Chy Cup History
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1981- Joseph D Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Jerry Najor with his black socks and Andy Najor knocking anyone in front of them down so we could run the option. Amir Dickow and Gary Jonna played great at corners
From JOE SARAFA- Three Sarafa's. Three Najor's. Too much brain! Too much brawn! Championship #1.
Joseph K Sarafa- C
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Andy Najor
Tom Najor
Jerry Najor
Amir Dickow
Gary Jonna
Joe Sheena
Mark Dermanulain
1982- Joseph D Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Every team was trying to stop the option and I got to throw to Jim Larges and Anmar for TD’s all day.
From JOE SARAFA- We were not the most talented team but we were the most organized. Championship #2
Joseph D Sarafa
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Jerry Najor
Amir Dickow
Gary Jonna
Sabah George
Robert george
J.R. George
John lossia
Jim Larges
Ryan Husaynu
1983- Ron Jonna
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- An unbelievable championship game…back and forth….with RJ’s team scoring on the last play of the game and then converting the extra point for the win
From JOE SARAFA- Ron Jona's team beats us in a heartbreaker. We experience the agony of defeat.
Ron Jonna
John Jonna
Dave Yelda
Pete Najor
Mazin Gindu
John Lousia
Sabah George
Tom Sesi
Steve Nanoshi
Mark Sheena
27-26 this one was really super
1984- Frank Jonna
MVP:
Championship Memory: From JOE SARAFA- Frank Jonna gets a well deserved title. In my opinion, he is the Godfather of the CFL.
Frank Jonna
John Jonna
Gary Jonna
Ronnie Sabag
Johnnie Sabag
Jim Loussia
John Loussia
Eli abdala
Mike Kelmigian
Kevin Atcho
1985- Ron Jona
MVP:
Championship Memory: From JOE SARAFA- Ron Jona puts together a truly dominant team. I believe there will never be another undefeated team in the league
Ron Jonna - C
Al Casab
Jerry Najor
Tom Sesi
Terry Farid
Tommy Karikoza
Jim Larges
John Sorisho
Amir Dickow
Mark Dermanulian
Eli Abdala
Perfect 8-0
1986- Joseph Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Worst record but made playoffs and won title with Tex McCarthy catching a lot of passes and Mark Sarafa blocking great from the center position.
From JOE SARAFA- And now here is the rest of the story. We are in last place with one game to go. RJ's high powered offense is again on a roll with one loss. Every team made the playoffs. But no one wanted to meet RJ in the first round. As luck would have it, our last game was against the third place team. If we could beat them by more points than they beat us, we would be in third place and go against the second place team. And march to victory we did. We entered the playoffs with some momentun and with H throwing to Ace, we believed we could and did beat the second place team. To the finals we go! Unfortunately, Anmar was hurt. Our team knew but no one else was sure. We were 3 touchdown underdogs and there was good reason for it. Haithem and I spent hours coming up with a new offense and defense. And then we called two special team practices. Everyone showed up. Look at the roster. This was a great bunch of guys and they wanted the Chy Cup bad. Our game plan worked to perfection. We used Anmar as a decoy. Often double covered, we did not throw to him once. Our guys played their hearts out and we controlled the game on both sides of the ball. Tex McCarthy played great. He scored three touchdowns and we never looked back. And thus, the last became first. Championship #3
Joseph D Sarafa -C
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Mark Sarafa
Ken Atchoo
Kevin Atchoo
J.R. George
Bobby George
Paul George
Mike Kizy
Tex McCarthy
Gary Jonna
…and the last shall be first
1987- Bashar Rabban
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- 4th down and 10 yard play- H blitzed Russ and got to him…pulling his sweats down, but not getting flag. Russ throws to Garrett Hall for touchdown to win the game on the final play
From JOE SARAFA- We lost the final again. On the final play again. But it becomes clear to me that this is now Haithem’s team to lead.
Bashar Rabban
Mazin Jendo
Russ Smith
Jimmy Rabban
Akrum Kerker
Kevin Atchoo
Kevin Denha
Garrett Hill
Tom Hannett
Al Jonna
Ryan Hesano
Martin George
The expansion explosion
1988- Andy Najor
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Andy Najor-C
Tom Najor
Najy Jaboro
Jeff Bogden
Gary Jonna
Stephen Najor
Vincent Najor
Alfred Casab
Amir Dickow
Us against the league
1989- Haithem Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- With Ken Atchoo at running back, Paul George and Bobby George blocking and Anmar and Ron Sabbagh to throw to, championship won easily with SIX Sarafa’s on the team
From JOE SARAFA- Haithem proves me right. I loved being on this team. It felt like family. Oh! That's because it was all family. We cruised to our 6th final in nine years. Team of the 80's wins Championship #4.
