Ok folks, spring ball is still four months away and and the opening kick-off of the 09 season a distant seven months. Hec, last year's mud is still caked on most peoples cleates! But hey! If you are reading this Blog you are thinking ball and that is always a healthy thing to be doing.
Sitting over a cup of coffee this morning I poured all of last year's statistical information in a gold pan and started sifting out the 12's. Pretty soon a few nuggetts from last year's group emerged and this is going to give us a statistical look at some top returning players for 2009. Now lets qualify this right out of the gates. These are stats based, from a league that was different from what is going to occur this coming year and it does not take into account the "supporting cast" that was around last year or that is going to be around this year. Still, this is an early look at one piece of 2009's puzzle.
Top Returning AA Varsity Offensive Players
QB: Greg Bowcott: Rick Hansen: Lots of playoff experience, tall, and no statistical peers amongst returning QB's.
WR: Graeme Schultze Timberline: Tall, vertical stretch player who is always a threat to make the big play catch.
WR: Jarvis Marson: OKM: Has all the tools to post big numbers in 09. Will be breaking in a new QB in 09 which could lower production.
RB: Ryan Aselstyne Norkam: Prototype I-Back. Will post big numbers across a weak Interior schedule.
RB: Buddy Hutchison Seaquam: Good size, great acceleration ,and a slashing runner. Proven two way player. Pound-for-pound as tough as anyone in BC. Will be feature guy for Seahawks.
Defense
LB: Matt Gabrick Seaquam Tackling Machine
LB: Mark McCutcheon Rick Hansen: Productive tackler-defends well versus pass.
LB: Dillon Chapdelaine John Barsby: Hitman, always around ball with good pressures on QB.
LB: Buddy Hutchison Seaquam: Hitman, great perimeter tackler.
DB: Sam Livingston South Delta: Returns as provincial leader in interceptions. Iron-man two-way player with big offensive numbers as well. An early example of S. Delta's 2009 "Re-Load".
DB: Mitch Lesyk Rick Hansen: Always around the football, ball hawk.
**Of note: The next topic on this blog is going to be a fun one! Stay tuned....
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
AA Varsity League Schedules 2009
2009
AA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Week #1 September 11-12
Coastal League Mainland Leaque
Mt. Douglas @ Frank Hurt
John Barsby @ South Delta
Belmont @ Windsor
Timberline @ Ballenas
Handsworth – BYE
Week #2 September 18-19
Windsor @ Timberline
John Bars by @ Belmont
South Delta @ Mt. Douglas
Frank Hurt @ Handsworth
Ballenas – BYE
Week #3 September 25-26
Handworth @ John Barsby Abbotsford @ Hugh Boyd
Windsor @ Frank Hurt Langley @ Seaquam
Ballenas @ South Delta Sands @ Mission
Belmont @ Timberline Pitt Meadows @ Rick Hansen
Mt. Douglas -- Bye
Week #4 October 2-3
Ballenas @ Belmont Mission @ Langley
Windsor @ South Delta Sands @ Abbotsford
Frank Hurt @ John Barsby Seaquam @ Rick Hansen
Handsworth @ Mt.Douglas Hugh Boyd @ Pitt Meadows
Timberline – BYE
Week #5 October 9-10
Windsor @ Mt. Douglas Rick Hansen @ Hugh Boyd
Handsworth @ Ballenas Seaquam @ Sands
Timberline @ Frank Hurt Abbotsford @ Mission
South Delta @ Belmont Pitt Meadows @ Langley
John Barsby – BYE
Week #6 October 16-17
South Delta @ Timberline Pitt Meadows @ Sands
Frank Hurt @ Ballenas Mission @ Seaquam
Handsworth @ Windsor Langley @ Hugh Boyd
John Barsby @ Mt. Douglas Abbotsford @ Rick Hansen
Belmont – BYE
Week #7 October 23-24
Ballenas @ John Barsby Langley @ Abbotsford
Mt. Douglas @ Timberline Hugh Boyd @ Mission
Belmont @ Handsworth Seaquam @ Pitt Meadows
Frank Hurt @ South Delta Sands @ Rick Hansen
Windsor – BYE
Week # 8 October 30-31
Belmont @ Frank Hurt Mission @ Pitt Meadows
Timberline @ Handsworth Abbotsford @ Seaquam
Mt. Douglas @ Ballenas Sands @ Hugh Boyd
John Barsby @ Windsor Rick Hansen @ Langley
South Delta – BYE
