Merry Christmas One And All!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2018!

AA Varsity Championship Edition

AA Varsity 2018 BC Championship Game

Saturday, December 1st

BC Place Stadium

VS

Vernon Panthers vs Robert Bateman Timberwolves:  Well folks, these are clearly the two best AA Varsity Football Teams in British Columbia.  Each squad is coming off of dominant and convincing semi-final games this past Saturday.  The season and playoffs are there for a reason: The best teams emerge by playing the games and demonstrating their mastery of the game fair and square on a level playing field.  On Saturday, 1 December, the 2018 Subway Bowl is going to be a treat for all who watch!

I think Bateman is easily the most improved team in the province this year.  Every week they have gotten better and they now face a true force of nature in the Vernon Panthers on the big stage.  I am really excited to see how this one plays out.  Both offenses can put a load of points on the board on the ground and in the air.  Both defenses are extremely physical and fly to the ball.  The big boys up front are super for each team.  Vernon may have a bit of an edge in terms of toughness there however.  Special teams are a draw.  Each team has a superb kicker and the field is going to get flipped multiple times on game day.  This one will come down to turnovers and the ability to protect the quarterback.  GI's Pick: Vernon in a squeaker where having gained an early lead, they barely survive a second half Bateman surge.

Final Note:  Congratulations to both rosters and their coaching staff, supporters!  You guys earned this and are the best in the province.  Enjoy your special day!  You do AA Varsity Football Proud!!

2018 AA Varsity Semi-Final Edition

2018 AA Varsity Semi-Final Games

Robert Bateman Timberwolves vs Holy Cross Crusaders:  This clash of number 1 seeds is also a clash between two squads that have bragging rights as the most improved teams in the league since week 1 rolled out.  The match-ups are pretty close across the board.  Close however is not the same.  Offense, edge to Bateman.  Defense, edge to Bateman.  Special teams, slight edge to Bateman.  Now the math of it all says Bateman, but HS Football is no science.   Holy Cross has something going on.  They have not been making mistakes and they have been working as a total team unit since week 5.  These guys also have demonstrated knock-out punch big plays on offense and great defensive tenacity.  Bateman is going to have a tough time with the edge rush and screening won't always be the salve for that problem.  Turnovers will be critical in this tilt as well  GI's Pick: Valor

Vernon Panthers vs John Barsby Bulldogs:  Well, Vernon has been the wire to wire #1 squad in BC all season.  They have earned this by deed.  The Panthers have all the weapons on offense at every possession and are a threat to score on any given play.  Defensively they mirror their offensive selves and the kicking game is superb.  Barsby presents its own set of challenges to opponents as well.  The Dawgs are very balanced offensively and they play a tough, stubborn brand of defense with opportunistic special teams.  Historically, games between these two programs have always been hard fought affairs.  I see nothing to make me feel that this year's tilt will not be more of the same.  GI's Pick: Valor

AA Varsity Football BC Quarter-Final Edition

AA Varsity Quarter-Finals

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers

2. Holy Cross Crusaders

3. John Barsby Bulldogs

4. Windsor Dukes

5. Robert Bateman Timberwolves

GI's Picks

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ John Barsby Bulldogs:  Graham threw for over 500 yards and racked up 59 points vs Kelley Road with their back-up quarterback at the helm!  Words like Blitzkrieg, Shelling and Carpet Bombing quickly jump to mind when looking at these numbers.  Well, in today's offensive vernacular, they are running what is commonly referred to as a form of the air-raid offense popularized by the likes of Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma and company from the NCAA's Big 12 Division.  Luckily for Barsby, the Dawgs just received and installed a regimental sized shipment of the world leading Russian SA 400 air defense system.   All kidding aside, the Grizzlies have laid down the gauntlet and Barsby will have to respond while not selling the farm to stop just the pass.  Graham can run the ball very effectively as well!  Barsby's last football game was a week 8 tilt against Windsor.  When the ball gets kicked-off on Saturday, it will have been 22 days since their last live snap! Bye weeks are tricky customers.  Three weeks of solitary confinement behind the fog banks of the Georgia Strait can be downright schizophrenic!  What has been brewing on the Barsby practice field all this time?  Are there going to be surprises?   Well, we can only go with the knowns.  Size: GW Graham.  Speed: Barsby slight edge.  Quickness: Barsby.  Defense: Statistically, Barsby.  Offense: Draw, both teams can score just about any way you can imagine.  Specials:  We will see. Home Field: Barsby.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 10

Windsor Dukes @ Robert Bateman Timberwolves: Great match-up here!  Both teams are playing their best football of the season and enter the game healthy.  Last week I called Windsor a "bracket buster" and they did not disappoint.  Looking at this one, it is going to be a real chess match!  I will get back to this point of emphasis at the conclusion.  Match-ups: Size: Bateman has an edge up front on both sides of the ball, not a huge differential, but they are bigger.  Speed: This is a draw as both squads have some serious rocket-men on their respective rosters.  Quickness: Windsor has a bit more quick twitch than their foes.  Physicality: Draw.  Both crews don't shy away from contact and seemingly enjoy a good tooth rattling smack session when it presents itself.  Scheme: Offensively, Windsor has the highest percentage of pass completion in the province.  When they throw, it counts.  The Timberwolves are no slouches either and have been very balanced in their attack.  Defenses:  Bateman has to be the most improved team in the province defensively with perhaps the exception of Holy Cross.  Windsor is very disciplined and can play a punishing brand of of football when they get to focus exclusively on the run.  Both teams will have to face balanced attacks and there will be an imperative to prevent the big play.  Special teams are a relative tie.   So what is going to give here?  These teams met very early in the season in an exhibition tilt.  If I recall, Bateman's HC said something to the effect that his squad got worn down by the run as the game progressed.  Has this been fixed?  I don't know.  For me, this game will come down to communication.  Can Windsor out maneuver the Bateman defense with timely call after timely call once the center is over the ball and the whistle blown in.  I think they can and with the Dukes always holding the chalk last in a game of tic-tac-toe they bust this thing open by the mid 2nd quarter.  GI's Pick: Dukes by 11

