Can you believe it? Grizzlies come back down twenty points and shock Eagles
The best teams never believe they’re out of a game, no matter how bad things look. The G.W. Graham Grizzlies rallied together and showed how, with mental toughness and perhaps a bit of delusion, anything is possible with their 36-32 victory over the Carson Graham Eagles.
The first quarter and a half of this game belonged to the Eagles. Their offense drove up and down the field effortlessly. Quarterback Jack Shih led the Eagle’s air raid attack to three scores on the team’s first four possessions and had his team-leading 20-0 in the first quarter.
With the score 26-7 late in the second quarter, the Grizzlies finally came out of hibernation. First quarterback Lincoln Boyd drove the team downfield before the half. Boyd completed passes to his targets, showing poise in the pocket and precision accuracy on his throws before the Grizzlies ran the ball in from a yard out, cutting the lead to 26-14 Eagles at the half.
Coming out of the half, the Grizzlies changed their mentality on both sides of the ball. On offense, they started pounding the rock and utilizing jet sweeps to attack the outside of the Eagles’ defense. The Grizzlies would then fake those sweeps and hand the ball inside to running back Denver Adam for tough yards.
On defense, the Grizzlies started bringing heat. Likely feeling like Shih had far too much time to get the ball to his targets, the Grizzlies started blitzing an extra linebacker, sometimes two and affected Shih’s timing in the process.
After Michael Blair made a ridiculous catch in double coverage to cut the lead to 26-21, the Eagles responded right back and led 32-21. With time running out, the Grizzlies didn’t panic.
They pressured Shih, got the stop they needed on fourth down, and pounded the ball on consecutive drives, and as Ridley Mastin took a jet sweep into the endzone and the Grizzly’s sideline erupted, the team had its first lead of the game with just 47 seconds to go.
With one last chance to avoid an epic collapse, the ball was back in Shih’s hands. The quarterback threw four strikes in a row and had the Eagles on the Grizzly’s fifteen-yard line for the game’s final play.
Shih dropped back to pass and faced immediate pressure. He escaped the pocket and sprinted to his right. Shih delivered a ball on the money to an open receiver at the five-yard line. As the ball was corralled near the endzone, multiple Grizzly defenders swarmed and kept the Eagles out of the endzone, and the comeback was complete.
The Grizzlies showed what’s possible when a team has belief, relentlessness, and the utmost mental toughness and fortitude. This group will never forget this surreal comeback from a twenty-point deficit against a very strong Eagles team.
Hyacks execute gameplan and Homecoming in front of a massive crowd
The New Westminster Hyacks do Homecoming right. Students, Alumni, and community members flood the stands at Mercer Stadium for one of the best atmospheres in all of BC High School football. In return for all the support, the Hyacks showed their appreciation with a 49-12 victory over the Handsworth Royals.
Hyacks head coach Andrew McKechnie thanked the lively crowd post-game.
“Another excellent crowd for Homecoming with over 2000 people in attendance. We appreciate the support from the students, school staff, community, and especially our alumni. Our kids are extremely hard-working, and we are glad they performed well in front of a special crowd.”
Benny Hageleit had the crowd up on their feet only 26 seconds into the game. As a Royals pass flew through the middle of the field, Hageleit broke on the ball from his free safety position, darting in front of the intended receiver for an interception.
Hageleit proceeded to weave through Royals on his way to the endzone for six. This started yet another strong showing for the Hyack’s Defense.
“Solid performance by our defense for the fourth straight game. We still need to clean up the finer details to prepare for this season’s upcoming games. Overall, we are learning to play team defense, and I am excited to see what we can do in a tight game.”
Hyacks’ defensive coordinator, Chad Oatway, said about his unit.
The Hyacks used a balanced attack again to put up points in bunches while leaning on the big boys up front. Offensive coordinator Darnell Sikorski says the team was seeing how much their line could handle in pre-game preparation this week.
“I’m overall happy with how our offensive line played. We challenged our offensive line this week to have a great week of practice. Tonight, we had guys play at different positions to develop depth, which we hope will pay dividends down the road.”
Despite the scoreline, McKechnie and the Hyacks have a lot of respect for the Royals.
“Full credit to Handsworth. They have some outstanding players and have played an extremely hard schedule this year. To play the top AA program in Washington State plus three top 10 ranked schools in BC. They’re not afraid to take on anyone. They should be commended for that.”
Next week, things get real for the Hyacks. McKechnie and his staff know the challenge they are in for.
“Things get tougher for us from here on out. Centennial presents many challenges and have great players all over the field. We’ll have our hands full and will need an excellent practice week.”
Kickoff will be at 7:30 at Mercer Stadium.
Crusaders, Deugau defeat former alum Fujimura’s Panthers
A game just means so much more when there’s a history between programs. The Holy Cross Crusaders’ second straight 21-6 victory at home will be even sweeter for head coach Conrad Deugau as his team didn’t just beat anyone. They defeated his friend and former Crusaders Alumni Jay Fujimura’s Abbotsford Panthers.
Fujimura went to Holy Cross and later taught at the school in the early 2000s. Deugau says the connection between him and the Panthers staff runs even deeper than that.
“I’ve taught his kids. Not to mention, we’re friends in general. Their OC, Carson Williams, coached at Holy Cross for a year with me. They also have other coaches who I know well. So with all that, there’s always a bit more emotion tied to it.”
The Crusaders channeled that emotion into playing fast, physical, and sound defense for a second straight week. Stopping the Panther’s Spread option attack early and often and making them try to move the ball through the air instead.
This played right into the hands of Paulo Emata. The senior linebacker had two interceptions, one that he took back for a pick-six to put the Crusaders up 7-0.