Haithem K. Sarafa- C
Joeseph D Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Maher Sarafa
Mike Sarafa
Mark Sarafa
Ken Atchoo
Paul George
Bobby George
J.R. Kizy
Mark Sheena
Ron Sabbag
Ricki Kalabat
Samir Thomas
Team of the 80's
1990- Bashar Rabban
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bashar Rabban- c
Russ Smith
Karl Dallou
Kevin Denha
Garret Hall
Mazin Jendo
Mike Y Yasso
Kevin Atchoo
Al Jonna
Phil Mansour
Jimmy Rabban
George Daiza
Sweet Revenge
1991- Haithem Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From Haithem Sarafa- Great athlete with Roy Sitto but needed some seasoning at QB so had him share duties. Great defensive rush with Mitch Rabban and Glenn Bednarsh. Had speed with Kamal Rabban and J.R. Kizy..(that’s right…the same J.R. Kizy). Decided to retire after the game.
Haithem K Sarafa- C
Anmar Sarafa IR
Naher sarafa
J.R. Kizy
Mike Kizy
Ken Atchoo
Bobby George
Mark Denha
Ronnie Sabag
Kamal Rabban
Mitch Rabban
Roy Sitto
Glen Bedmarsh
Tom Sesi
Experience + youth = Title #5
1992- Ron Jona
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- I am not sure why I am not on the trophy. R.J.s team was 0-4 because of injuries. I was asked to come back. Ended up 4-4, made the playoffs and with RJ at QB and me in the backfield as an RB, won the title.
Ron Jonna-c
John Jonna
Pete Jonna
Mark Jonna
Mike Essshaki
Glen Bednarsh
Dennis Sarafa
Dave Morgan
Paul George
Mike George II
Tony Konja
The Mighty Ducks
1993- Mike Yasso
MVP: Tony Jaboro
Championship Memory:
Mike Yasso- C
Tony Jaboro- MVP
Najy Jaboro
Roy Sitto
Mike Esshaki
Bobby Bogden
Ricky Kallabat
Glen Bednarsh
Jeff Bogden
Gang Green
1994- Saber Ammori Captain/ Ron Jona coach
MVP:
Championship Memory: From SABER AMMORI- White finally won its first championship by beating an undefeated GREAT Blue team with Russ in his prime and Boom was the best blocker/rusher in the league. That White team was a truly a blast.
Ronnie ran the defense, I definitely learned a lot from him especially the Zone blitz.
Roy had an awesome season and he and Ronnie argued the whole way.
Kello was the shifty running back and yea he was pretty good back then.
Neb Mecanie was our center and made monster TD catch the big game (I think his only td catch all year)
Roy Sitto
John Kello
Namir Nader
Amer Nafso
Neb Mekani
Saad Kalabat
Nofel Paulus
Mike Esshaki
Julian Jaddau
Ron Jonna- Coach
Saber Ammori Capt
White Heat
1995- Ramzy Kizy Jr
MVP: Dennis Sarafa
Championship Memory:
Ramzy Kizy J.R.-C
Dennis Sarafa-MVP
Anthony Toma
Nofal Paulus
Nemir Nadhir
Nash Zaitouna
Mike Kizy
Chris Kizy
Marc Jonna
Busher Raaban
Mike Zeer
13-6 OT Thriller
The Orange Crush
1996- Kevin Denha
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Kevin Denha-C
Karl Dallou
Russ Smith
Ken Atchoo
Najay Jaboro
Maher Sarafa
Bobby Semaan
Brian Najor
Mike george
Rodney Gappy
Bashar Rabban
Blue thunder
1997- Kevin Denha
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Kevin Denha- C
Karl Dallou
Russ Smith
Namir Nadhir
D.J Sarafa
Mike George II
Rodney Gappy
Chris Kizy
Timmy Abbo
Two for Blue Back to back
Blue thunder II
1998- Mike Esshaki
MVP: Peter Rabban
Championship Memory:
Peter Rabban-MVP
Kamal Rabban
Jason Hesano
Paul George
Jeff Bogden
Bruce Toma
Anthony Toma
Tim Abbo
Mike Zeer
Derick Dickow
Micheal Esshaki-C
Speed Kills
1999- Saber Ammori
MVP: Joey Jonna
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Out of retirement with Frank Jonna as a blocker to help his son Joe Jonna lead Saber’s team to championship. Joe Jonna learned tricks of QB quickly and I taught Tariq Kama (an unbelievable athlete), that you can win with your head as well as with athletic ability.
From SABER AMMORI- There was no parity that year and Red under A.T. was clearly the best team of the regular season and White was a distant 2nd.
White’s first year with Joey as QB and his dad Frank blocked for us a couple of games that year. Tareq was our 2nd round pick that year and he turned out to be super player.
Haitham blocked and coached the offense (another 1 of my football mentors)
Red was awesome that year and was blowing out everyone.