Ballenas Whalers @ Vernon Panthers:  The last two times these programs have met, it has been playoffs and Vernon has beaten Ballenas up and down the sidewalk.  This has not really been due to any lack of toughness, preparation or brains on the part of the Whalers.  Not at all.  The fact is, Vernon is just that good.  The Panthers are having one of those once in a half-decade runs as a program where they are deep and highly schooled in their systems.  They do what they do and they do it magnificently.   The current Panther roster has cumulatively spent double or triple the amount of time in the Dome than the next most Dome experienced program in BC.  Big games are a dime a dozen to these guys.   Vernon has has two weeks to get ready for this game and they are playing it at home.  This is tough math for the visitors.  The Whalers are going to have to pull off the most epic upset of the season this coming weekend.  Coming off of a ferocious, physical game vs Langley has to have left em a bit bruised to say the least.  Ballenas will find out what kind of warriors they truly are when they play this one.   Brass Tacks:  The Whaler offense can run some great power football and their play action off of this mirrors their running game.  The Whaler "skill position" guys are as good as anyone in BC!  They catch what is thrown to them and their coaching staff gets the very most out of their players and their skill sets.   Defensively, I have only seen one game (vs Windsor) where they got exposed scheme wise.  Whaler special teams are notoriously good and can be game changers for sure.  Vernon for their part matches-up across the board with the visitors and they have the best rb in the province to compliment a lethal passing game.  Up front, they are deep, big, skilled and quick.  If this game had been played in week 2 or 3 it would be close.  A season of wear and tear combined with a long road-trip has a say.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 24

Prince George Polars @ Holy Cross Crusaders: I've war gamed this one pretty extensively and the scenarios all seem to reach a similar conclusion.  Holy Cross will win.  Road-Trip....PG has a long one.  Overall aggregate team speed: Crusaders.  Strength of Schedule: Crusaders.  Pass defense: Crusaders.  Run defense: Draw Size: PG.  Run game: Most people looking at the stats would say PG.  Not so fast, PG runs great in its sysetem.  HC runs very well from its system as well.  Both attacks are predicated on wildly different schemes, both are effective.  Both offensive lines are good.  I am going to call this a Draw!  Passing Game: Holy Cross by a country mile.  PG has seen nothing like it in terms of execution and big play ability.  They have not had to spend a season preparing for such attacks and will be exposed early and often.  Special Teams: Draw.   The war gaming keeps arriving at a scenario whereby PG grinds and grinds, but the HC defense, with two weeks of prep, takes away PG's best 2-3 plays.  Nothing left in the cupboards for the Polars but their junk.  HC offense out of the gun will have just enough time to launch that ball to receivers who carve up PG coverages over and over again.  Now all of this said, war-games are just war games.  You play the game for a reason and players have to make plays.  Teenagers are an unpredictable lot.  PG has some serious athletes and if they get in to a groove and keep the ball out of HC's hands, they have a shot.  GI's Pick: Crusaders win big by 20 plus.

2018 AA Varsity Playoffs Round 1

Playoffs Are Here!

AA Varsity Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers

2. Holy Cross Crusaders

3. John Barsby Bulldogs

4. Ballenas Whalers

5. Robert Bateman Timberwolves

GI's Picks

Friday, November 9th

Ballenas Whalers @ Langley Saints:  You have all heard of truck pull derbies, well, this is going to be the gridiron version of a bulldozer push derby.  A collision of the two best true power football offenses in AA Varsity Ball.  Both defenses see their offensive counterparts at practice all week long and so you have to figure that some smash mouth football is just their cup of tea.  So is this going to be some kind of stalemate fought at mid-field for 48 minutes?  Nope.  Each squad is going to hurl some great shots at the other via the air.  Special Teams will be "special" in terms of flipping the field and creating opportunities.  So here is the tale of the tape:  Offensive Line: Narrow edge to Langley, Backfield: Draw; Receivers: Ballenas; Quarterback: Ballenas; Kicking Game; Ballenas  Defensive Line: Langley; Linebackers: Draw: DB's: Edge to Ballenas.   Size: Langley Speed: Draw; Quickness in space: Ballenas; Self-Discipline: Langley; Scheme: Ballenas can do more offensively.  Toughness: Both Teams are Tough in their own way.  Langley might lean on the Whalers a bit up front.  GI's Pick:  This will be one hell of a physical game up-front and if it was just power football for four quarters, Langley would win, but not separate til the late 3rd quarter.   Ballenas will play more of a judo game offensively in this one and survive the frontal assault by moving the ball just about every way you can imagine.  Langley may get snake-bit on specials too.  Whalers by 11

Saturday, November 10th

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ Kelley Road Roadrunners: The Roadrunners will play physical against the run in this game.  They will however be almost helpless against the G.W. passing game.  Its just a fact that Graham has faced way better passing attacks all year long than Kelley Road.  This reality means that the host squad probably has to decide if it can pressure the visitors and limit opportunities.  Tough to do against Shotgun, but has been done at least once this year. The Langley game a couple weeks ago is a prime example of this.  Offensively, the home squad has to play its very best game of the year to stay in the game.  Trick plays and adding to the playbook are not going to get it done.  Graham has a distinct advantage in the kicking-game.  Size: Graham; Speed: Draw; Roster Depth: Kelley Road; Big Game Experience: Graham; Home Field: Kelley Road; GI's Pick:  Graham by 26

Windsor Dukes @ Clarence Fulton Maroons:  Remember that old Trooper song "Three Dressed Up As A Nine"?  Well, lets play with that.  Windsor is a 1 seed dressed-up as a 3 seed in this year's playoff.  A one dressed up as a three led by a genius.  Windsor is a bracket-buster in this year's draw and I think they are a legit pick to get to the Subway Bowl.   Fulton earned the right to host.  This isn't last year's Fulton however and it is going to be tough times defending against that magnificent Windsor Offense.  The Duke Defense is going to be air tight.  The Dukes win just about every physical match-up you can imagine as well.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 26

AA Varsity Week 9

AA Varsity Week Nine

Gridirons Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. Langley Saints
3. Holy Cross Crusaders
4. Prince George Polars
5. John Barsby Bulldogs

GI's Picks

Friday, November 2nd

Ballenas Whalers @ Argyle Pipers: This could be a trap game for Ballenas.  They are on the road; This is Argyle's last hurrah for their Sr. Class; the rosters match-up in terms of size and athleticism.  With HS kids, you just never know for sure how they are going to come out of the gates when the opening whistle blows.  This said, I will go back to "could be".  Ballenas is very good and after a bye week, wounds have been licked and the preparation has been thorough.  Look for the Whaler rushing game to light things-up once again and play action to follow.  Argyle just won't be able to stand in front of that for four quarters. GI's Pick: Whalers by 26

