Tuesday, October 31, 2017

AA Varsity Week 9

AA Varsity Week Nine

Gridiron's Top 5

1.  Windsor Dukes
2.  Vernon Panthers
3.  Abbottsford Panthers
4.  G.W. Graham Grizzlies
5.  Clarence Fulton Maroons

GI's Picks

Friday 3rd

John Barsby @ Argyle: This game is big for two teams who are finishing out their regular season "banged-up".  If Barsby wins, they are looking at being the #2 seed in the division.  If Argyle wins, there will be a three way tie that comes down to a points differential between Hugh Boyd, Argyle and Barsby.  Doesn't get much more dramatic than that.  Both teams are evenly matched on paper and both teams can score fast/turn in the big play defensively.  This is a very tough game to pick.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 1

Langley @ Robert Bateman: Langley is coming off of a big win and has a lot of momentum on their side.  Bateman is going to be going all out to clinch the W as put a positive on the season.  GI's Pick: Langley by 7

G.W. Graham @ Abbottsford:  This will be the game of the week in AA Varsity Ball.  The meat-grinder running game of the Grizzlies vs the wide-open Abbey offense that can run the ball extremely well in space as well as threaten any part of the field via the air.  Graham will have its opportunities via the air as well when Abbey loads up to stop the run.  Line play and coverage will be massive factors when these two come to grips.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 7

Clarence Fulton @ Westsyde: Fulton is coming off of fantastic performance in a tight loss vs the powerhouse Vernon Panthers.   The Maroons have plenty of momentum going in to this one and gas in the tank.  Westsyde is well rested and will turn in a plucky performance.  The Fulton ground game is going to be too much for the Westsyde defense to handle however.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 17

Ballenas @ Windsor: Ballenas is the best team that is not playoff bound to be playing this weekend.  Windsor has clinched the first seed in their half of the playoff bracket.  Danger time for the Dukes.  Normally, a coach would roll his bench pretty liberally in such a game.  Coach Schuman however, does not have much bench to roll.  The options are clear.  Get a big lead fast and use run time to end the potential bleeding or play as non-kinetic and finesse as possible to try to obtain the same result.  The Whalers are going to bring their A game no doubt.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 18

Hugh Boyd @ Holy Cross:  HC is playing this one for pride and Boyd is going lights out to secure a possible second or third place playoff seeding.  The Crusaders are easily the second best team that won't be going to the playoffs this year, they are at home and if the weather is pass friendly, they are dangerous as spoilers.  GI's Pick: Trojans by 16

Valleyview @ South Kamloops:  Good wind-up game for both squads.  This tilt will help a lot with off season momentum and program morale both ways.  I think the Titans have a deeper bench and will lean on their guests heavily in the second half of this game.  GI's Pick: Titans by 13

Pitt Meadows @ SRT: Another big game in the East sees a great match-up between these two regional rivalry squads.  SRT has the depth in this one.  GI's Pick: Titans by 11



Gridiron's AA Junior Varsity Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  Abbottsford Panthers
3.  Holy Cross Crusaders
4.  Ballenas Whalers
5.  D.P. Todd Trojans

Sunday, October 22, 2017

AA Varsity Week 8

AA Varsity Week Eight

Week Seven Wrap

Big wins for Barsby, Windsor, Fulton, Vernon, Argyle, Abbey and Graham have now set the stage for our final two weeks of play.  The foundation for playoff seeding has had its first pour.  Next week it gets another big payload.

Scores

John Barsby 34 Hugh Boyd 13
Windsor 38 Holy Cross 0
Abbottsford 56 Langley 2
Nechako Valley 40 Kelly Road 6
Vernon 53 South Kamloops 0
Argyle 21 Ballenas 14
Clarence Fulton 50 Valleyview 0
G.W. Graham 47 Pitt Meadows 14
Samuel Roberts Technical 12 Robert Bateman 0
Prince George 33 College Heights 8