Bobby Seaman was great rusher, Roy and Pete Rabban were lighting it up that year and AT was the best possession receiver in the league. We somehow beat them on a super windy day.
The play that I remember the most is when we called a very risky 3rd down play.
We are up a touchdown and we need 5 yards for a first we send Tareq on a down out and go, Joey hit him on stride and WOW White was going to win.
Joe Jonna-MVP
Tarik Kama
Haithem Sarafa
Dave Lucia
Frank Jonna
Martin Manna
Nofal Paulus
Mike George
Joe Kyriakoza
Wassem Souma
Saber Ammori-C
White Shocks the world
2000- Micheal Esshaki
MVP: Jeff Bogden
Championship Memory:
Micheal Esshaki-C
Jeff Bogden-MVP
Tim Abbo
Allen Abbo
Waseem Somo
Peter Rabban
Karl Dallou
Tony Attisha
Salwan Kesto
Golden Surprise
2001- Roy Sitto
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Roy Sitto-C
Ramzy Kizy Jr
Peter Rabban
Tony Attisha
John Hindo
Martin Manna
Mike Palmer
Mike Zeer
Nadir Jiddou
Joe Foumia
Black second half comeback
2002- Bobby Semaan
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bobby Semaan-C
Russ Smith
Ray Dawood
Timmy Abbo
Vinnie Alexander
Bruce Toma
Chris Zeer
Derek Dickow
Ray Lucia
Chris Denha
2003- Bobby Semaan
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bobby Semaan-C
Russ Smith
Ray Dawood
Marvin Petrous
Dave Antiwan
Bruce Toma
Chris Zeer
Derek Dickow
Mikey George
10-2
Green Machine Back to back
2004- Joey Jonna
MVP: Joey Kejbou and Anthony Hesano
Championship Memory: From JOEY JONNA- The greatest show on turf- included star receivers Joey Kejbou, Anthony Hesano, and Nolan Karrumi- in my opinion the best group of receivers on one team in league history. After losing the first game of the season, TEAM WHITE reeled off 11 straight wins capping it off with a dominating championship game performance against Roy Sitto’s Black team to finish the season 11-1.
From SABER AMMORI- 17 years in the league and I am now a blocker/linebacker and we have moved to astro turf. The League is FAST, FAST, FAST and FAST
Joey is the captain and in his prime and 3 great receivers in Anthony, Nolan, Joey Kejbou and Denny at center.
Memories that year definitely have to include the after party
$2000 dollar tab at Roseys
Got tackled by Bobby and fumbled a whole plate of potato chips in Joey’s basement
Joey’s brother in law almost got has hand bit off when he came down with a bunch of Taarthas and Joey dislocated his shoulder by Bobby jumping on him from the top turnbuckle.
Retired for the first time
Joey Jonna
Joey Kedjbou- MVP
Anthony Hesano-G MVP
Saber Ammori
Dennis Sarafa
Branden Yono
Patrick Hesano
Jon Sesi
Nolan Karrumi
Joey Kyriakoza
Leith Sawa
11-1
White Wall
2005- Joey Jonna
MVP: Jordan Rassan and Dennis Sarafa
Championship Memory: From JOEY JONNA- With a 3 point lead late in the 4th Quarter of the Championship, Yellow Coach Karl Dallou decided to take a safety and depend on his defense to stop TEAM WHITE from going the length of the field. With 1:30 left and one timeout, TEAM WHITE’S offense marched down the field and scored the winning TD with 6 seconds left on a great grab by rookie lineman Jordan Rassan. White finished 11-1 for the second consecutive season, despite playing its first 4 games without top player Joey Kejbou. It is also worth noting that Kejbou played two games that season with his jaws wired shut due to a broken jaw.
From SABER AMMORI- Not on White for the first time in my career and was feeling pretty washed up.
A.T traded me to get me on a playoff team because Red was not going to make it (he is a good friend)
Carl Dallou had made many trades and ended up with a very talented team
Yellow won 5 games in row to go to the championship game and we were playing very well until the wheels fell off in the 4th quarter.
This was probably the toughest loss I had experienced.
I convinced Carl to take the safety and play defense and force Joey to score on a long field and they did with less than 10 seconds left
Questionable move and because it did not work, that call was wrong and on me
Retired for the 2nd time
Joey Jonna- Coach
Joey Kedjbou
Nolan Karrumi
Jordan Rassam-Pl MVP
Dennis Sarafa-MVP
Danny Shaba
Bruce Toma
Dave Antwan
Steve Sagmani
John Katoula
Mark Sheena
11-1
Whites World, Back to Back
2006- Roy Sitto
Season MVP: Natham Karrumi
Championship Memory:
ROY SITTO - COACH
RAY DAWOOD
NATHAN KARRUMI-O MVP
DEREK DICKOW-D MVP
FADI GULLI
LANCE SITTO
JOHN KELLO
GABE ZAWEIDEH
JOHN KATOULA
JOHN SESI
BLACK ATTACK
2007- Bobby Semaan
MVP: Tony Attisha
Championship Memory:
Tony Attisha-MVP
Karl Dallou
Norman Yono JR.
