Nightmare at Mercer; Hyacks survive disastrous fourth quarter to stay alive
The scariest holiday of the year may have been last weekend, but this Friday, the New Westminster Hyacks found themselves starring in their own Halloween horror film. The title of that movie would be something along the lines of “Drowning in the consequences of my own mistakes.” That title may not be adequate for a real box office hit, but the terror the Hyacks felt very much was.
If you ask the Hyacks’ coaching staff, this idea for a motion picture never should’ve come to fruition. Leading the G.W. Graham Grizzlies 42-23 in the third quarter, the Hyacks looked to have put the game away for good as one of their receivers streaked down the sideline after making multiple defenders look silly.
As he ran towards the goal line, he slowed down. Grizzlies DB Noah Spaner caught him from behind and knocked the ball out in the process, forcing a turnover. After that high effort, no quit play, pure chaos ensued.
The Grizzlies adopted Spaner’s mindset and completely flipped the game. That fumble was just one of three consecutive mishaps by the Hyacks’ offence, a unit that to that point had looked unstopable.
“For about 2 and a half quarters, our offence was on fire. We scored on every possession and were able to consistently pop big plays in the running and passing game,” said Hyacks’ offensive coordinator Darnell Sikorski.
“I’m not sure why the uncharacteristic fumbles occurred. We really haven’t had any issues in the fumble department, but it showed up in the last 18 minutes of the game.”
That they did. Lincoln Boyd, Denver Adam, Cody Hagel and Ridley Mastin were fantastic for the Grizzlies’ offence as those miscues led to 13 unanswered points for G.W.
With the score now 42-36 in the Hyacks’ favour, the Grizzlies had the ball back with a chance to win the game. Everything came down to a 4th and long deep inside Hyacks’ territory.
Boyd dropped back to pass and worked through his progression. He spotted Mastin in the middle of the field 1 on 1 with Hyacks’ safety Daniel Penalver and then uncorked a jump ball to the back of the endzone.
Penalver flipped his hips, stayed in phase, jumped and knocked down the potential game-winning score. The Hyacks’ sideline erupted in both pure elation and relief as the team had survived their worst nightmare; their season was still alive.
“That was a good team who fought us tooth and nail to the very last play. There were moments in that game where I thought they wanted it more, but our defence held on at the time when we needed it most,” said Hyacks head coach Andrew McKechnie.
“A win is a win in the playoffs, but I feel like we should have put it away sooner and not let them hang around to mount an almost comeback.”
The Hyacks will certainly not be able to turn the ball over three times if they hope to upset the #1-ranked WJ Mouat Hawks next week. We all know how good the Hawks’ pass-first offence has been this season, but the Hyacks’ attack has really found its way despite the turnovers this past week.
“Kah’ri ate again tonight when he had his touches, but they were so geared up to stop our running game. That led to QB Gavin Rai having his best game as a Hyack. We had some really big plays in the passing game with Eli Smith, Tayler Rebalkin and Nigel DeRasp,” said Sikorski.
“Nigel is playing really good football right now and you can see his confidence on both sides of the ball skyrocket in the last few games. He’s shifty and electric,” he continued.
If the Hyacks clean up their mistakes and take care of the football, we might be in store for a good old-fashioned shootout next Friday. Will the Hawks continue their dominant ways? Or will the Hyacks flip the script of their last game and scare the daylight out of the Hawks? Only time will tell.
Centaurs take care of business against the Bulldogs
Running the ball, chewing the clock and keeping your opponent’s offence off the field is always a winning formula come playoff time. The Centennial Centaurs and Belmont Bulldogs both tried their hand at this strategy, but ultimately, the Centaurs executed the method better on their way to a 49-18 win.
Jasper Baron thrived on the Centaurs’ approach. He struck first for his team when he scored on a 30-yard run. Baron wouldn’t let up till the final whistle, racking up 205 yds on 22 carries and 5 touchdowns.
Centaurs quarterback Jacob Cusker was efficient when called upon, going 9 for 15 for 155 yards and one passing score when he found Jaedyn Livingstone from 66 yards out. Cusker would add 76 yards on the ground and a major for good measure.
After a tight first half, the Centaurs took advantage of a couple of turnovers in the third quarter and pulled away. Those turnovers were fumble recoveries that Jaden Cristales scooped up. Cristales added those fumble recoveries to his already impressive 3 pass breakups on the day to cap off a dominant performance defensively.
Centaurs head coach Dino Geremia reiterated the importance of those plays postgame.
“The Belmont rushing attack is as tough as we faced all year. Our defence was able to step up at key points to get stops; we were pleased with our effort in every phase of the game.”
Geremia knows his team still has plenty to work on as they move forward in the playoffs.
“We have some things to clean up offensively and defensively as we move on. We need to continue to get better. The great part is that we get to practice and are still able to work on those little things that we will need to improve for next week.”
The Centaurs will attack those goals in practice starting Monday, as they prepare for a rematch of a game of the year candidate from early this season against the South Delta Sun Devils.
Hawks air it out in blowout win
The number 1-ranked WJ Mouat Hawks took care of business as usual in their 62 to 22 victory over the Handsworth Royals on Friday.
Mouat came out fast, using their recipe for success that’s worked all season long. The recipe in question? Elijah Black and the Mouat offence airing it out, of course.
Black and his receiving core continue to put up insane numbers. The starting pivot went 22-28 for 488 yards for 8 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Max Pratt hauled in nine catches for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Santiago Llarena added five catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Treyson Harley chipped in four catches for 123 yards and one touchdown.