Week #9 November 6-7
South Delta @ Handsworth Langley @ Sands
Mt. Douglas @ Belmont Hugh Boyd @ Seaquam
Timberline @ John Barsby Pitt Meadows @ Abbotsford
Ballenas @ Windsor R ick Hansen @ Mission
Frank Hurt -- BYE
AA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Week #1 September 11-12
Coastal League Mainland Leaque
Mt. Douglas @ Frank Hurt
John Barsby @ South Delta
Belmont @ Windsor
Timberline @ Ballenas
Handsworth – BYE
Week #2 September 18-19
Windsor @ Timberline
John Bars by @ Belmont
South Delta @ Mt. Douglas
Frank Hurt @ Handsworth
Ballenas – BYE
Week #3 September 25-26
Handworth @ John Barsby Abbotsford @ Hugh Boyd
Windsor @ Frank Hurt Langley @ Seaquam
Ballenas @ South Delta Sands @ Mission
Belmont @ Timberline Pitt Meadows @ Rick Hansen
Mt. Douglas -- Bye
Week #4 October 2-3
Ballenas @ Belmont Mission @ Langley
Windsor @ South Delta Sands @ Abbotsford
Frank Hurt @ John Barsby Seaquam @ Rick Hansen
Handsworth @ Mt.Douglas Hugh Boyd @ Pitt Meadows
Timberline – BYE
Week #5 October 9-10
Windsor @ Mt. Douglas Rick Hansen @ Hugh Boyd
Handsworth @ Ballenas Seaquam @ Sands
Timberline @ Frank Hurt Abbotsford @ Mission
South Delta @ Belmont Pitt Meadows @ Langley
John Barsby – BYE
Week #6 October 16-17
South Delta @ Timberline Pitt Meadows @ Sands
Frank Hurt @ Ballenas Mission @ Seaquam
Handsworth @ Windsor Langley @ Hugh Boyd
John Barsby @ Mt. Douglas Abbotsford @ Rick Hansen
Belmont – BYE
Week #7 October 23-24
Ballenas @ John Barsby Langley @ Abbotsford
Mt. Douglas @ Timberline Hugh Boyd @ Mission
Belmont @ Handsworth Seaquam @ Pitt Meadows
Frank Hurt @ South Delta Sands @ Rick Hansen
Windsor – BYE
Week # 8 October 30-31
Belmont @ Frank Hurt Mission @ Pitt Meadows
Timberline @ Handsworth Abbotsford @ Seaquam
Mt. Douglas @ Ballenas Sands @ Hugh Boyd
John Barsby @ Windsor Rick Hansen @ Langley
South Delta – BYE
Week #9 November 6-7
South Delta @ Handsworth Langley @ Sands
Mt. Douglas @ Belmont Hugh Boyd @ Seaquam
Timberline @ John Barsby Pitt Meadows @ Abbotsford
Ballenas @ Windsor R ick Hansen @ Mission
Frank Hurt -- BYE
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2009 AA Varsity...A Look Ahead
2009 AA Varsity
A Look Ahead
This year's BCSSFA AGM saw a realignment that represents a fundamental and historic shift in how high school football is structured in BC.
A little background and context. Historically, AA ball has been the level in which new teams/programs entered play at the varsity level. This, combined with the exit of teams to AAA ball and AAA teams dropping down to AA has kept the league in a constant state of flux. Further instability was created by weak and unsustainable AA programs folding at the beginning of the season or in mid-stride. As the number of AA teams has grown in past years, two tiers of programs within it really became pronounced and this has led to lots and lots of blowout scores.
In 2008 a third tier of AA ball was created. This was named Tier 2 and it was composed largely of those programs who by virtue of structure, limited coaching resources, challenging demographics or a combination of all of these factors, just could not compete week in and week out. The first year of play in this tier was by and large a resounding success. There was much parity and a playoff challenge vs the Prince George/North champions was a close affair. Congratulations Vanderhoof!
Looking back at 08, the tier 2 league has shown much promise and AA gained a large measure of stability. In fact, there is so much stability that AA for the first time in many, many years has been able to have a schedule complete by the January AGM putting it on par with its AAA bretheren. Further, the alignment within AA has it composed of programs with the most competitive parity in the history of the league. Tier 2 has also grown in numbers and will likely continue to grow in size as new programs feel that it is competitively safe to begin play at that level.