Holy Cross Crusaders @ Windsor Dukes: The stakes couldn't be higher for either team in this game.  A Crusader win puts them in 1st place with a couple weeks to prepare for the BC Quarter-Final.  A loss drops em to 4th.  The Dukes win and they secure the #2 seed out of the West with a bye and a home game in the quarters.  Both squads are playing the best football of their respective seasons.  Defense will be the name of the game in this tilt.  HC is very dangerous with their quick strike deep passing game and has a superbly coached offensive line to run behind.  Windsor has an offense that can hurt you any place, any time on the ground or in the air.  Looking at stats, their pass game is the most efficient percentage wise in the province by a very wide margin.  Their ability to get the right call on the field on every time is something to envy.  Specials in this one are pretty much a draw.  So defense?  Well, who wins this chess game?  I think Windsor does.  They will have more time to think than their opponents.  HC has to win the big game with its own coaches spotting for them as well.  Advantage Windsor. GI's Pick: Dukes by 18 plus.

Clarence Fulton Maroons @ Vernon Panthers: The City of Vernon's HS Football rivalry game is upon us.  Vernon has the dominant roster headed in to this one and should by all objective standards, cruise to a big win this year.  Thing is however, this is a RIVALRY game and things sometimes take "objective standards" twist them into strange football origami and take a life of their own.   I have to say "sometimes" though as Vernon is too well coached and too veteran a roster to fall off the rails in this one. GI's Pick: Big day offensively via air and land for the Panthers who will win by 22 plus.

Westsyde Blue Wave @ South Kamloops Titans: Another cross-town rivalry game here Kamloops style!  There will be 40 and 50 year olds watching this one who wore Blue Wave and Red Devil jerseys back in the day.  The PA better dig up some good 80's tunes!! I would expect a couple grey beards by the name of Bridges and Olthuis to be looking on. On the field, you can expect two very evenly matched rosters laying down the smack for four quarters.  The Titans have been playing some good offense of late and this may very well be the difference come game day.  GI's Pick: Titans by 8

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ SRT Titans:  This will be a close game.  SRT has tanked since mid-season, but Graham is very short benched.  The Grizzlies will rely heavily on JV's playing-up in order to be effective.  This week of practice will be critical for both squads as this is where the victor will emerge.  Defensively, Graham has to keep the ball from getting any kind of an edge.  The Titans will need their best all around game of the year to win.  GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 11

Robert Bateman Timberwolves @ Langley Saints:  Call this one the AA Varsity Game of The Week.  Up for grabs is 1st place coming out of the East.  Both teams have had a bye headed in to this one.  Both teams are extremely physical.  Langley is the best straight-up power offense in AA football with no one even coming close in that spectrum of the game.  Bateman is FAST and very well balanced on the offensive side of the ball.  Langley has a lethal passing game in store for teams that rob the defensive cupboards to stop the run.  Each team as a result, has some defensive dilemmas before them.  Bateman is the underdog based on weeks 1 thru 8.  Being an underdog is a good thing because it forces a coaching staff to think out of the box a bit.  As long as one does not stray too far out of the box that is.  Special teams may be the winning edge for either squad when all things are considered.  GI's Pick: Langley grinds the Timberwolves down over 4 quarters of play. Saints by 12

Nechako Valley Vikings @ College Heights Cougars: The Vikings struggled mightily against the Cougars earlier this year and the sons of Ragnar will likely meet a similar fate as they are just flat-out outmatched in terms of roster depth.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 24

Kelley Road Roadrunners @ Prince George Polars:  The Polar Dynasty up north will end after this season for a few years.  This year however, PGSS is hitting its stride with a running game that is a provincial level operation.  Look for a big game between the tackles and runs that get bigger and bigger as the game progresses for the Polars.  GI's Pick: PGSS by 26

The Compound Interest Of Poor Attendance

A student's attendance is always a matter of concern for coaches and families.  This graphic really illustrates the profound impact of poor attendance across a student's scholastic career.

AA Varsity Week 8

AA Varsity Week Eight

Gridirons Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. Windsor Dukes
3. Langley Saints
4. Ballenas Whalers

5. Holy Cross Crusaders

 

GI's Picks

Friday, October 26th

Sulivan Heights Stars (AAA) @ Holy Cross Crusaders: This is a great tune-up game for the surging Crusaders headed in to a week 9 clash with massive playoff implications vs the Windsor Dukes.  Games like this represent an opportunity to give opponents down the line lots and lots of eye candy to sort through in terms of game prep and the triage of what to practice against.  Sullivan Heights is completing their first year of varsity play and will benefit immensely from this game as well.  Look for the Crusaders to run the ball effectively in between the tackles throughout this contest.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 28

John Barsby Bulldogs @ Windsor Dukes: Watching Windsor play football is truly a pleasure.  They are a) fundamentally sound b) high football IQ top to bottom and back up to the top c) very, very efficient.  I do not think a team in the province at any level can maneuver and adjust in real time as fast as the Dukes.  Coach Schuman's ability to observe, adjust and communicate with his offense between the whistles should be a study for any coach who wants to dramatically improve his team's lethality, particularly on offense. Wow!  The Dukes are always tough and they are particularly good at home.  Barsby, when it is on its game, is also tough to defend with a lot of offensive weapons of its own.  Both defenses are going to have to bring their A-Game to this one.  The ability to prevent quick strikes and extended yards after the catch/yards after contact will be huge for both teams.  Special teams will of course, factor in heavily. GI's Pick: Tough to go against the Dukes, especially at home. Windsor by 7

SRT Titans @ Robert Bateman Timberwolves:  Bateman is a very good football team with an outstanding array of athletes as is SRT.  Both teams are coming off of bye weeks and will be very well rested and prepared for one another when the action starts.   Some things to consider: Bateman is at home; Bateman has played a tougher schedule this year; Bateman didn't line-up in front of the Langley mincing machine of and offense a week ago; on balance, Bateman is faster; Bateman's offense is more diverse. GI's Pick: Add it all up and Batemen is a 14 pt. favorite.

