BC Semi-Final Round

British Columbia AA Varsity Semi-Finals

Quarter Final Wrap

The top four did their thing on the weekend and the semi-finals will truly represent the top squads in the province for 2012.  Mention must be made of the tremendous job done by the Rick Hanson Hurricanes and the Windsor Dukes in terms of preparation, intensity and execution as both teams had legitimate chances to upset South Delta and Mission respectively.

Lastly,  I most humbly offer an apology tot he Hurricanes in particular for the lambasting given to them in last week's edition.  You guys are legit and will be a wrecking crew come 2013.



Scores

Ballenas Whalers 56 Robert Bateman 26
South Delta Sundevils 29 Rick Hansen Hurricanes 14
John Barsby Bulldogs 58 Pitt Meadows Marauders 9
Mission Roadrunners 21 Windsor Dukes 7

Gridiron's Semi-Final Picks

Barsby vs South Delta:  South Delta beat Barsby in what can only be described as one of 2012's biggest slobberknockers of the season.  The Sundevils have surged ever since while Barsby has regrouped and refocused on the opportunity for another shot at their nemisis.  The Sundevils have certainly found medicine for the double-wing defensivley and Barsby has got to play better in all areas to be able to get more thatn 6 points on the board.  Offensively, South Delta has been unstoppable week in and week out all year with easily the most accomplished passing game in the province at any level.  The Barsby defense has been solid all year and will be called on yet again to keep the game tight enough for an opportunity to win.  The Sundevil kicking-game, particularly kick-offs and field goals is the best in BC so Barsby is going to be playing on a long field throughout.  This could be a huge difference maker in the contest. GI's Pick: Overtime



Mission vs Ballenas: Wow!  Where to begin on this one?  Ballenas has been scoring in huge chunks with the most explosive offense in the post-season tourney to date racking up an incredible 119 points in their first two outings.  Most impressively, these points have come almost equally via the ground and the air.  Defensively however, the Whalers have given-up 61 points to their opponents and have been hurt by the run.  Mission rolls in with arguably the most explosive backfield in BC led by Mr. Everything, Kevin Weins.  This game could truly become a shoot-out of epic proportions!  The match-ups are dead even across the board with the advantage in roster depth going to Ballenas.  This could be very telling in the late third and throughout the fourth quarter.  Specials are a dead heat with each team posting a very creative kicking-game.   The  wildcard in this game...will it be raining and worse yet, will it be raining and windy.  If this is the case, the Whalers could be in for a tougher go than in optimum conditions.  GI's Pick: Ballenas by 6, possibly in overtime.

British Columbia AA Junior Varsity

Semi-Finals

Quarter Final Wrap

Scores

John Barsby Bulldogs 40 Argyle Pipers 33
Abbottsford Collegiate Panthers 41 Nanaimo District Islanders 8
Mission Roadrunners 55 South Kamloops Titans 15
Vernon Panthers 28  Hugh Boyd Trojans 22 (Overtime)

Gridiron's Semi-Final Picks

John Barsby Bulldogs vs Mission Roadrunners: "When old friends meet again" and so the song went.  Barsby and Mission will have been dancing together on the big stage for three years running when this thing plays out.  Looking at October and November scores, it is hard not to argue that Mission may be the hottest team in AA JV football right now.  Barsby too is gelling at the right time of the season and this is going to be a hec of a contest.  Mission will have a speed edge and a slight edge in size.  Barsby specials are pretty good and the Dawgs are playing a pretty balanced game on offense.  Mission's offensive line is very sound fundamentally and both teams like to dust it up physically on defense. When it all said and done, size and speed are a tough duo to beat.  GI's Pick: Mission by 9

Abbottsford Panthers vs Vernon Panthers: A Pumatic cat fight if there ever was such a phrase, (not).  Kudos to Vernon on their big upset victory over the men of Troy this past Thursday!  I'm personally a fan of the Trojan program and its coaches, but I always celebrate a little when the Interior finds playoff success and the respect that comes with it. Vernon crashed the semi's last year at varsity and now here they be in the JV final four.  Gotta be something to those fellas.  Abbottsford is the beast of the East this year and is playing sledgehammer football behind a big tough line and on the feet of some varsity sized backs.  Coach Fujimura is one of HS Football's "good guys" and his quiet, tough approach to the game resonates throughout his program.  Abbey's success has been well earned and this crew can smell the Dome!  I think that the overall size and physicality brought forth by Abbey will be a decisive factor in Wednesday's game.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 21