From an administrative point of view, there is now a climate whereby very important tasks can be addressed at a far earlier time in the year. For instance:
- Exhibition can be arranged in Jan/Feb
- The AA Varsity and AAA Varsity schedules can be posted on the BCSSFA Website
- Rosters can be posted in early spring as opposed to mid to late summer.
- The JV and Tier 2 schedules can be made earlier and once complete THE BCOFA CAN VET THE SCHEDULES IN EARLY SPRING.
- With the website updated and organized, BCSSFA members can by and large be registered on-line prior to school being out in June. This means that when coaches are at their busiest in the Fall, online registration is a matter of tweaking instead of a time consuming monster.
- With registration done in June, statistical entry on the site will be current right from the outset.
- Provincial and local media can milk the site to enrich and add accuracy to their reporting which benefits the profile of the sport.
- More time is spent by all parties on playing better football than on administrative duties.
Hopefully our BCSSFA executive will act decisively along these lines. They should be pushed to do so.
Back to AA football.
2009 is going to be the most muscular AA league ever. In fact, an argument can be made that the parity within the conference will be the best at any level in BC as the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" will be the most narrow.
Below is the structure for 09 accompanied by boys g. 11/12 in 2008.
Coastal Conference Valley Conference
John Barsby (158) Mission (225)
Ballenas (261) Seaquam (275)
Timberline (270) Langley (308)
Mt. Douglas (289) Rick Hansen (252)
Belmont (516) Abby Collegiate (354)
Windsor (186) Hugh Boyd (211)
Handsworth (277) Pitt Meadows (195)
Frank Hurt (262) Sands (174)
South Delta (290)
Interior
The Interior/North will be playing a mixed AA/Tier 2 Schedule with teams declaring this spring as to which playoff tournament they will be seeded into. There will be two (2) quarter-final playoff berths coming out of the Interior-North wild-card playoff. There will be 6 berths from the Coast and Valley conferences into the quarter-finals after wild-card weekend sorts itself out in week 10.
When you look at the divisions it is plain to see that the league games are going to be intense and competitive! The Coast conference will be playing for keeps in week 1! How important is a good spring and pre-season going to be!! All I can say is WOW! Folks are going to be fighting for their football lives every week.
At the end of the year, one thing will be certain, everybody in AA will have gotten a lot better from a competitive standpoint and the playoff teams will be battle hardened. This will serve as a great launching pad for the league in 2010 with greater things to come thereafter!
My next post will contain the AA Master Schedule for 2009 along with some thoughts.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
AA Varsity Week Nine
Week 8 Round-Up
Separation Saturday was all that and a box of crackers! Seaquam clinched its number 1 seed out of the West in a hard fought contest versus the Dukes and South Delta defeated Lord Tweedsmuir in a game that forces us all to go back and look at the importance of special teams and their ability to turn games around dramatically. Friday's game between Mission and Rick Hansen was a terrrific contest by all acounts with Mission clinching the inside track for a #3 East Division seed and a trip to the Island on November 7th. Lets not forget about Hugh Boyd who have quietly and forcefully found their stride again posting a 48-0 victory over the Handsworth Royals. Keep an eye on the Trojans during the playoffs. I say even money they run the table and defeat S. Delta en route to a Championship appearance.
Up in the Interior, OKM served notice that there has been a changing of the guard and they will now be perched where once Clarence Fulton stood alone. The Vernon Panthers had a big win as well and are headed to the post-season tournament while playing their best ball. On the Island the stage is set for a Halloween day Border Balltle that will ultimately determine the seeding off The Rock as Ballenas and Barsby will be playing for first place. Never have the stakes been higher at the Border Battle.