Westsyde Blue Wave @ Vernon Panthers: Westsyde is playing its best ball in years.  Morale in the program is pretty much at an all time high in recent memory.  Vernon however is flat out dominant athletically and in terms of depth.  Vernon is also playing at home.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 30

South Kamloops Titans @ Valleyview Vikings: The Titans are a pretty good squad in the context of the Interior Conference landscape.  Look for them to pound away on the ground and get some good vertical production off of the play action pass.  The Titan roster is also deeper and more talented.  GI's Pick: Titans by 17

Salmon Arm Golds @ Clarence Fulton Maroons:  Another good game for the Interior.  Salmon Arm gets some more ball for their exhibition season and the Maroons get to work out all the kinks headed in to their week nine rivalry game vs Vernon.  Fulton will run and pass very well in this game en route to a big score.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 21

Nechako Valley Vikings @ Prince George Polars: PGSS is the class of the northern varsity squads and they will be hitting all cylinders when they host the outmatched Vikings.  GI's Pick: Polars by 30 plus.

College Heights @ Kelley Road:  This game will determine second and third place in the Northern Conference.  Kelley Road has been playing better defense than the visitors this year and with the weather turning sour, this will weigh in heavily.  Look for a fairly tight game that comes down to a couple big plays offensively/turnovers to determine the outcome.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 7

Saturday, October 27th

Howe Sound Sounders @ Ballenas Whalers: Ballenas is smarting after a big loss vs divisional rival Windsor.  Howe Sound is limping in to the final weeks of the season with a small roster.  If this game gets played, Ballenas will build some much needed confidence headed in to their final week of play.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 25

AA Varsity Week 7

AA Varsity Week Seven

Gridirons Top 5

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

GI's Picks

Thursday, October 18th

Kelly Road Roadrunners @ Prince George Polars: The Polars are on a roll and are physically the most dominant varsity team the North has produced since 2014 (that team being the 2014 Polars).  Look for the Mean Green to establish the run early and pound away all day long.  GI's Pick: Polars by 30

Friday, October 19th

Frank Hurt Hornets @ Robert Bateman Timberwolves:  Bateman is hitting their stride at just the right time in the season.  Coming off a big, emotional win over G.W. Graham has them in a great mental place as a team and the balanced offence/speedy defense will be too overwhelming for the plucky Hornet squad to handle.  GI's Pick: Timberwolves by 30

Argyle Pipers @ John Barsby Bulldogs: Argyle is healthy and has had a bye week to prepare for Barsby.   The tilts between these two programs are usually pretty evenly contested if one looks at the historical context of the series.  The Piper's throw the ball very well and play very aggressive, opportunistic defense.  Barsby was a slow motion, passionless, poorly led, vomit inducing, inconsistent train-wreck vs Holy Cross this past Saturday.  GI's Pick: Pipers by 8

Valleyview Vikings @ Clarence Fulton Maroons: Fulton is coming off of a tough loss to Westsyde last weekend.  The game was close and I am sure the locker-room is looking to up it's game and get back on track.  Valleyview has struggled against the Marroons in past years and this will likely be the case again this year.  Fulton's offense is more balanced and as a team, they have been playing tougher competition all year.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 12

Westsyde Blue Wave @ Salmon Arm Golds:  A big win vs Fulton has Westsyde chomping at the bit for more headed into a road trip vs Salmon Arm.  The Blue Wave are on a bit of a mid-season high right now and finding all kinds of confidence in themselves with playoff seeding on the line. GI's Pick: Westsyde by 14

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ Langley Saints: Kudos to GW Graham for their salty, tough performance on Friday vs a fine Robert Bateman squad.  That kind of grit and resilience will factor in heavily in this key divisional tilt vs the Eastern Steam Roller known as the Langley Saints.  Langley is rested coming off a bye week and will be well prepared by their coaches for all eventualities.  This game will be close for a quarter, but I think Langley has more in the tank and is better up front which will break the Grizzlies in the mid-to late rounds.  GI's Pick: Langley by 16

Vernon Panthers @ South Kamloops Titans: Vernon will do what Vernon does with its deep, fast and talented roster.  SKS just doesn't match-up well anywhere with the visitors.  Look for a big day in the air for Vernon and stifling defense that benefits from a great kicking game.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 35 plus


Saturday, October 20th

College Heights Cougars @ Nechako Valley Vikings: I like Nechako Valley in this one based on their offensive execution and esprit de corps as an overall squad.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 7

Windsor Dukes @ Ballenas Whalers: Game of the Week in AA Varsity ball here folks.  Wow is it going to be a good one!  Windsor is going to find out everything about itself when it takes on the Whaler Juggernaut on Whaler home turf.  Ballenas has had a bye week to prepare for this game and they will have needed it.  The line of scrimmage is going to be pivotal for both teams as this is where they are strongest offensively.  I think the Whalers have more depth up front, but Windsor executes better and comes off the ball harder.  If either team can get their backs into the second level, there are going to be some big rushing stats on game day.   Ballenas may need to load-up the box defensively and be creative with their pressures/alignments.  If they send heat, it will be feast or famine.  Windsor has to be aware of the Ballenas-Barsby game as the Whalers have proven they can throw the ball well to some very talented receives when required to do so.  Special teams....Ballenas can flip a game with their short kicking game alone.  Seen that many times.  Windsor will be aware of this and the chess game is on! Coaching: This is a Football Mensa club on both benches.  If you can get out to see this game, you won't be let down.  Gonna be a classic! GI's Pick: Ballenas by 7

Howe Sound Sounders @ Holy Cross Crusaders:  Howe Sound has been a pleasant surprise and welcome addition to AA Varsity football this year.  Holy Cross has something really special going on as it fields its best Varsity squad since 2015.  I was so very impressed with the Crusaders play this past Saturday vs Barsby.  That was one unified, prepared and disciplined football team that quickly responded to breakdowns and momentum changes throughout the game.  HC has a super offensive line and is executing offensively to the fullest.  They are very efficient with what they do with the players they have getting the ball in the right hands at the right time.  The Sounders will be in tough for this one.  They are very quick athletically and bring a lot of heat.  They will make a few big defensive plays in the HC backfield, but not enough to win.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 24

AA Varsity Week 6

AA Varsity Week Six

Week 5 In Review

Gridirons Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Ballenas Whalers 
4. Langley Saints

5. Windsor Dukes

Robert Bateman Varsity Football from Kirt Purdy on Vimeo.