Gridiron's Top 5

1. Windsor Dukes
2. Vernon Panthers 
3. Abbottsford Panthers
4. John Barsby Bulldogs
5. G.W. Graham Grizzlies

GI's Picks

Friday 27th

Windsor @ John Barsby: This is the biggest game of the year for both teams thus far.  Windsor has shredded all who have come before them this year.  Barsby has been playing spurts of good ball throughout though they sometimes start slow or struggle for a quarter or two before gaining momentum.  This game see's good match-ups in most areas.  The L.O.S. will be contested and Windsor will challenge the entire field offensively.  The Dukes can really cause trouble with their misdirection, tunnel screens, option and the PAP that they have off of their run game.  Defensively, they get to the ball very well and in many ways are a bit of a mirror image of the Dawgs.  Barsby has great balance in their offense and are a big play threat on any given down.  Special teams are good for both groups.  Home field goes to Barsby.  GI's Pick: The game will hinge on tackling and not giving up the big play.  Windsor by 10

Abbottsford @ Robert Bateman: Abbey is gelling at the exact right time of the year.  Bateman seems out of gas and out of fight.  Look for the Panther tailback to have another big day come Friday.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 21

Hugh Boyd @ Argyle:  This game is going to be uber-close.  Both teams run and pass the ball very well out of their similarly designed spread offenses.  Both teams fly to the football defensively and relish the physical part of the game.  Special teams are similar as well.  In terms of trajectory, Argyle is climbing and Boyd is gutting out a tough, competitive season.  I think the Trojans are the hungry team here by a small margin.  GI's Pick: Boyd by 6

Westsyde @ Valleyview:  Westsyde is better across the board in this cross-town match-up.  Having a bye last week will ensure they are fresh as well.  GI's Pick: Westsyde by 21

Vernon @ Clarence Fulton: Game of the year up in the Interior this weekend.  Vernon is going to get its run-defense tested-tested-tested come Friday.  Conversely, Fulton will have to defend the pass against an an aerial assault the likes of which they have not come close to seeing this year.  Adding to the fun is the fact that this is a cross-town rivalry pitting "haves" vs "have-nots".  Kicking game and turnovers loom large here.  If Fulton can handle Vernon's big man, this one could be extremely close.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 12

SRT @ G.W. Graham: On the face of things, the Grizzlies should run rough shod over the visiting Titans.  The success of their offense is power running behind a big o. line with a great big fast running back.  SRT has the athletes to crowd the box and make things tough sledding for Graham.  Seems alright in print, but so far, no one has put the breaks on the Graham attack.  SRT won't either.  GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 15

Langley @ Pitt Meadows: Both of these groups need a win in the worst way.  I think Pitt can put more up on the board, but barely.  GI's Pick: Pitt by 2

Saturday 28th

Holy Cross @ Ballenas: Both of these teams play tough.  Both have had their frustrations on the field this year.  Ballenas is home and they have a power running game to play behind.  HC is far more one dimensional offensively.  This said, the Whalers have struggled vs the spread passing game this season.  Special teams go to Ballenas.  GI's Pick:  Whalers by 16

Sunday 29th

College Heights @ Nechako Valley: This is a big one for seeding up North.  Both teams have stellar running attacks.  College Heights has more horses than their hosts.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 10

Gridiron's AA Junior Varsity Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  Abbottsford Panthers
3.  Ballenas Whalers
4.  Holy Cross Crusaders
5.  Earl Marriot Mariners

Honourable Mention: SRT Titans, D.P. Todd Trojans

Sunday, October 15, 2017

AA Varsity Week 7

AA Varsity Week Seven




Week Six Wrap

The Hugh Boyd Trojans served notice they are going to compete for a high playoff seed with a big win over Ballenas as did Barsby with a good outing vs Holy Cross.  Windsor made a statement scoring 41 against a good Argyle crew and Abbey/G.W. Graham are setting the table for a future clash that will determine first place in the East.  Up North Westsyde had a big game against South Kamloops. 

Scores

John Barsby 31 Holy Cross 7
Windsor 41 Argyle 20
G.W. Graham 26 Robert Bateman 16
Hugh Boyd 30 Ballenas 20
SRT 14 Langley 10
Westsyde 32 South Kamloops 14
Abbottsford 48 Pitt Meadows 7

Gridiron's Top 5

1.  Windsor Dukes
2.  Vernon Panthers
3.  Abbottsford Panthers
4.  Hugh Boyd Trojans
5.  John Barsby Bulldogs

GI's Picks

Friday 20th

John Barsby @ Hugh Boyd: Big conference game here.  Both teams are on a roll and Hugh Boyd has emerged from a very tough pre-season battle hardened and ready to go!  The Trojans had their way all day long with a tough Ballenas crew on Friday while Barsby was having fits with Holy Cross during the first half of their game before blowing things open in the second half of the game.  The match-ups are good in this one on offense and defense with special teams looking to be contested as well.  Hugh Boyd can score very quick via the run and pass at any point on the field.  Barsby seems to be a bit more methodical.  Turnovers and penalties loom large as difference makers.  GI's Pick: Trojans by 7