Nelson Bricko
Ramy Sulaiman
Bobby Semaan
Russ Smith
Tyson Yono
Chris Denha
Bash Taki
Green Machine
2008- Nate Karrumi
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Nathan Karrumi- Coach
Nick Ammori-D MVP
Anthony Acho- S MVP
Tim Acho- PL MVP
Derek Putrus
Cenan abdal
Ray Loussia
Branden Yono
Marvin Yeldo
Justin Kasgorgis
Scotty Acho
2009-Yellow Wins!!!
OTHER GREAT CFL MEMORIES
HAITHEM SARAFA- The best memories were the early years when after the games we would go to Aunt Margaret’s house (Joe Sarafa’s mom) and drink tea and have bread, cheese and watermelon after the games. We would be filthy and we would sit in her white clean kitchen and dirty it up but we would laugh and reminisce with players from all the teams. Whenever there was a big game, we would meet at Joe’s house a couple hours before and go over strategy for the big game. Joe Sarafa and I would develop a strategy and we would then explain it to the rest of the team who all just shook their heads most of the time probably thinking “how did you two come up with all this stuff”. We would always end our meetings with a prayer to keep everyone safe and the camaraderie and fellowship was amazing. Rivalries were always brewing with the Najor’s and Frank Jonna’s team always being VERY intense and getting flagged for late hits and holdings. No matter how intense and mean everyone got during the games, it was always “ let’s go have breakfast” after the games and all bad feelings were forgotten.
SABER AMMORI- 20 years of memories
Multiple shoulder injuries, great rivalries with JR’s and Shack’s teams
Countless hours trying to figure out how to slow down Russ
Got to play with my Nephews, Cousins, and Friends and having my Boys watch me play
The Camaraderie was unbelievable
Heartbreaking losses
DRINKING FROM THE CHY CUP 3 GLORIOUS TIMES
I love the CFL
COMPLIMENTS TO RUSS SMITH…
KEVIN DENHA- I had the pleasure of coming into the league in 1987 the same time Russ did. I was even more fortunate to have him on all 4 of my championship teams.
The following occurrences that still are fresh in my memory today that happen on the field, in the huddle, and on the sidelines:
ON THE FIELD
-1987 last second touchdown pass to beat yellow for our first title
-Game winning touchdown pass on 4th down with his pants pulled down to his ankles
-All the Najor’s on the Yellow team mauling him and Russ getting right back up for more.
-His unbelievable ability to scramble and make something out of nothing
-Flag pulling abilities were aewsome
IN THE HUDDLE & SIDELINES
-Coming to MULTIPLE games still drunk and burping up ScrewDrivers and Miller Lite.
-He Smelled like ASS in the AM
-Telling Karl Dalloo that you are not open on every play
-Asking Bashar Rabban if he could move over in the huddle due to him getting a contact BUZZ
-Telling me to Punch Rebe and Mike Esshaki in the head due to multiple late hits on him
-asking Bobby Seaman how many broads he banged the night before
-Telling Mazin Jendo how his all-nighter was the night before.
-Telling Mike Y to move over due to a contact Buzz as well.
One of my fondest memories of Russ and my Championship team in 1996 was after the win, most of the team came to my Liquor store that afternoon.
From 1pm to 9pm, Russ, Bobby Seaman, Karl Dallou, Rodney Gappy, & 2-others guys I cant recall consumed 2-fifths of vodka, 4-cases of beer, 16, 22oz Bud-Light Bottles
4-pizzas, 7-bags of chips, 10-sandwitches, & $500.00 dollars worth of $10.00 instant lottery tickets. The thing that sticks out was Russ drank all the 22oz beers on his own and was the only guy
Who lifted up the toilet seat to take a piss. (Lifting up the seat is one of my pet peeves) He also won in cards they were playing in my backroom as well.
Russ is a great player, an asset to the league, great person, and friend. A first Ballot CFL Hall of Fame Inductee!
RON JONA- I cant believe how long and how well Russ played in the CFL. He had had an amzing career when I retired 12 tears ago !!! However, my greatest moment on defense came against him in 1994 with the unveiling of the zone blitz...white heat...later to be replicated for the first time in the NFL by Dom Capers of the Carolina panthers. We were 14 point underdogs, Russ was undefeated and making a bid for only the second perfect season in league history... but on a very cold and wet day, we somehow stopped him 14-6...Saber got his first championship. I think the 1985 team is still the only perfect season in CFL history. H, thanks for jogging the brain, I can see Jerrys black socks kicking my ass even as I write this.