GI's Picks

Friday, October 12th

Salmon Arm Golds @ South Kamloops Titans: The Titans seem to be putting a better product on the field this year than their opponents and they have played a more extensive schedule.  The roster is deeper across the board for the hosts.  GI's Pick: SKS by 9

Howe Sound Sounders @ Windsor Dukes:  Howe Sound has really improved since three and are going to challenge Windsor on the edge offensively and defensively.  Windsor's offensive line is amongst the top three in AA ball right now and it will likely carry the day for the Dukes along with the precise execution of the entire offensive scheme.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 16

Kelly Road Roadrunners @ Nechako Valley Vikings: This is going to be a tough tangle between two very evenly matched teams. Kelly Road has been playing Interior squads leading up to this date and that experience will have elevated their game a bit compared to the visitors.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 8

Clarence Fulton Maroons @ Westsyde Blue Wave: Fulton traditionally plays its best ball in October and November.  They play a tough September, find the chinks in their armor and clean things up.  I think the Maroons have more balance in their offense and have defensively faced a team like Langley.  This will be a good game.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 11

Robert Bateman Timberwolves @ G.W. Graham Grizzlies:  Massive playoff implications for both teams here with the winner owning the inside track to at least third spot in the division.  Bateman has more depth and a far more diverse offensive attack.  The line of scrimmage will be contested equally, but the backfield/receiver-db contest is heavily in Bateman's favor.  Special Teams to the Timberwolves as well.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 14

Valleyview Vikings @ Vernon Panthers:  Vernon is peerless in the Interior and possibly the province.  Look for the Panthers to air it out early and often vs the visitors.  Defensively, the Panther roster is too big, strong, fast and experienced for the Viking offense to have much of an impact.  Special teams, Vernon.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 30 plus

College Heights Cougars @ D.P. Todd Trojans: The Cougars ought to grind this one out on the ground this Friday.  I think the game will be close til mid-to late 3rd quarter before the wheels fall off for the Trojans.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 11

Saturday, October 13th

SRT Titans @ Frank Hurt Hornets: This is a good bounce game for SRT after getting crushed by divisional rival Langley.  Frank Hurt has struggled this year, but you have to admire them going back to practice and reloading for another tilt week-after-week.  GI's Pick: SRT by 24 plus

John Barsby Bulldogs @ Holy Cross Crusaders: Both teams are coming off of wins from this past weekend.  Look for a very inspired Crusader effort on the field this Saturday.  The HC defense does a great job vs the pass as opposed to standing up in front of a power running game such as Ballenas.  Barsby is a whole different experience offensively and quite similar in scheme to the HC offense.  Special teams and big plays on offense will likely carry the day for either squad.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 14

AA Varsity Week 5

AA Varsity Week 5

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Gridirons Top 5

1.  Vernon Panthers
2.  John Barsby Bulldogs
3.  Ballenas Whalers
4.  Windsor Dukes
5.  Langley Saints

GI's Picks

Thursday, October 4th

D.P. Todd Trojans @ Prince George Polars: The Trojans are in over their head against the Polars in this tilt.  PGSS is to big, to fast and too strong on both sides of the football for the visitors.  Look for a heap of offensive stats, particularly on the ground for the boys in green.  GI's Pick: Polars by 22

Friday, October 5th


Valleyview Vikings @ Westsyde Blue Wave: A well rested Valleyview squad plays cross town rival Westsyde this Friday in a good ol fashioned Kamloops rivalry game.  Westsyde played a challenging September exhibition schedule and will be hitting on all cylinders come kick-off.  It is my belief the momentum of the September exhibition crucible will serve the Blue Wave well and they will have an execution edge in all three phases of the game.  GI's Pick: Blue Wave by 14

Holy Cross Crusaders @ Argyle Pipers: Big divisional game here with major playoff implications for both squads coming off of last weekend's losses.  Both teams ran into tough running offenses in week four with devastating results.  Now it is spread on spread and the ball is going to be thrown all over the field.  Holy Cross may have a bit of an edge in terms of "big play" athletes and a solid kicking-game.  You can never count out Argyle as they have won a lot of respect with their version of the short passing game which can give zone coverage defenses literal fits of frustration.  This one is going to be tight! GI's Pick: Crusaders by 6 if they can win the turnover battle.

South Kamloops Titans @ Clarence Fulton Maroons: This is a very good match-up between two teams that will be in the hunt for a 2nd-4th seed out of the Interior.  The rosters match and it will be fairly close through much of the game.  Fulton's running game is better and this will be the difference when the final whistle blows.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 11 

Ballenas Whalers @ John Barsby Bulldogs:  Air Barsby hosts Ground and Pound Ballenas...who would have thunk it?!!!! This year's Border Battle will be like no other witnessed in living memory since the rivalry series began in 2000.  The undefeated Whalers have ground-up, trampled, rolled over and spit out every defense they have come across this year.  That offensive line has killed more defensive fronts this year than smallpox.  That power running offense is stylistically and spiritually dear to this child's heart.  I never get tired of watching that kind of football!  To compound Barsby's defensive anxiety is the fact that Ballenas has a lethal passing game when need be.  Whaler special teams are a nasty and cerebral thing for opponents to deal with as well.  I think that their short kicking game  could give a kick-return squad composed of mongooses up front fits!  They are that good and are quick to the ball.  The Whaler defense is bend, but don't break with some great strategic and opportunistic blitzing.  Barsby beware!  Barsby for it's part has done a good job via the air this year and its special teams have been solid as well.  Big plays are on the menu for the Barsby Offense at any given time.  Defensively, the Dawgs get to the ball well and have added a few wrinkles to their stingy defensive scheme.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 1

Langley Saints @ SRT Titans: The winner of this game has the inside track to being the number one seed coming out of the East come November.  The match-ups are pretty much even across the board except for the offensive line where Langley just might be top one or two in the province.  They are monsters in football equipment and they are starting to really get some unit mojo going on.  This said, the Titan backfield is as good as it gets in AA when it comes to the run and short passing game.  The respective defensive coordinators are going to be burning the midnight oil this week!  Special teams and taking care of the football will be the difference on Friday in my opinion. GI's Pick: Langley by 4

Frank Hurt Hornets @ G.W. Graham Grizzlies: This game is just what the doctor ordered for a short benched Grizzly squad held together by tape and a will to compete.  Graham has ducked no one and this weekend will be a test for the whole program.  The Hornets have struggled in September, but love their football.  The Graham run game will be tough for Hurt to handle and they can throw pretty well to balance things out.  GI's Pick: Graham by 17

Saturday, October 6th

Kelly Road Roadrunners @ Vernon Panthers:  There is a poem based on a calvary charge in the Crimean war called " The Charge Of The Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.  Kelly Road should read it and be prepared for a bunch of snarling Panthers licking their chops for fresh meat.  Those who stagger out of this game will definitely be battle hardened headed in to the rest of the Northern schedule that awaits them.  Vernon is good and rains offense on opposing defenses.  Special teams for the Panthers are solid and their kicking game keeps people penned-up on a long field.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 40 plus.