Week Eight Scores
Thursday, 23 October
John Barsby 22 Earl Marriot 6
Friday, 24 October
Timberline 42 Belmont 14
Mission 29 Rick Hansen 21
Frank Hurt 20 Langley 12
Hugh Boyd 48 Handsworth 0
Norkam 41 Valleyview 14
Saturday, 25 October
Okanagen Mission 34 Clarence Fulton 7
Vernon 43 Seaton 0
Ballenas 61 Nanaimo District 0
South Delta 20 Lord Tweedsmuir 14
Seaquam 14 Windsor 7
Gridiron's Week 9 Top Ten
Separation Saturday was all that and a box of crackers! Seaquam clinched its number 1 seed out of the West in a hard fought contest versus the Dukes and South Delta defeated Lord Tweedsmuir in a game that forces us all to go back and look at the importance of special teams and their ability to turn games around dramatically. Friday's game between Mission and Rick Hansen was a terrrific contest by all acounts with Mission clinching the inside track for a #3 East Division seed and a trip to the Island on November 7th. Lets not forget about Hugh Boyd who have quietly and forcefully found their stride again posting a 48-0 victory over the Handsworth Royals. Keep an eye on the Trojans during the playoffs. I say even money they run the table and defeat S. Delta en route to a Championship appearance.
Up in the Interior, OKM served notice that there has been a changing of the guard and they will now be perched where once Clarence Fulton stood alone. The Vernon Panthers had a big win as well and are headed to the post-season tournament while playing their best ball. On the Island the stage is set for a Halloween day Border Balltle that will ultimately determine the seeding off The Rock as Ballenas and Barsby will be playing for first place. Never have the stakes been higher at the Border Battle.
Week Eight Scores
Thursday, 23 October
John Barsby 22 Earl Marriot 6
Friday, 24 October
Timberline 42 Belmont 14
Mission 29 Rick Hansen 21
Frank Hurt 20 Langley 12
Hugh Boyd 48 Handsworth 0
Norkam 41 Valleyview 14
Saturday, 25 October
Okanagen Mission 34 Clarence Fulton 7
Vernon 43 Seaton 0
Ballenas 61 Nanaimo District 0
South Delta 20 Lord Tweedsmuir 14
Seaquam 14 Windsor 7
Gridiron's Week 9 Top Ten
- Seaquam (7-1)
- South Delta (7-1)
- Ballenas (5-1-1)
- John Barsby (8-0)
- Hugh Boyd (5-2)
- Lord Tweedsmuir (5-3)
- Windsor (3-3)
- Mission (5-3)
- Rick Hansen (4-4)
- Okanagen Mission (5-1)
Week Nine Preview
Well folks, the fat lady is about to give the 08 regular season a big shout-out. Most of this weekend's games are about winning contests against opponents that should at least on paper, be beaten. There is certainly some pride on the line and programs playing their last varsity tilt of the year. There is also the sad occasion of grade 12 footballers playing the last high school football game of their young lives. Cherish every moment fellas, it comes and goes so quick! If I could give you guys any advice it would be to hook-up with your coach, or the local football coach in the coming years and give him a hand! You guys are our future and every hour you devote to helping out the young folks in your community is an hour that helps them enjoy the game you poured your heart and soul into for the years you got to play. If you cannot fit all the practice hours in to your lives, become a referee and earn some bucks while helping the game along. Some referees bank a couple grand over a season and that isn't chump change when your bachelor menu choices are limited to which shape of pasta is going to be on the table on any given day.
Back to the weekend. One game stands alone on Halloween Day. The 2008 Border Battle! Played since 2000 this will be the 9th edition of the Island's biggest rivalry. Barsby currently leads the count 5-3 but for this year's group of players the count is 1-0 Ballenas after last year's 19-0 shut-out of the Dawgs by the Whalers in The Cage.
This year the two Island Programs collide up in Parksville at 1:45 PM. The Ballenas principal has decided to let the school out for the last block of the day to support their Whalers and that means an instant 1000 spectators on top of the other seven or eight hundred who usually show up for this tilt. The atmosphere is going to be absolutely electric! The Whalers are the pride of Parksville and provincially seem to carry a reputation for being the best off of the Island. The Dawgs are a South Nanaimo institution and enter the game undefeated in 2008. The number 1 seed off of the Island is at stake. This game is BIG! There are going to be a lot of spectators wearing Mission, LT, Handsworth and Seaquam jackets with armloads of cameras and clipboards at this one as well.
Gridiron's Week 9 Picks
Friday, 31 October
Ballenas vs John Barsby
Ballenas has played a tougher schedule; Ballenas is at home; Ballenas is letting their school out early for the game; Ballenas has the brain-trust for a coaching staff; Ballenas played Mt. Douglas close; Ballenas has more rushing yards; Ballenas has a top three quarterback; Ballenas has a huge offensive and defensive line; Ballenas has speedy receivers and terrific cover schemes; The Ballenas fullback is a house; The Ballenas Tailback has jets and huge running stats; Ballenas rocked the Big Kahuna 7 on 7 passing tournament and don't forget, they have immaculate coaching uniforms and the only cheer leading squad in BC.