Argyle @ Ballenas:  Argyle is faster than Ballenas and they play a very physical brand of football.  The Whalers will do well to mind their perimeter and pressure the Pipers as the Argyle passing game is very lethal when their qb gets in a groove.  I have not seen any teams have a lot of success via the air vs Windsor, but last week the Pipers chucked it well against them.  Ballenas can never be discounted, especially at home.  The grass surface will slow the game down a bit and the Whalers have a very capable power running game.  I have to give special teams to Ballenas in this game.  GI's Pick: Argyle by 6

Valleyview @ Clarence Fulton: The Fulton running game is the best in the province north of Hope.  The Maroon defense is a reflection of their offensive personality as well.  Too many challenges for Valleyview to have to overcome in this one.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 21

Abbottsford @ Langley: Abbey is really hitting their stride now with the fastest back in BC doing his thing out in space courtesy of the wide open spread offense that surrounds him.  It is a pick-your poison challenge for a better than average Langley squad because they still have to defend the Panther's elite passing game.  Things for the hosts to pray for....wind, driving rain and favorable turnovers.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 19

Robert Bateman @ SRT: Bateman is on the cusp of a breakthrough game and this weekend folks, they shall have it.  SRT will challenge the edge offensively, but I just don't see em having a whole lot of success inside or throwing the ball deep.  The Timberwolves on the other hand can really spray the ball around and have a decent run game to accompany the pass.  Defensively, they have been in games with some very good defenses/opposing offenses.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 12

South Kamloops @ Vernon:  Another weekend, another glorified scrimmage session for the Panthers who have no peer in the interior.  Lots of great stats however.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 28

G.W. Graham @ Pitt Meadows: The Grizzlies have their formula down.  Power football with a lethal spread passing game.   Pitt is going to have to crowd the box, man-up on the edge and fight like lions for 4 quarters.  Turnovers and a big play or two on offense for Pitt may help some.  GI's Pick: Graham by 19

Saturday 21st

Windsor @ Holy Cross:  Holy Cross is a lot better than their record would indicate.  This said, Windsor is the best team in AA Varsity Football right now and they will savage the Crusaders on the edge all afternoon long.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 26

Sunday 22nd


Prince George @ College Heights: This is for first and second place in the Northern Conference.  College Heights is on a roll people.  Momentum in HS Football is not to be underestimated.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 7

Gridiron's AA Junior Varsity Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  Abbottsford Panthers
3.  Ballenas Whalers
4.  Holy Cross Crusaders
5.  Langley Saints

Monday, October 9, 2017

AA Varsity Week 6

AA Varsity Week Six



Week Five Wrap

This was only week one of conference play, but the fault lines in the regional divisions are already manifesting themselves to a degree.  Up North, it could be a two way race between PGSS and College Heights.  In the Interior, Vernon and Fulton look to be top-rail on the fence.  The Eastern Division seems to be Abbey and a chaotic brawl for the remaining playoff seeds.  The West is in a similar situation with Windsor looking great and then another dust-up behind em.  Looking forward to week six as it promises to be a dandy!

Scores

Argyle 27 Holy Cross 21
College Heights 60 Kelly Road 0
Prince George 18 Nechako Valley 14
John Barsby 21 Ballenas 13
Rutland 45 Valleyview 6
Clarence Fulton 45 South Kamloops 7
G.W. Graham 19 Langley 0
Vernon 59 Westsyde 0
Windsor 25 Hugh Boyd 14
Pitt Meadows 16 Robert Bateman 0
Abbottsford 49 SRT 14

Gridiron's Top 5

1. Windsor Dukes
2. Vernon Panthers
3. Abbottsford Panthers
4. Hugh Boyd Trojans
5. John Barsby Bulldogs

GI's Picks

Friday 13th

Holy Cross @ John Barsby: The difference between the week 1 and 2 Holy Cross team and the team that took the field for the first three quarters against Argyle last week is manifest.  The Crusaders are much, much improved and have really cleaned-up their game.  Barsby has been on a run of its own and they needed every bit of skill they had to overcome Ballenas in a game where they penalized themselves out of two touchdowns and stalled a couple more drives for the same reason.  The Dawg D has been pretty solid thus far and it will need to take its game to a new level as HC will challenge the whole field offensively.  Offensively, there is much balance in the Barsby attack and this will present the HC defense with challenges of its own. GI's Pick: Barsby by 12