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!

AA Varsity Week 3

AA Varsity Week 3

Gridirons Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Ballenas Whalers
4. Windsor Dukes
5. Holy Cross Crusaders

GI's Picks

Thursday, September 20th

Prince George Polars @ College Heights Cougars: PG is coming off a rough road trip and the Cougs are coming off a tie.  The Polars are deeper offensively than the home team and the competition they faced last week has certainly tuned up their game.  GI's Pick: Polars by 8

Nechako Valley Vikings @ D.P. Todd Trojans:  The Vikings have a game under their belt and the jump from week 1 to week 2 usually is the most dramatic in terms of quality all season long.  The Trojans have their season debut this week.  There are going to be some kinks to work out.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 3

Friday, September 21st

Westsyde Blue Wave @ Robert Bateman Timberwolves:  Both squads are coming off of tough losses this past weekend.  I think the Bateman roster is far more athletic than the visitors and their passing game is as tough to defend as it gets.  This game is good for Westsyde as consecutive games against Lower Mainland teams will surely help them up their game headed in to Interior league play.  As an aside, great to see Bob Bridges listed on the Westsyde staff.  He is a provincial H.S. Football treasure! GI's Pick: Bateman by 21

Langley Saints @ Clarence Fulton Maroons: Both of these teams love to run the football and defend the run.  Langley will have a definite size advantage up-front.  Special teams could be the great evener for Fulton if the Maroons are on top of their game.  GI's Pick: Langley by 19

Windsor Dukes @ Argyle Pipers:  This yearly game has all the makings of becoming a rivalry game between the two programs.  Windsor was very impressive in their season opener vs Bateman last week.  The Dukes offensive line is stellar and the offense looks to be a real buzz saw this year.  Defense and special teams for the Dukes are as per-usual, solid.  Argyle is no slouch themselves, particularly with the "skill position" types.  I don't think they can hang with Windsor up front and this is going to be problematic because Windsor executes its scheme very well.  GI's Pick: Dukes by 21

Frank Hurt Hornets @ SRT Titans: This is going to be a much needed breakout game for SRT and it's backfield trifecta.  SRT will be dominant at all positions in this game.  GI's Pick: Titans by 34 on some big offensive runs/catches

Salmon Arm Golds @ Vernon Panthers:  Salmon Arm is going to be walking in to a literal hornet's nest on Friday as the Panthers are going to be venting some team frustration after a frustrating, one sided loss vs Terry Fox.  Vernon is way better than last week's score and Coach Smith and crew will have their understudies ready to go for this tilt.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 26

Saturday September 22nd

Kelly Road Roadrunners @ South Kamloops Titans:  SKS will continue to feed on the North in this game.  Kelly Road will be a tougher opponent than Nechako Valley was last week, but they still are outmatched in this tilt vs an opponent with a balanced pass-run offensive attack. GI's Pick: Titans by 15

Pitt Meadows Marauders @ Earl Marriot Mariners (AAA):  Earl Marriot was a big beneficiary of the folding of the Hugh Boyd program with several players arriving to play for the Mariners.  Notably, Boyd's quarterback who has a lazer arm and some great receivers to spray the ball around to.  Further, Marriot had a solid JV squad in 2017 and their JV's that joined this year's varsity crew are going to factor in heavily.  Pitt is always tough and scrappy and their defense brings a lot of heat. The Marauders will leave it all on the field come Saturday.  GI's Pick: Marriot by 18

John Barsby Bulldogs @ Howe Sound Sounders: This is Howe Sound's first game of the season and it is league play.  What they put on the field is a total mystery as no one has seen em yet this year.  I predict a big, athletic roster with a bent towards smash mouth football based on their historical tendencies.  Barsby will continue to throw the ball as per-weeks one and two while relying on tough defense and solid special teams.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 18

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ Ballenas Whalers: The Grizzlies are good and have four big-time difference makers in their backfield and on defense.  Their problem is that their varsity numbers are very low.  The JV call-ups (they are very good) are going to have to have a big showing on Saturday vs the Whalers.  Ballenas is a true power football team with the deepest group of linemen type body's I have seen in their program since 2004.  They are built for battles of attrition.  This is not what G.W. wants to be up against at all.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 18

AA Varsity Week 2

AA Varsity Week 2

Robert Bateman Hi-Lites vs Windsor
http://www.hudl.com/video/2/22976/5ba1e4b0c119a0050048dbc8 

Gridirons Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Ballenas Whalers
4. Robert Bateman Timberwolves
5. Prince George Polars

GI's Picks

Thursday, September 13th

College Heights Cougars @ Kelly Road Roadrunners: Big cross town rivalry here.  I think the Cougars return a solid veteran crew from last year's very competitive squad.  Look for the College Heights run game to pick-up where it left off last fall.  GI's Pick: College Heights by 8

Friday, September 14th

West Vanvouver Highlanders(AAA) @ Ballenas Whalers: Both squads are coming off big opening wins in week 1.  This is a clash between the West Van spread offense and the Whaler power running game.  The big question defensively is whether or not the Whalers can match the Highlander offensive speed defensively.  The Whalers ought to eat up a lot of clock.  They are BIG! GI's Pick: Whalers by 18

Robert Bateman Timberwolves @ Windsor Dukes:  The Champs have enough of a returning core to bring a lot of veteran mojo to practices and leadership on the playing field.  What comes up and out to join them is a big question mark.  Bateman is deep, fast and very experienced.  I think they have something real special going on with the program.  Having an opening game against decent competition under their belts is also a good thing.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 11