During their 61-0 shelling of an obviously injured Nanaimo District Football team on Saturday, the Ballenas coaches were cunning enough to end the first half while already up by 30 or so points to zero with a long-pass just before time ran out. Then, in the second-half, after running back the opening kick return for a big score, they again out-thought and out-footballed the Islanders by running a short kick-off, recovering it and going for a deep six via the air. It wasn't quite complete however, until a terrific looking reverse on the ensuing offensive series was run just to make sure Nanaimo couldn't get back in the game from being down by 54. Coach Conn is an offensive football genius who knows how to wrap-up a game and Hines is a competitor, gotta give-em that.
Whatever shall Barsby do against this football juggernaut?
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby will show-up.
Belmont vs Nanaimo
A Belmont victory means a three-way tie on the Island. Nanaimo District locks up the 3rd place seed with a W. These teams are battered and bruised and this game will come down to team- unity, turn-overs and defense.
Gridiron’s Pick: Belmont
Earl Marriot vs South Delta
South Delta has the first place seed locked-up in the East and this game could come off as a mean-nothing contest but I just don't think that it will be one. Marriot is a proud, hard-hustling team and South Delta doesn't want too much rust to accrue before their opening round playoff game. The Sundevils will be too much for the Mariners in this one.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 21 on the ground and in the air.
Rick Hansen vs Windsor
An interesting exhibition match-up that see's two play-off bound squads lock horns in a pride game. Neither team will lay off early in the game, but this might be an opportune time to get some players some playing time before things get playoff-serious.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 7. Yep, you heard it here, the Hurricanes are all about momentum and Coach Gill and co. want some of that heading into round-1.
Burnaby Central vs Seaquam
Number one versus well, number 28. The scoreboard won't reflect a lot of kindness and Seaquam doesn't have a huge bench to sub-in. Bad math.
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 48 plus.
Hugh Boyd vs Pinetree (AAA)
A long season comes to a grinding halt for the Timberwolves versus the surging Hugh Boyd Trojans. The Trojans are my not so Dark-Horse to run the table in the playoff tournament and the Haddow bros. want to keep their players razor sharp.
Gridiron’s Pick: 38-6 for Hugh Boyd.
Okanagen Mission vs Norkam
Norkam played a super game last weekend and now face red-hot OKM. The Huskies have not lost a game since week 1 and are coming off of a big win vs Fulton themselves. The balanced run-pass game of the Huskies will be too much for the Saints.
Gridiron’s Pick: 28-8 OKM
Valleyview vs Penticton High
Valleyview is stinging from their drubbing last week at the hands of Norkam. On top of that, they want to end their season with a win. Congratutlations to Penticton for getting through year 1! You will probably lose this game but better things are ahead for you.
Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 14
Langley vs Lord Tweedsmuir
Not a great way for Langley to end their season. Tweedsmuir will not lose this game or even let it be close. They are going to be firing on all cylinders as they get ready for the playoffs and will be using this game to tweak systems and lay down some camoflauge for their opening opponent to look at.
Gridiron’s Pick: LT by 24.
Saturday, 1 November
Clarence Fulton vs W.L. Seaton
Fulton needs to improve its game and this will be a high speed practice session for them vs the Sonics in preparation for Hugh Boyd in round-1. The Sonics, get your licks in where you can because its a long off-season.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 28.
Mission vs Frank Hurt
Time for Mission to regain its feet and get their awesome offense back in synch. This game is perfectly timed for the Roadrunners and will be a testament to the Hornets desire to compete regardless of the stakes or lack thereof. Mission really gets hot in this one.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mission 40 Hurt 6
Sunday, October 19, 2008
AA Varsity Week Eight
Week Seven Round-Up
Friday opened up with Lord Tweedsmuir, Hugh Boyd, Seaquam and John Barsby taking care of business by big scores. No surprises there. Two games of note were the Nanaimo District/Timberline shoot-out and the Hansen/Marriot Hansen game where Hansen made its move on a playoff berth. On the Island Friday, a rare event occurred for any level of ball in BC as 111 points were scored in a single game! The Islanders rallied from a tough rivalry loss last week versus Barsby by putting on an offensive and physical show en-route to scoring 62 points while rushing for get-this, 630 yards on a shocked Timberline crew! The Wolves posted big passing and rushing numbers themselves but the double-wing buzz saw was more consistent than Timberline’s fun and gun passing attack when it came to putting up the points. Word has it that kid flipping the scoreboard numbers at the game has been hospitalized with some form of carpal-tunnel syndrome. The Hansen-Marriot tilt was a 20-0 shut-out for the improving and hungry Hurricanes. Next week’s contest vs Mission now looms ever larger.
