation, Black explained how this style of play has allowed him more time to read defenses effectively. “It helps me see the whole defense, how defensive backs are playing our receivers, what the front is,” he said, demonstrating his strategic understanding of the game.

In addition to his quarterback duties, Black also contributes as a defensive back, which he enjoys as it helps him become a more complete player. He acknowledged Coach Harder’s influence on his football education, particularly in understanding coverage and defensive reads.

Football has deep roots in Black’s family, with his father, Derek Black, playing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and even competing on the practice roster for the Los Angeles Raiders. This legacy serves as motivation for Elijah, who aims to follow in his family’s footsteps.

As the W.J. Mouat Hawks prepare for the provincial semifinal against the South Delta Sun Devils on November 22, 2025, at BC Place, Black remains focused on achieving the long-held goal of winning a provincial title. The last championship for the Hawks was in 2005, and Black is determined to bring home the trophy.

“Since I came to this school in Grade 9, that’s been the goal,” he stated. “All these individual titles are cool, but it hasn’t been the goal. To finally finish that would be huge.” With the playoffs underway, all eyes will be on Black and the Hawks as they strive for victory.