AA Varsity Week 4

AA Varsity Week Four

Gridirons Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  John Barsby Bulldogs
3.  Ballenas Whalers
4.  Windsor Dukes
5.  SRT Titans

GI's Picks

Friday, September 28th

John Barsby Bulldogs @ Robert Bateman Timberwolves:  Bateman has had this game circled on it's calendar for a year as part two of a home and home exhibition series between the two schools.  The Timberwolves are going to have a huge home field advantage as their school is having a buy-out of class deal to come watch the game.  Look for an air-show on Friday as both squads love chuck the pigskin.  The game will be a unique test for both defenses as neither school has faced the volume of passing that they are going to be confronted with when the game gets under-way.  This ought to be a lot of fun to watch!  The rosters are pretty evenly matched and when you look at the stats, it is a statistical dead heat. GI's Pick: Barsby by 2 in a squeaker

Holy Cross Crusaders @ Ballenas Whalers: The pre-season is over for both of these teams and it is GAME ON for this divisional clash.  Spectators are going to witness two opposing styles of offensive play with the Crusader air show locking horns with the Whaler rushing juggernaut!  I see this as a game of attrition with the Whaler bench being deeper, especially up-front.  Crusader JV call-ups will play a critical role in terms of giving their true Varsity much needed relief as the game progresses in to the late rounds.  Holy Cross is going to have to find some speed mismatches, be very tactically sound and create some turnovers to stay in the mix by late game.  GI's Pick: Whalers will break the visitors by the mid-third quarter if not sooner with repeated hammer blows up front. Whalers by 14

Westsyde Blue Wave @ G.W. Grahm Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are as tough as their namesake and are battle tested.  After a physical tilt with the Whaler mincing machine, they are probably licking some wounds and gathering themselves for Friday's game.  Westsyde really has to get after the home squad in all phases of the game to have a chance for victory in this one.  I just don't think the Blue Wave can hang with the hosts physically for four quarters.  GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 19

Saturday, September 29th

Argyle Pipers @ Howe Sound Sounders:  This is a mismatch in terms of football IQ.  Howe Sound isn't football dumb, they are just green with the bulk of their roster brand new to the game.  I got to see them play this past weekend and was very, very impressed with their aggression and toughness.  There are some serious ballers on their squad and they fly hard to the football.  Argyle is looking for a quality win and they likely will get that on Saturday.  How, they win and how they play this one will say a lot about their football zen.  Howe Sound Football is doing a great thing for their school community and I wish em every bit of success as they grow and adapt.  GI's Pick: Argyle by 23

Prince George Polars @ Nechako Valley Vikings:  Hey, how bout them Vikings and their second half surge last weekend!  This team will enter this week's practices on a program high!  I think the opening series or two in this game will be pretty even and then PG's size and numbers will have their say, particularly the Polar rushing game.  GI's Pick: Polars by 22

Clarence Fulton Maroons @ Kelly Road Roadrunners: The Maroons have been taking it on the chin pretty hard the first three weeks of the season.  This game however is far more evenly matched and the Fulton fellas are led by a coaching legend in the Interior AA ranks.  They will play hard and play for one another.  The Roadrunners are an improved squad over last year's crew, but are going to be in tough for this game.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 14

Salmon Arm Golds @ College Heights Cougars:  Great match-up for both teams and in the bigger picture, it is very, very healthy for the HS Football Game to see yet another inter-lock between the North and the Interior.  Only good things can come of these tilts!  Well done coaches for scheduling them.  The Cougars run the ball pretty good and they will challenge a Golds team that had a rough go against number 1 ranked Vernon last weekend.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 6

Vernon Panthers @ Foothills Composite (AB):  Gotta hand it to Vernon, they don't duck the big-time opponents they can find for their scheduling.  This is going to be a real tough test for the Panthers, but you know the saying, "Iron Sharpens Iron".  The long term interest that comes with playing this game will manifest itself come November when the playoff dance begins.  Adjusting to Canadian rules ism't as big a thing as some might think.  When the ball is snapped, it is still trips, quads etc. and players are still blocking, running, catching and tackling.  Special teams work is going to need some added emphasis at practice this week, particularly the punting game and field goals.  When the all star selections take place at the end of the year, it would be a hoot if Coach Smith pulls some rouge stats out of his hip pocket in a hotly debated selection...grin.  GI's Pick: Hell, I'd never pick Albertans over us BC boys!  Panthers by well hec, a rougr!