Saturday saw Clarence Fulton continue its Interior dominating ways with a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback vs a pumped Vernon squad while South Delta posted a lop-sided and very complete victory over the shorthanded Mission Roadrunners. South Delta looks to be the dominant team in 08 in the eyes of many an observer and will go on to face its most serious AA challenge yet when they play the Lord Tweeedsmuir Panthers this coming weekend..
Week Seven Scores
Friday Scores
Lord Tweedsmuir 44 Frank Hurt 0
John Barsby 42 Belmont 0
Earl Marriot 0 Rick Hansen 20
Nanaimo District 62 Timberline 49
Handsworth 0 Seaquam 27
Valleyview 18 WL Seaton 0
Burnaby Central 0 Hugh Boyd 48
Saturday Scores
Vernon 17 Fulton 20
Mission 0 South Delta 49
Week 8 "Separation Weekend"!
Week Seven has given us all a hint of how things are going to settle for 08 but ultimately it is Separation Weekend (Week 8) that is going to clear the picture greatly.
For flavor, on Thursday afternoon John Barsby hosts the tough and dangerous Earl Marriot Mariners in "The Cage". There is also some Island-LM smack to be dealt with on Thursday as well.
Friday brings a few more important contests of its own. Timberline and Belmont are going to largely know its playoff fate when the Wolves travel down to Belmont for a key Island contest. Rick Hansen and Mission are going to be playing lights- out Friday afternoon as they struggle for not only Valley bragging rights, but 3rd and fourth seed in the big dance! Hugh Boyd seeks to clinch a third place berth out of the West when they tangle with the Royals at home.
On Saturday, the number one and two seed out fo the Interior are likely to be decided when OKM comes a calling on Fulton's Maroons. Ballenas can clinch at least a number 2 seed off of the Island should they get by the always physical Nanaimo District Islanders. The two Marquee match-ups on Separation Saturday are going to be Seaquam hosting Windsor for the number one and two seeds out of the West and the much anticipated East Conference Gotterhamrung between South Delta and the visiting Panthers of Lord Tweedsmuir.
When all the muddy uniforms hit the Laundry basket on Saturday night, the stars will be mostly lined-up for the post-season dance. It's getting exciting folks, its really getting exciting!!
Gridiron's Week Eight Top Ten
1. Seaquam (6-1)
2. South Delta (6-1)
3. Ballenas (4-1-1)
4. John Barsby (7-0)
5. Lord Tweedsmuir (5-2)
6. Windsor (3-2)
7. Hugh Boyd (4-2)
8. Mission (4-3)
9. Rick Hansen (4-3)
10. Okanagen Mission (4-1)
Gridiron's Week 8 Picks
Thursday, 23 October
John Barsby vs Earl Marriot
A short practice week for both squads means there will be a lot of coaching and playing on the fly come Thursday in "The Cage". Marriot brings a very talented squad across the waters and by all accounts plays a tough, blitz orientated style of defense. The Dawgs of Barsby have been running and passing with good balance so it may take a quarter or so for each squad to figure out the other. Folks, don't let Marriot's record fool you. They play in a very tough conference through and through where losing means that you like as not lost to a high quality opponent. This is a huge statement game for Marriot as they seek to gain back program momentum heading into the off-season. Barsby has won the games they should have won this year playing a much easier schedule than Marriot and is looking to improve its overall record to 8-0. This game will be no cake-walk.
Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by one score.