Langley Saints @ John Barsby Bulldogs: Langley got a big program win in their season opener vs AAA Mission.  The defense is very tough and the Saint running game looks to be a very good one.  Barsby had a tough loss vs neighborhood rival AAA NDSS last Friday.  Home field is always a good thing and will factor in a bit this weekend.  Barsby is going to have to come out with a great defensive effort to be in this one.  Offensively, the Dawgs were penalized heavily last week and this needs to be cleaned-up if drives are to be sustained.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 6

St. Thomas Moore Knights (AAA) @ SRT Titans:  The athletes match-up pretty good in this tilt.  Both programs have momentum headed in to this game.  STM will execute their offense better than the host Titans and this will be the difference maker on the field.  GI's Pick: STM by 14

Clarence Fulton Maroons @ Omak WA:  Fulton is on a rebuild year, is on the road and over matched athletically is this annual tilt between the two programs.  It is a great team builder for the Maroons and they will get better as a result of the US competition.  GI's Pick: Omak by 40

Holy Cross Crusaders @ Pitt Meadows Marauders:  The Crusaders had a competitive, break out game vs GW Graham last week.  Pitt is going to have to be on their A game to compete in this one.  Look for HC's offense to get it done via the air on Friday.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 17

Saturday, September 15th

Prince George Polars @ G.W. Graham Grizzlies:  This is an intriguing game for sure.  Super move by both coaches for scheduling it!  GW is going to have to play some serious run defense against a very big and tough PG squad that features two superb running backs.  If they can defend the pass PG has an excellent chance to come away from this game with the W.  GI's Pick: Polars by 8

Vernon Panthers @ Terry Fox Ravens (AAA):  This is my game of the week!  The Panther defense is going to get tested real hard on the ground!  Vernon will certainly move the ball by air and land on Saturday offensively.  Fox is bigger and has a slight edge in team speed.  GI's Pick: Ravens by 11 I am going to qualify this by posting a big fat UPSET ALERT however.

Argyle Pipers @ Valleyview Vikings: Good team builder for Argyle!  This game will be pretty close as Valleyview ought to have a tough running game to throw at Argyle who traditionally has thrown the ball a lot on offense.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 2

Westsyde Blue Wave @ Frank Hurt Hornets:  Frank Hurt is going to be a big strong team this year.  There are lots of kids on the roster with significant Varsity experience.  Westsyde is always tough and quite balanced.  This one comes down to defense and turnovers.  GI's Pick: Frank Hurt by 6

South Kamloops Titans @ Nechako Valley Vikings:  SKS played a good game against a very tough and talented SRT squad last week.  The Vikings will likely be over matched athletically when the two squads come to grips on game day.  This was a good scheduling choice for both programs and it builds some good football bonds between the Interior and the North.  I like it a lot.  GI's Pick: Titans by 18

NOW PRE-SEASON COUNTS!

AA Varsity Week 1

Zero Week Scores

Colton Oregon 49 GW Graham 28

Robert Bateman @ Clarence Fulton Hi-Lites

https://www.hudl.com/video/2/22976/5b93df09f561500ab08b1abd# 

Gridiron's AA Top Five

1. Vernon Panthers
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. SRT Titans
4. Ballenas Whalers
5. Prince George Polars

GI's Picks

Thursday, 6 September

D.P Todd Trojans @ Kelly Road Roadrunners:  Both of these squads have great numbers out for football this year.  The Trojans had a big JV squad last year and a lot of talent is matriculating to the varsity level.  Game one of the year can be pretty sloppy so look for this one to be heavily affected by turnovers and some big plays vs broken coverages etc. GI's Pick: Trojans by 6

Friday, 7 September

South Kamloops Titans @ SRT Titans: Well, gonna start week 1 with my most accurate prediction: This game is going to be Titanic!  Ha!  Seriously, there may not be a backfield trifecta as cumulatively athletic as the SRT fellas.  They are big, fast and tough.  That is saying a lot as there are some stud backfields lurking out there in four or five AA programs this year.  SKS is going to have their defensive and special team hands full some Friday.  GI's Pick: SRT by 21

Centennial Centaurs (AAA) @ Ballenas Whalers: Centennial is a huge school and draws from a significant pool of athletes.  This said they struggled last year and are in rebuild mode.  Ballenas was a JV finalist last year.  The Whaler program has done a stellar job of building top to bottom the past three years and are absolutely massive physically for an AA squad.  The Whaler offense is balanced and can play power football.  They are lethal at times throwing the ball as well.  Defensively, they attack well within a very disciplined scheme.  Special teams are as always, game changers.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 18

Salmon Arm Golds (AAA) at Westsyde Blue Wave: Salmon arm will have a deeper, bigger roster that takes the field than their opponents.  Westsyde has played good, tough scrappy football the past three or for years.  Look for Salmon Arm to lean on the Blue Wave pretty good and barring catastrophic turnovers, they ought to grind this one out. GI's Pick: Golds by 17

Argyle Pipers @ Langley Saints: Really like this one!  Both teams are going to bring a lot of experience and talent to the field.  Some coaching changes at the Argyle program mean players will be learning a new scheme early in the season whereas the Saints have years with the same staff and schemes.  This will be a difference maker.  The Saints also were a playoff team at JV and Varsity last year thus bringing much momentum and high expectations to the 2018 season.  GI's Pick: Langley by 11

Robert Batemen Timberwolves @ Clarence Fulton Maroons: Another good tangle here.  Coach Scheller always gets a great effort from his players and the Maroons are playing on home dirt.  This said, Bateman is one of my dark horse picks to make a huge playoff run in 2018.  The Timberwolves are big, physical, in great shape and have an experienced gunslinger/receivers offensively.  They will be tough. GI's Pick: Bateman by 14

John Barsby Bulldogs @ Nanaimo District Islanders (AAA):  This game is going to be a good ol fashioned neighborhood donneybrook played between two schools only blocks a part on the map.  The players have competed with and against each other since starting flag ball in grade 5 in many cases!  Adding to the rivalry is the fact that Nanaimo District tuned-up on Barsby in the 2016 AA JV final a couple years back.  This year's match-up is going to be interesting indeed.  The Islanders will field a bigger roster in terms of numbers on game day.  Size is relatively even as is team speed.  Barsby is going to have to withstand a grinding Islander offense that has big play potential on the run and via the air.  Nanaimo District is going to have to defend a Barsby offense that can score fast in the air and on the ground as well.  The kicking game looms large!  The fight in the trenches is going to be epic.  A very big crowd is expected for this tilt and the emotional swings are going to be BIG! The Islander School Band is going to really bring some atmosphere!! GI's Pick: Too Close to Call