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Jerry Najor with his black socks and Andy Najor knocking anyone in front of them down so we could run the option. Amir Dickow and Gary Jonna played great at corners
From JOE SARAFA- Three Sarafa's. Three Najor's. Too much brain! Too much brawn! Championship #1.
Joseph K Sarafa- C
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Andy Najor
Tom Najor
Jerry Najor
Amir Dickow
Gary Jonna
Joe Sheena
Mark Dermanulain
1982- Joseph D Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Every team was trying to stop the option and I got to throw to Jim Larges and Anmar for TD’s all day.
From JOE SARAFA- We were not the most talented team but we were the most organized. Championship #2
Joseph D Sarafa
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Jerry Najor
Amir Dickow
Gary Jonna
Sabah George
Robert george
J.R. George
John lossia
Jim Larges
Ryan Husaynu
1983- Ron Jonna
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- An unbelievable championship game…back and forth….with RJ’s team scoring on the last play of the game and then converting the extra point for the win
From JOE SARAFA- Ron Jona's team beats us in a heartbreaker. We experience the agony of defeat.
Ron Jonna
John Jonna
Dave Yelda
Pete Najor
Mazin Gindu
John Lousia
Sabah George
Tom Sesi
Steve Nanoshi
Mark Sheena
27-26 this one was really super
1984- Frank Jonna
MVP:
Championship Memory: From JOE SARAFA- Frank Jonna gets a well deserved title. In my opinion, he is the Godfather of the CFL.
Frank Jonna
John Jonna
Gary Jonna
Ronnie Sabag
Johnnie Sabag
Jim Loussia
John Loussia
Eli abdala
Mike Kelmigian
Kevin Atcho
1985- Ron Jona
MVP:
Championship Memory: From JOE SARAFA- Ron Jona puts together a truly dominant team. I believe there will never be another undefeated team in the league
Ron Jonna - C
Al Casab
Jerry Najor
Tom Sesi
Terry Farid
Tommy Karikoza
Jim Larges
John Sorisho
Amir Dickow
Mark Dermanulian
Eli Abdala
Perfect 8-0
1986- Joseph Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Worst record but made playoffs and won title with Tex McCarthy catching a lot of passes and Mark Sarafa blocking great from the center position.
From JOE SARAFA- And now here is the rest of the story. We are in last place with one game to go. RJ's high powered offense is again on a roll with one loss. Every team made the playoffs. But no one wanted to meet RJ in the first round. As luck would have it, our last game was against the third place team. If we could beat them by more points than they beat us, we would be in third place and go against the second place team. And march to victory we did. We entered the playoffs with some momentun and with H throwing to Ace, we believed we could and did beat the second place team. To the finals we go! Unfortunately, Anmar was hurt. Our team knew but no one else was sure. We were 3 touchdown underdogs and there was good reason for it. Haithem and I spent hours coming up with a new offense and defense. And then we called two special team practices. Everyone showed up. Look at the roster. This was a great bunch of guys and they wanted the Chy Cup bad. Our game plan worked to perfection. We used Anmar as a decoy. Often double covered, we did not throw to him once. Our guys played their hearts out and we controlled the game on both sides of the ball. Tex McCarthy played great. He scored three touchdowns and we never looked back. And thus, the last became first. Championship #3
Joseph D Sarafa -C
Haithem Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Mark Sarafa
Ken Atchoo
Kevin Atchoo
J.R. George
Bobby George
Paul George
Mike Kizy
Tex McCarthy
Gary Jonna
…and the last shall be first
1987- Bashar Rabban
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- 4th down and 10 yard play- H blitzed Russ and got to him…pulling his sweats down, but not getting flag. Russ throws to Garrett Hall for touchdown to win the game on the final play
From JOE SARAFA- We lost the final again. On the final play again. But it becomes clear to me that this is now Haithem’s team to lead.
Bashar Rabban
Mazin Jendo
Russ Smith
Jimmy Rabban
Akrum Kerker
Kevin Atchoo
Kevin Denha
Garrett Hill
Tom Hannett
Al Jonna
Ryan Hesano
Martin George
The expansion explosion
1988- Andy Najor
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Andy Najor-C
Tom Najor
Najy Jaboro
Jeff Bogden
Gary Jonna
Stephen Najor
Vincent Najor
Alfred Casab
Amir Dickow
Us against the league
1989- Haithem Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- With Ken Atchoo at running back, Paul George and Bobby George blocking and Anmar and Ron Sabbagh to throw to, championship won easily with SIX Sarafa’s on the team
From JOE SARAFA- Haithem proves me right. I loved being on this team. It felt like family. Oh! That's because it was all family. We cruised to our 6th final in nine years. Team of the 80's wins Championship #4.