Windsor @ Argyle: An emerging North Shore rivalry sees the Dukes on the road vs Argyle.  The Pipers are hitting their stride and play good, tough. aggressive football.  They will really need to be on top of their passing game on Friday as the Duke D has been clobbering opponent's run games of late.  Offensively, Windsor is a nightmare to defend with more misdirection than a plate of spaghetti!  The worst thing about it is the realization that while you are chasing ghosts, the ball is usually in the hands of the top duel threat quarterback in BC!  Windsor special teams have been lethal to date as well.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 24

Pitt Meadows @ Abbottsford: This is a potential trap game for Abbottsford.  Pitt is putting things together at their end and they match up well in space with the Panthers.  The big wild card here however and what I consider to be the game changer is the Abbey running back.  This guy is as good as it gets and he has a big line to run behind.  The Marauder defense will find itself spread too thin to be all things defense at the same time.  Get ready for a track meet.  GI's Pick: Abbottsford by 20

G.W. Graham @ Robert Bateman:  Upset alert!  Yes you heard it here.  Graham's big back is getting chewed up carrying the load for his team week after week and when the Grizzlies have to go to the rest of the playbook, they may find dust on the pages.  Bateman has to at least stalemate in the trenches and be efficient on offense to succeed.  Turnovers and the second half of this game will be story lines when the final whistle blows.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 2

Vernon @ Valleyview:  Vernon's second quarter performance last week is pretty much proof that all their conference games with the possible exception of Fulton will be glorified scrimmages from here on out.  This will be a good chance to roll the bench and tweak offensive/defensive schemes.  Valleyview will benefit from the experience in terms of program building.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 30 plus

Ballenas @ Hugh Boyd: Game of the week here folks!  Team speed goes to the Trojans.  The trenches go to the Whalers.  Size is a draw.  This one is going to be fun, fun, fun to watch!  Both defenses are opportunistic and like to bring heat.  Both make you defend the whole field.  Boyd is going to test the perimeter like no one Ballenas has faced this year.  There will be misdirection and trick plays for the Whalers to contend with too.  The forecast for the Trojan D is just as ominous however.  The Ballenas Offensive Line can steamroll folks and their counter game is excellent.  The play action pass game is great and just when you have your defensive self lined up to for a power running slugfest, bang, you are looking at a spread alignment that is very, very polished.  Special teams are going to be key in this game, particularly the Kick-Off/Kick Return game.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 2

SRT @ Langley:  Hey gang, this game is going to be a lights out contest between two programs who are most definitely on the rise in the East.  Both squads have some very good provincial class athletes on the roster.  Both squads like the physical stuff.  The difference on the scoreboard will be the defenses.  Langley has a more diversified offensive attack but the Titans have the more explosive athletes on their offense.  Whose defense can answer the bell best and create turnovers will decide this one.  GI's Pick: SRT by 7

South Kamloops @ Westsyde: This cross-town rivalry game will be close start-to-finish.  SKS has been coming along nicely this season.  Good roster numbers and consistent improvement.  Westsyde is much the same.  The Blue Wave is more battle hardened than the visitors however.  GI's Pick: Westsyde by 6

Saturday 14th

Kelly Road @ Nechako Valley: Looks like the wheels came off Kelly Road last weekend vs College Heights!  Nechako Valley on the other hand, gave a more physically gifted PGSS squad all they could handle in that tilt.  Momentum counts folks.  GI's Pick: Nechako Valley by 14

Sunday 15th

Duchess Park @ Prince George: The oldest HS sports rivalry in Prince George takes its football form on Sunday.  The Polars bring too much depth and talent to the dance for the visitors.  PGSS will run, run, run the ball to daylight all afternoon.  GI's Pick: Polars by 18



Gridiron's AA Junior Varsity Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  Abbottsford Panthers
3.  Earl Marriot Mariners
4.  Ballenas Whalers
5.  S.R.T. Titans

Sunday, October 1, 2017

AA Varsity Week 5

AA Varsity Week Five


Week Four Wrap

Not the busiest weekend for games, but there are a few takeaways.  Barsby had a good win vs a Bateman team that kept things close til the end of the 3rd quarter.  Both teams are getting better as the year progresses.  Fulton and Argyle had big wins as well.  Ballenas in a tough loss, got a lot more battle hardened headed in to the season. 