Deciding that dominating on only defense wasn’t enough, Emata later scored a receiving touchdown on offense to make the score 14-0. Emata’s playmaking ability really changed the complexion of the game.
Deugau was elated with Emata post-game.
“He had the best game of his high school career today. He really stood out for us today, and I’m so proud of him for how he’s developed as a player.”
The Panthers would respond in the second half and cut the lead to 14-6. Midway through the final frame, it was time for quarterback Xander McCrone and receiver Kaleb Orellana to make a critical play for the second week in a row.
McCrone faked left to his running back and then rolled right; as he did, Orellana came out of his break with a step on his defender toward the sideline. McCrone put the ball right on the money, and Orellana fell into the endzone, and with that, it was 21-6 Crusaders.
With the Panthers back with the ball looking for a miracle, Crusaders cornerback Kalel Dizon intercepted a fifty-fifty ball to put the game away for good.
Deugau was happy with his team’s performance for a second straight week.
“Our special teams were solid today as well. Both our kick-off and punt teams forced fumbles, and we were able to recover. Overall, it was a solid performance, and we will keep building for next week’s Saturday game vs Earl Marriott, another crosstown Surrey rival.”
The Panthers will look to rebound next week against the Sullivan Heights Stars.
Home sweet home. Centuars win big back on home soil
The Centennial Centaurs returned to home soil this week after a game south of the border last Friday. Being back Home has never felt sweeter for the Centaurs as they soundly defeated the Belmont Bulldogs 37- 14.
The Centaurs knew the key to this game was their defense. Belmont runs a Gun-T attack that can drive a defensive staff crazy. With a downhill run attack centered around pulling guards, the Centaurs knew their defense would have to be disciplined in their gap control to stop the run.
Led by linebacker Harry Lobay’s six tackles, the Centaurs defense was up to the task. Cole McEwen, Amir Ghambaru, and Adam Teglasi were stout on the defensive line, which allowed the tackle machine that is Lobay to stay clean, scrape across the formation, and follow the pulling guards to the ball carrier all night.
When Belmont went to the Air, the Centaur’s secondary was prepared for the Bulldog’s passing game. The Centaur’s back seven ran both their man and zone coverages effectively and prevented Belmont from making many big chunk plays.
Doran Geremia crucial pick in the third quarter for the Centaurs helped put away the Bulldogs for good. As good as the Centaur’s defense played, their offense also continues to impress.
Jaspar Baron barreled his way to another two rushing touchdowns. Receiver Ediri Ena Laqui scored a rushing score and then added a receiving touchdown through the Air. Isaiah Lescene also ran one into the endzone for the team as well.
Head Coach Dino Geremia had lots of positives to say about his team’s performance.
“Overall we are pleased with our effort in all phases of the game. Our goal is to simply continue to get better and work on the little things which will have the greatest impact on our improvement. We will need to get better this week vs. New West.”
That game vs New West next week is bound to be an exciting one. With elite playmakers on both sides of the ball for both teams, the matchup will be a can’t-miss for BC High School Football fans. Kickoff at Mercer Stadium will be at 7:30.
Sun Devils stay perfect with return of Dumas
A battle between the undefeated W.J. Mouat Hawks and the South Delta Sun Devils came down to the wire this afternoon. The X factor in a big 31-21 Sun Devils victory was the return of Dumas.
The return of Dominic Dumas, that is. The star quarterback returned to the field only having missed two games with a broken wrist. With his cast heavily padded on his non-throwing hand, he took the reigns of the offense back from his brother Damian.
With both brothers in the backfield, Damian and Dominic led the Sun Devils to victory against a Mouat team that had been running other teams out of the building for the last couple of weeks.
Damian, who’s leading the province in rushing as a quarterback, showed he’s just as dangerous when he’s at tailback. Damian had another spectacular day with over 200 yards rushing against a physical, sound 3-4 Mouat defense, which is built on stopping the run.
The Devils got off to an early 9-0 lead after a safety and then had a 35-yard connection from Dominic Dumas to Holden Hunter threw the air.
That 9-0 lead didn’t last long as Mouats explosive power spread offense scored the next two touchdowns and it was 14-9 Mouat at the half. To start the third quarter, it looked like Mouat was about to extend their lead further.
Driving inside the Sun Devils ten-yard line, South Delta’s defense forced a fumble and recovered. It was time for the Sun Devils to turn the tide in their favor.
The very next play it was Damian Dumas’s time. The province’s leading rusher received a handoff and sprinted right down the middle of the field, leaving Hawk’s defenders in the dust for a 90-yard score. After a 2-point conversion, the Devils were up 17-14
After a big defensive stop and another Touchdown from Damian from five yards out, it was 24-14 South Delta. Mouat regrouped with a long scoring drive of their own and, with the score 24-21, had the ball back in their own territory with a chance to take the lead.
With the Sun Devils perfect record on the line they called on their secondary to save the day. With the ball in the air, Sun Devils’ defensive back Anthony De Albuquerque jumped the route and stole the ball from Mouat.
Securing his second pick of the day, Albuquerque put the game away for good, taking the interception to the house for an incredible pick-six.
Sun Devils’ head coach Ray Moon was very impressed with their team and the quality of football that both teams showcased today.
“It was a fantastic showcase of high school football today as both teams showed why they came into the game 4-0 and had a great start to the regular season. it was a team win by us. Our defense played phenomenal against a team that has scored at will this season and was coming off a 62-17 win against Terry Fox.”
The Sun Devils will put their perfect record on the line again next week when they play the Vancouver Fighting Irish on the road.