Haithem K. Sarafa- C
Joeseph D Sarafa
Anmar Sarafa
Maher Sarafa
Mike Sarafa
Mark Sarafa
Ken Atchoo
Paul George
Bobby George
J.R. Kizy
Mark Sheena
Ron Sabbag
Ricki Kalabat
Samir Thomas
Team of the 80's
1990- Bashar Rabban
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bashar Rabban- c
Russ Smith
Karl Dallou
Kevin Denha
Garret Hall
Mazin Jendo
Mike Y Yasso
Kevin Atchoo
Al Jonna
Phil Mansour
Jimmy Rabban
George Daiza
Sweet Revenge
1991- Haithem Sarafa
MVP:
Championship Memory: From Haithem Sarafa- Great athlete with Roy Sitto but needed some seasoning at QB so had him share duties. Great defensive rush with Mitch Rabban and Glenn Bednarsh. Had speed with Kamal Rabban and J.R. Kizy..(that’s right…the same J.R. Kizy). Decided to retire after the game.
Haithem K Sarafa- C
Anmar Sarafa IR
Naher sarafa
J.R. Kizy
Mike Kizy
Ken Atchoo
Bobby George
Mark Denha
Ronnie Sabag
Kamal Rabban
Mitch Rabban
Roy Sitto
Glen Bedmarsh
Tom Sesi
Experience + youth = Title #5
1992- Ron Jona
MVP:
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- I am not sure why I am not on the trophy. R.J.s team was 0-4 because of injuries. I was asked to come back. Ended up 4-4, made the playoffs and with RJ at QB and me in the backfield as an RB, won the title.
Ron Jonna-c
John Jonna
Pete Jonna
Mark Jonna
Mike Essshaki
Glen Bednarsh
Dennis Sarafa
Dave Morgan
Paul George
Mike George II
Tony Konja
The Mighty Ducks
1993- Mike Yasso
MVP: Tony Jaboro
Championship Memory:
Mike Yasso- C
Tony Jaboro- MVP
Najy Jaboro
Roy Sitto
Mike Esshaki
Bobby Bogden
Ricky Kallabat
Glen Bednarsh
Jeff Bogden
Gang Green
1994- Saber Ammori Captain/ Ron Jona coach
MVP:
Championship Memory: From SABER AMMORI- White finally won its first championship by beating an undefeated GREAT Blue team with Russ in his prime and Boom was the best blocker/rusher in the league. That White team was a truly a blast.
Ronnie ran the defense, I definitely learned a lot from him especially the Zone blitz.
Roy had an awesome season and he and Ronnie argued the whole way.
Kello was the shifty running back and yea he was pretty good back then.
Neb Mecanie was our center and made monster TD catch the big game (I think his only td catch all year)
Roy Sitto
John Kello
Namir Nader
Amer Nafso
Neb Mekani
Saad Kalabat
Nofel Paulus
Mike Esshaki
Julian Jaddau
Ron Jonna- Coach
Saber Ammori Capt
White Heat
1995- Ramzy Kizy Jr
MVP: Dennis Sarafa
Championship Memory:
Ramzy Kizy J.R.-C
Dennis Sarafa-MVP
Anthony Toma
Nofal Paulus
Nemir Nadhir
Nash Zaitouna
Mike Kizy
Chris Kizy
Marc Jonna
Busher Raaban
Mike Zeer
13-6 OT Thriller
The Orange Crush
1996- Kevin Denha
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Kevin Denha-C
Karl Dallou
Russ Smith
Ken Atchoo
Najay Jaboro
Maher Sarafa
Bobby Semaan
Brian Najor
Mike george
Rodney Gappy
Bashar Rabban
Blue thunder
1997- Kevin Denha
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Kevin Denha- C
Karl Dallou
Russ Smith
Namir Nadhir
D.J Sarafa
Mike George II
Rodney Gappy
Chris Kizy
Timmy Abbo
Two for Blue Back to back
Blue thunder II
1998- Mike Esshaki
MVP: Peter Rabban
Championship Memory:
Peter Rabban-MVP
Kamal Rabban
Jason Hesano
Paul George
Jeff Bogden
Bruce Toma
Anthony Toma
Tim Abbo
Mike Zeer
Derick Dickow
Micheal Esshaki-C
Speed Kills
1999- Saber Ammori
MVP: Joey Jonna
Championship Memory: From HAITHEM SARAFA- Out of retirement with Frank Jonna as a blocker to help his son Joe Jonna lead Saber’s team to championship. Joe Jonna learned tricks of QB quickly and I taught Tariq Kama (an unbelievable athlete), that you can win with your head as well as with athletic ability.
From SABER AMMORI- There was no parity that year and Red under A.T. was clearly the best team of the regular season and White was a distant 2nd.
White’s first year with Joey as QB and his dad Frank blocked for us a couple of games that year. Tareq was our 2nd round pick that year and he turned out to be super player.
Haitham blocked and coached the offense (another 1 of my football mentors)
Red was awesome that year and was blowing out everyone.