The Hawks’ passing game struck on the first snap of the game, as Black hit Pratt for a lightning-quick opening score. Black found his favourite target again for majors on the Hawks’ next two possessions as Mouat ran away with this one early.
Santiago Llarena added to more scores in the passing game and Charlie Franson added another on the ground. Pair that with suffocating defence and the Hawks found themselves up with a staggering 41-6 lead at the half.
Defensively, conference all-star Aarav Bhandari posted three tackles and an interception. Llarena added three tackles and one sack as the Hawks caused chaos in the Royals’ backfield all night.
Hawk’s head coach, Andrew Harder praised his group up front postgame. He noted that the offensive line protected well and that coach Rick Pennel had the unit ready.
Harder added that the team must tighten up on defense. He stressed the need for better tackling as the Hawks get ready for New West. He pointed to their strong running back and physical line as a real test.
The Hawks will now prepare for that quarter-final matchup next Friday, as the ground and pound Hyacks will take on Black and the Hawks’ aerial attack.
Revenge sweet for Jugglers in round of 16 victory
The Notre Dame Jugglers and St. Thomas More Knights faced off for the second time this season in a rivarly grudge match. As both teams fought tooth and nail to keep their seasons alive, the Jugglers overpowered the Knights on their way to a 27-7 victory.
The Jugglers’ win avenged a one-point overtime loss suffered early in the season in the annual game between the two Catholic schools. In their previous matchup, both teams’ defences struggled to get stops. The start of this one looked to be the same story, but just for one team.
Notre Dame quickly scored two touchdowns as they converted on their opening drive and took advantage of an STM fumble to set up another major. Receiver Michael MacLeod struck first off a pass from Caleb Parrotta.
After defensive end Sachin Rattan recovered that Knights fumble shortly thereafter, Parrotta would punch it in from 15 yards out along the ground.
Parrotta and company went back to work later in the half, finishing a long drive capped by a Parrotta one-yard sneak. Just a couple of plays into the second quarter, the Jugglers were already up by 21.
STM’s ensuing drive finally produced a major, a 10-yard pass for a touchdown that closed the gap to 21-7 before the halftime break.
In the third frame, with the Knights hoping to get a stop on defence and then cut into what was just a two-score deficit, Klyde Tan had other ideas.
Tan took a screen pass and broke several tackle attempts en route to a 65-yard romp to the STM 15-yard line. From there ND capped the drive with a major, another Parrotta short sneak. The score was now 27-7 with the fourth quarter approaching.
From that point forward, the Jugglers exerted heavy pressure on the Knights as STM was forced out of their comfort zone and into throwing the ball.
Sachin Rattan, Emiliano Cortes, Diante Villegas and nose tackle David Fong all recorded quarterback sacks for defensive co-ordinator George Oswald, as the Jugglers closed out the rest of the game to win 27-7.
“The coaches were extremely proud of the team as they had a good week of preparation and played with grit and determination,” said Jugglers head coach Dennis Kelly postgame.
Kelly and the Jugglers are already focused on preparations for next week.
“We understand the challenge that faces us in Lord Tweedsmuir, a veteran, talent-laden team coming off a big victory. They have very few weaknesses and execute well in all aspects of the game.”
The Jugglers will play that quarter-final game on Friday, November 14th, against the Panthers at Cloverdale Athletic Park. Kick-off is set for 1:30 pm.
Fighting Irish Shut Out Huskies, Advance to Quarterfinals
VANCOUVER, BC — The Vancouver College Fighting Irish began their 2025 playoff campaign with a statement victory, shutting out the Okanagan Mission Huskies 37–0 on a crisp Saturday afternoon at O’Hagan Field.
From the opening kickoff, the Irish set the tone physically. The defence swarmed to the ball, setting the edg and closing gaps with relentless pursuit. Okanagan Mission struggled to find any rhythm against a VC front that refused to yield. Defensive back Lucas Snidanko (VC ’26) anchored the secondary with several standout plays,
while the defensive line applied consistent pressure to contain the Huskies’ offense. The result was another
signature defensive performance with discipline, physicality, and teamwork. Offensively, the Irish found balance and execution behind a strong offensive line. Quarterback play was sharp, distributing the ball to multiple playmakers who stepped up when their number was called. Owen Brunel (VC ’26) made several highlight-reel catches that sparked momentum and moved the chains.
Meanwhile, Nicky Noguera (VC ’26) ignited the ground game, breaking off tough runs that kept the offense rolling and the defense on its heels. Each drive showed poise and confidence, a reflection of the team’s preparation and chemistry.
Special teams also contributed to the winning formula, flipping field position and keeping the Huskies pinned deep in their territory. The Irish’s attention to detail in all aspects of the game ensured there were no missed opportunities or lapses — a hallmark of championship-calibre football.
Head Coach Bryan Chiu (VC ’92) praised the team’s all-around effort after the win,
“It was a great team win today. Our defence was solid, special teams played well, and our offense was able to move the ball effectively. Credit goes to OKM for making the long trip to Vancouver. We are excited to play a well-coached Robert Bateman team on Friday.”
The win marks the final game of the season on O’Hagan Field, as the Irish now shift their focus to the road ahead in pursuit of another deep playoff run. With the victory, Vancouver College advances to the Quarterfinals, where they will face the Robert Bateman Timberwolves on Friday, November 14th at 3:00 PM at W.J. Mouat Field.
As the postseason continues, the Fighting Irish remain focused on their mission, playing for each other, representing their school with pride, and continuing to raise the standard of excellence that defines Vancouver College Football.