Scores

John Barsby 32 Robert Bateman 12
West Vancouver 22 Ballenas 20
Nanaimo District 15 Pitt Meadows 12
Argyle 42 Howe Sound 0
Westsyde 33 Eric Hamber 0
Rutland 24 South Kamloops 0
Clarence Fulton 39 Valleyview 8

Gridiron's Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2.  Windsor Dukes
3.  Abbottsford Panthers
4.  Hugh Boyd Trojans
5.  G.W. Graham Grizzlies

GI's Picks

Friday 6th

SRT @ Abbottsford: SRT is closing the gap on the local competition in terms of athleticism and football IQ/Technical ability.  Closing isn't "closed" however and Abbey can score point lightning fast when they get rolling on all offensive cylinders.  This game will feature lots of scoring right out of the gates.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 18

John Barsby @ Ballenas:  The West is going to be lights out competitive this year and the "Border Battle" between Ballenas and Barsby will be emblematic.  The Whalers are always super tough at home and there will be no shortage of motivation when it comes to tangling with arch-rival Barsby.  Ballenas is balanced offensively and very opportunistic on defense.  Barsby is scoring at a decent clip and the Dawg D has been a physical presence thus far.  Special teams are big for both.  Kick-Offs in this game are going to be a show unto themselves.  GI's Pick: Dawgs by 2 

Hugh Boyd @ Windsor: AA Varsity Game of The Week right here folks.  Two superbly coached teams of athletes will collide in what will surely be a game of big plays in all phases of the game.  Each squad is a nightmare to defend and they bring great quickness to the field of play.  I have to go with the Dukes however as they are executing better and have been stingy with turnovers.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 11

Clarence Fulton @ South Kamloops: Fulton is the best interior team not called Vernon.  The Maroons are finding a way to win football games and will take another big step forward against the Titans.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 22

Westsyde @ Vernon: The Panthers spent their bye week licking wounds and tweaking schematic/personel issues that were exposed in a grueling series of exhibition games.  Westsyde has done well in September on the field and now they must face the music vs the top interior program. Its going to be hard for the Blue Wave to run and they are not good enough to win with a one dimensional offensive attack. GI's Pick: Vernon by 22

Langley @ G.W. Graham:  Graham's numbers aren't optimal, but what they do have is size, skill, experience and speed.  Langley is a year out from being able to compete with the Grizzlies.  Too many mismatches for an upset come Friday.  GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 18

Rutland @ Valleyview: Rutland will get its second win of the season vs the Vikings.  This is simply the case of more and better athletes vs a smaller draw.  Both teams will leave it all out on the field but the math don't lie.  GI's Pick: Voodoo by 23

Robert Bateman @ Pitt Meadows:  The Timberwolves are big, fast and physical.  Their passing game has improved week by week and when the receivers clean up some dropped balls, this will be an elite offense.  Defensively, Batemen is also improving.  Pitt has quietly, but steadily improved their game over the past few weeks as well.  Bateman is a more complete team however.  GI's Pick: Timberwolves by 16

Saturday 7th

Argyle @ Holy Cross: Another good, tough Western Conference match-up.  I would like to see this game in person.  My hunch is that the two teams are very similar athletically and that the ability to disrupt the pass will be critical along with coming out ahead in the turnover battle.  I think Argyle will pick away at any soft coverage they find and win time of possession come Saturday.  GI's Pick: Argyle by 11

Nechako Valley @ Prince George:  PG will run the ball early, often and with devastating effect this Saturday.  The Polars simply have more tools in the kit and will be able to overwhelm and wear out Nechako Valley.  GI's Pick: Polars by 17

Sunday 8th

Kelly Road @ College Heights:  Very good match-up here and a key game for divisional standing.  Both squads have superb numbers and have been playing relatively good football this year.  College Heights may have the edge however across the board.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 7



Gridiron's AA Junior Varsity Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  Abbottsford Panthers
3.  SRT Titans
4.  Ballenas Whalers
5.  Earl Marriot Mariners