Bobby Seaman was great rusher, Roy and Pete Rabban were lighting it up that year and AT was the best possession receiver in the league. We somehow beat them on a super windy day.
The play that I remember the most is when we called a very risky 3rd down play.
We are up a touchdown and we need 5 yards for a first we send Tareq on a down out and go, Joey hit him on stride and WOW White was going to win.
Joe Jonna-MVP
Tarik Kama
Haithem Sarafa
Dave Lucia
Frank Jonna
Martin Manna
Nofal Paulus
Mike George
Joe Kyriakoza
Wassem Souma
Saber Ammori-C
White Shocks the world
2000- Micheal Esshaki
MVP: Jeff Bogden
Championship Memory:
Micheal Esshaki-C
Jeff Bogden-MVP
Tim Abbo
Allen Abbo
Waseem Somo
Peter Rabban
Karl Dallou
Tony Attisha
Salwan Kesto
Golden Surprise
2001- Roy Sitto
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Roy Sitto-C
Ramzy Kizy Jr
Peter Rabban
Tony Attisha
John Hindo
Martin Manna
Mike Palmer
Mike Zeer
Nadir Jiddou
Joe Foumia
Black second half comeback
2002- Bobby Semaan
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bobby Semaan-C
Russ Smith
Ray Dawood
Timmy Abbo
Vinnie Alexander
Bruce Toma
Chris Zeer
Derek Dickow
Ray Lucia
Chris Denha
2003- Bobby Semaan
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Bobby Semaan-C
Russ Smith
Ray Dawood
Marvin Petrous
Dave Antiwan
Bruce Toma
Chris Zeer
Derek Dickow
Mikey George
10-2
Green Machine Back to back
2004- Joey Jonna
MVP: Joey Kejbou and Anthony Hesano
Championship Memory: From JOEY JONNA- The greatest show on turf- included star receivers Joey Kejbou, Anthony Hesano, and Nolan Karrumi- in my opinion the best group of receivers on one team in league history. After losing the first game of the season, TEAM WHITE reeled off 11 straight wins capping it off with a dominating championship game performance against Roy Sitto’s Black team to finish the season 11-1.
From SABER AMMORI- 17 years in the league and I am now a blocker/linebacker and we have moved to astro turf. The League is FAST, FAST, FAST and FAST
Joey is the captain and in his prime and 3 great receivers in Anthony, Nolan, Joey Kejbou and Denny at center.
Memories that year definitely have to include the after party
$2000 dollar tab at Roseys
Got tackled by Bobby and fumbled a whole plate of potato chips in Joey’s basement
Joey’s brother in law almost got has hand bit off when he came down with a bunch of Taarthas and Joey dislocated his shoulder by Bobby jumping on him from the top turnbuckle.
Retired for the first time
Joey Jonna
Joey Kedjbou- MVP
Anthony Hesano-G MVP
Saber Ammori
Dennis Sarafa
Branden Yono
Patrick Hesano
Jon Sesi
Nolan Karrumi
Joey Kyriakoza
Leith Sawa
11-1
White Wall
2005- Joey Jonna
MVP: Jordan Rassan and Dennis Sarafa
Championship Memory: From JOEY JONNA- With a 3 point lead late in the 4th Quarter of the Championship, Yellow Coach Karl Dallou decided to take a safety and depend on his defense to stop TEAM WHITE from going the length of the field. With 1:30 left and one timeout, TEAM WHITE’S offense marched down the field and scored the winning TD with 6 seconds left on a great grab by rookie lineman Jordan Rassan. White finished 11-1 for the second consecutive season, despite playing its first 4 games without top player Joey Kejbou. It is also worth noting that Kejbou played two games that season with his jaws wired shut due to a broken jaw.
From SABER AMMORI- Not on White for the first time in my career and was feeling pretty washed up.
A.T traded me to get me on a playoff team because Red was not going to make it (he is a good friend)
Carl Dallou had made many trades and ended up with a very talented team
Yellow won 5 games in row to go to the championship game and we were playing very well until the wheels fell off in the 4th quarter.
This was probably the toughest loss I had experienced.
I convinced Carl to take the safety and play defense and force Joey to score on a long field and they did with less than 10 seconds left
Questionable move and because it did not work, that call was wrong and on me
Retired for the 2nd time
Joey Jonna- Coach
Joey Kedjbou
Nolan Karrumi
Jordan Rassam-Pl MVP
Dennis Sarafa-MVP
Danny Shaba
Bruce Toma
Dave Antwan
Steve Sagmani
John Katoula
Mark Sheena
11-1
Whites World, Back to Back
2006- Roy Sitto
Season MVP: Natham Karrumi
Championship Memory:
ROY SITTO - COACH
RAY DAWOOD
NATHAN KARRUMI-O MVP
DEREK DICKOW-D MVP
FADI GULLI
LANCE SITTO
JOHN KELLO
GABE ZAWEIDEH
JOHN KATOULA
JOHN SESI
BLACK ATTACK
2007- Bobby Semaan
MVP: Tony Attisha
Championship Memory:
Tony Attisha-MVP
Karl Dallou
Norman Yono JR.
