2019 AA Varsity Pre-Season Rankings
Well gang, the 2019 season is upon us. What do I see? Parity! Yep, this could be one of the closest, most hard-fought seasons in a decade. The league has been a bit of a "survivor" series in terms of programs falling by the wayside. What is left heading in to the season is pretty much stress tested to the max. It's sad to see things this way, but here we are.
The current state of AA ball has been a long time coming. In the era 2007-2015 there was much growth and a highly competitive league. Things began to change big-time however when the league moved to regional "mixed AA/AAA JV conferences. Small schools just didn't have the numbers on the roster to weather the attrition of playing larger schools as a part of league play. Getting beat-up week after week wrecked morale and over time teams would fold or roll things into Varsity only. Once the roots died, so went the whole tree. An interlocking AA JV schedule this year will likely help remedy this situation for those programs still standing. We will see if the patient can still benefit from the medicine....we will see.
The present AA Varsity situation is interesting. Vernon has assumed the mantle of being the dominant AA program in the province. They have been on the rise since 2014 and have put together a remarkable track record the past five seasons. Being on top in the end however, and being able to stay there is as tough as it gets. When the Romans would hold a Triumph, which was basically a parade with the emperor after a successful campaign riding on his chariot with the spoils of war, enemies enslaved in the column, the vanquished leader paraded before him and the crowds a cheering, trumpets blaring, well there was a scene we must remember. The emperor would be in his chariot and behind him a slave or trusted adviser whispering in his ear, "remember Caesar, all glory is fleeting". Sometimes that chariot ride and the spectacle can drown out those whispers. Remember Vernon, the barbarians are always at the gate, hubris is a load and right now, there are some Grizzlies at the gates!
Pre-Season Top Five
1. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
2. Vernon Panthers
3. Langley Saints
4. Ballenas Whalers
5. Holy Cross Crusaders
Honourable Mention: Robert Bateman Timberwolves, Clarence Fulton Maroons, Argyle Pipers, John Barsby Bulldogs, College Heights Cougars