Kelowna Owls (AAA) @ Vernon Panthers: Kelowna is a very competitive AAA program and a huge school.  Vernon is the consensus number 1 AA program in the province.  The individual match-ups are pretty much even here in terms of athleticism.  Vernon however is much deeper mentally from the point of view of experience and familiarity with their systems.  The Panthers also ran a controlled scrimmage last week vs a good Mt. Boucherie squad.  The rust will be off.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 8

Mission Roadrunners (AAA) @ Pitt Meadows Marauders: Mission is a AAA program on the rise and will be a playoff competitor this year at that level.  I am sure of it.  Pitt, you gotta love em for picking up this game, they are surely scrappers one and all!  Both teams will get better by playing this game.  Mission simply has the athletes in every offensive and defensive category and should overwhelm their brave opponents as the game progresses.  GI's Pick: Mission by 24

Saturday, 8 September

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ Holy Cross Crusaders: This will be a great match-up athlete for athlete.  HC will have some good Sr. leadership and they were a solid JV playoff squad in 2017.  Graham played a great second half vs US competition last week and this momentum will roll into this coming tilt.  I have to give the Crusaders the edge in the air in this one.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 3

Valleyview Vikings @ Mt. Boucherie Bears (AAA): Valleyview is going to surprise a few teams in the AA Interior conference this year.  I am really looking forward to how their new offense plays out.  This said, the Bears are loaded with talent and will field a very big roster.  Schemes have a say, but so does physics. GI's Pick: Bears by 21

AA Varsity Zero Week 

Welcome all to the 2018 Football Season!  Hope surely springs eternal as programs across the province finally get to get on the practice field and break a sweat!  It is so much fun watching the season get under way and to watch the eb and flow of the next three and a half months en route to the Subway Bowl.  There is a lot of parity in the league this year and that makes for great games week after week.  Best of luck to everyone as we get under-way.

GI's AA Varsity Top 5

1. Vernon Panthers
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. SRT Titans
4. Ballenas Whalers
5. Prince George Polars


GI's Picks

Saturday, 1 September

Vernon Panthers vs Mt. Boucherie Bears (AAA):  The rosters are very evenly matched in this one for the most part.  Vernon however is a) veteran through and through and b) the Vernon players have been in the same scheme with the same coaches since g.9.  This is a powerhouse AA program on a roll.  Look for stingy defense and a great pass-run balance by the Panthers.  Home field is also a great thing.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 10

G.W. Graham Grizzlies @ Colton Oregon 2A:  Well GW Graham is going to find out just what they are made of in this one.  The coaching staff must be pretty darn confident in their gridiron crew this year.  One thing we all know is that the GW offense is going to have to be far more balanced than the past several years with significant departures due to graduation. The trip will be a team builder for sure. GI's Pick: Colton by 28 plus.

Social Media and College Recruiting

Nebraska Head Football Coach Scott Frost on Recruiting and Social Media

Click On Image To Go To Article

Scott Frost, after two years at UCF, is entering his first season as head coach at Nebraska, his alma mater. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

Send In Your Spring Videos!

Lots of Fun In Nanaimo on 15 June When Barsby, Nanaimo District, Balleenas and Spectrum Dusted It Up!

Robert Bateman

Ballenas JV Jamboree

Barsby JV Jamboree

2018 AA Varsity Football: The Tale of the Tape

How The Schools Stack-Up

Eastern Conference

Frank Hurt:  Boys G. 11/12 281

G.W. Graham: Boys G. 11/12 181

Langley: Boys G. 11/12  217

Pitt Meadows: Boys G. 11/12 213

Robert Bateman: Boys G. 11/12 253

Samuel Roberts Technical:Boys G. 11/12  192

Interior Conference

Clarence Fulton: Boys G. 11/12  139

South-Kamloops: Boys G. 11/12  178

Valleyview: Boys G. 11/12  198

Vernon: Boys G. 11/12   231

Westsyde: Boys G. 11/12  151

Northern Conference

College Heights: Boys G. 11/12  175

D.P. Todd: Boys G. 11/12  132

Duchess Park: Boys G. 11/12   193

Kelly Road:Boys G. 11/12  152 

Nechako Valley: Boys G. 11/12  94

Prince George: Boys G. 11/12  235

Western Conference

Argyle: Boys G. 11/12 248

Ballenas: Boys G. 11/12  218 

Holy Cross: Boys G. 11/12  175

Howe Sound: Boys G. 11/12  241

Hugh Boyd: Boys G. 11/12  156

John Barsby: Boys G. 11/12  162

Windsor: Boys G. 11/12  175

The Butterfly Effect and Coaching Football

Well Folks, what you do and say has big consequences, many times unanticipated and unintended.  What is neat as a coach or teammate, you can sow great seeds for many people by taking the time to encourage or deliver a sincere positive remark towards an individual or group of individuals.  Imagine the power of an entire staff, squad or program that intentionally finds positives and shares them with one another.  Done day after day, practice after practice, game after game, the potential positive outcomes both short and long range are exponential.

If you are reading this, do an experiment.  Make a list of three positives about a loved one, friend or teammate and share them each day for a week.  Observe and record what happens.  You have the power inside you to change lives for the better in ways you never knew or could predict.

Butterfly effect

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Butterfly effect (disambiguation).

A plot of Lorenz's strange attractor for values ρ=28, σ = 10, β = 8/3. The butterfly effect or sensitive dependence on initial conditions is the property of a dynamical system that, starting from any of various arbitrarily close alternative initial conditions on the attractor, the iterated points will become arbitrarily spread out from each other.

In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.[1]

The term, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the metaphorical example of the details of a tornado (the exact time of formation, the exact path taken) being influenced by minor perturbations such as the flapping of the wings of a distant butterflyseveral weeks earlier. Lorenz discovered the effect when he observed that runs of his weather model with initial condition data that was rounded in a seemingly inconsequential manner would fail to reproduce the results of runs with the unrounded initial condition data. A very small change in initial conditions had created a significantly different outcome