Nelson Bricko
Ramy Sulaiman
Bobby Semaan
Russ Smith
Tyson Yono
Chris Denha
Bash Taki
Green Machine
2008- Nate Karrumi
MVP:
Championship Memory:
Nathan Karrumi- Coach
Nick Ammori-D MVP
Anthony Acho- S MVP
Tim Acho- PL MVP
Derek Putrus
Cenan abdal
Ray Loussia
Branden Yono
Marvin Yeldo
Justin Kasgorgis
Scotty Acho
2009-Yellow Wins!!!
OTHER GREAT CFL MEMORIES
HAITHEM SARAFA- The best memories were the early years when after the games we would go to Aunt Margaret’s house (Joe Sarafa’s mom) and drink tea and have bread, cheese and watermelon after the games. We would be filthy and we would sit in her white clean kitchen and dirty it up but we would laugh and reminisce with players from all the teams. Whenever there was a big game, we would meet at Joe’s house a couple hours before and go over strategy for the big game. Joe Sarafa and I would develop a strategy and we would then explain it to the rest of the team who all just shook their heads most of the time probably thinking “how did you two come up with all this stuff”. We would always end our meetings with a prayer to keep everyone safe and the camaraderie and fellowship was amazing. Rivalries were always brewing with the Najor’s and Frank Jonna’s team always being VERY intense and getting flagged for late hits and holdings. No matter how intense and mean everyone got during the games, it was always “ let’s go have breakfast” after the games and all bad feelings were forgotten.
SABER AMMORI- 20 years of memories
Multiple shoulder injuries, great rivalries with JR’s and Shack’s teams
Countless hours trying to figure out how to slow down Russ
Got to play with my Nephews, Cousins, and Friends and having my Boys watch me play
The Camaraderie was unbelievable
Heartbreaking losses
DRINKING FROM THE CHY CUP 3 GLORIOUS TIMES
I love the CFL
COMPLIMENTS TO RUSS SMITH…
KEVIN DENHA- I had the pleasure of coming into the league in 1987 the same time Russ did. I was even more fortunate to have him on all 4 of my championship teams.
The following occurrences that still are fresh in my memory today that happen on the field, in the huddle, and on the sidelines:
ON THE FIELD
-1987 last second touchdown pass to beat yellow for our first title
-Game winning touchdown pass on 4th down with his pants pulled down to his ankles
-All the Najor’s on the Yellow team mauling him and Russ getting right back up for more.
-His unbelievable ability to scramble and make something out of nothing
-Flag pulling abilities were aewsome
IN THE HUDDLE & SIDELINES
-Coming to MULTIPLE games still drunk and burping up ScrewDrivers and Miller Lite.
-He Smelled like ASS in the AM
-Telling Karl Dalloo that you are not open on every play
-Asking Bashar Rabban if he could move over in the huddle due to him getting a contact BUZZ
-Telling me to Punch Rebe and Mike Esshaki in the head due to multiple late hits on him
-asking Bobby Seaman how many broads he banged the night before
-Telling Mazin Jendo how his all-nighter was the night before.
-Telling Mike Y to move over due to a contact Buzz as well.
One of my fondest memories of Russ and my Championship team in 1996 was after the win, most of the team came to my Liquor store that afternoon.
From 1pm to 9pm, Russ, Bobby Seaman, Karl Dallou, Rodney Gappy, & 2-others guys I cant recall consumed 2-fifths of vodka, 4-cases of beer, 16, 22oz Bud-Light Bottles
4-pizzas, 7-bags of chips, 10-sandwitches, & $500.00 dollars worth of $10.00 instant lottery tickets. The thing that sticks out was Russ drank all the 22oz beers on his own and was the only guy
Who lifted up the toilet seat to take a piss. (Lifting up the seat is one of my pet peeves) He also won in cards they were playing in my backroom as well.
Russ is a great player, an asset to the league, great person, and friend. A first Ballot CFL Hall of Fame Inductee!
RON JONA- I cant believe how long and how well Russ played in the CFL. He had had an amzing career when I retired 12 tears ago !!! However, my greatest moment on defense came against him in 1994 with the unveiling of the zone blitz...white heat...later to be replicated for the first time in the NFL by Dom Capers of the Carolina panthers. We were 14 point underdogs, Russ was undefeated and making a bid for only the second perfect season in league history... but on a very cold and wet day, we somehow stopped him 14-6...Saber got his first championship. I think the 1985 team is still the only perfect season in CFL history. H, thanks for jogging the brain, I can see Jerrys black socks kicking my ass even as I write this.