Friday, 24 October
Belmont vs Timberline
Two battered and bruised, wounded animals will grapple down in Victoria as the Blue-Bulldogs of Belmont host the Wolves of Timberline. Timberline posted it's only win this season versus Belmont up in Campbell River several weeks back, but the season has taken its toll on them in physical consecutive games vs Barsby, Ballenas and Nanaimo District. On top of this, the Wolves have to travel 3 hours to play their hosts. Still, Belmont has to learn how to cover the pass and Timberline rains deep balls on opponents. If Belmont can get a lot of heat on the Timberline QB we may have a game on our hands. If not, this will be a blow-out. Beyond pressuring the QB Belmont also has to look in the mirror and find its physical-self. Timberline has proven week-in and week-out that it is not a second-half team in 2008. If Belmont can keep it physical and pour on the pressure in the second half as well as the first, we could see an upset.
Gridiron’s Pick: In terms of talent, this is a draw. Timberline however, knows how to play football better than Belmont does and will drop buckets all-day. Timberline by 24.
Rick Hansen vs Mission
Back in the day, Coach Watrin (Mission) used to be the closest thing we had in BC to a JV coaching legend when he was the JV HC at Rick Hansen. Now he brings the sharp-end of the mature Mission football program back to his old haunts. Mission was short handed during the blow-out they endured vs S. Deltal last week. This week they aren't and we all know that HS football players are incredibly resilient emotionally and physically. Hansen, is gelling as a team at precisely the right-time in the season. Coach Gill and co. have done a bang-up job and will bring a solid running game to the contest versus the Roadrunners. So here is my take: Hansen has to slow down the Mission offense. The best way to do this is to keep it off of the field. Look for a big effort on the ground with some PAP from the Hurricanes. Mission is going to have to look in the mirror and make a commitment to stopping the run this week. Defensively for the Hurricanes, slowing down the Mission attack and forcing them to punt at least 3 times during the game will keep the score close. You can be sure that both coaching staffs have been eying each other up for weeks now and the preparations will be complete heading into the game.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 8 points scored with some tough running.
Frank Hurt vs Langley
Two teams with nothing left to play for except pride, love of the game and momentum heading into the off-season. Those reasons, particularly love of the game, are more than enough to make this a fun game of football for all involved. Langley is in year two and Frank Hurt is in the midst of a rebuild. Both squads have had their positive moments this year. The Hornets seem to catch fire when they feel like they are in a game they can win. They've got that loving feeling, wo-oh that loving feeling!
Gridiron’s Pick: Hornets by 14
Norkam vs Valleyview
Norkam is playing better football all around than Valleyview has been. It will be tight but the Saints march past the Vikes in this Kamloops rivalry game.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by 10
Hugh Boyd vs Handsworth
Looking at the Handsworth score vs Seaquam last weekend I could see and feel the Royals improving. A 27-0 loss to Seaquam may seem like a thrashing but when you look at the quality of Seaquam vs the Handsworth season as a whole this is improvement. I see more improvent this week from Handsworth as well but they will run into a fresh Hugh Boyd squad that is looking to dial-up their game versus some competition for the first time in three weeks. The Trojans have too many horses for the Royals in this one.
Gridiron’s Pick: Boyd by 34
Saturday, 25 October
Clarence Fulton vs Okanagen Mission
This is easily the biggest game in the Interior for 2008. At stake is the number 1 playoff seed out of the conference and possibly a change of the guard in terms of who is top rail in the Interior. Fulton has owned that position for years but OKM has been narrowing the gap for several years now. The Huskies have some serious balance in their offense this year and have picked-up their physical game as well. They have not lost a game since the opening contest in September as well. Fulton comes off of an emotional come from behind win this past weekend and will pick-up in terms of intensity from where they left off. This is a tough-one to call, especially since Fulton is the home team.
Gridiron’s Pick: Huskies surprise in a 2 pt. win.
Nanaimo vs Ballenas
What do the Islanders do for an encore? The Ballenas coaching staff surely took note of last weekend's offensive performance by the Islanders, hec how could anyone overlook that show!! Ballenas however plays great, physical defense and has been facing the double-wing on its schedule since Barsby brought it along in 2002. I really don't think we will see 62 pts. on the scoreboard this Saturday. Offensivley, the Whalers are very balanced under OC Wunderkind Jeremy Conn's leadership. The Islanders are in a position this weekend that they may not have expected to be in, as a victory would put them in the driver's seat for a number 2 playoff seed. A Ballenas victory would add more intensity and meaning to the Halloween Day Border Battle vs John Barsby.
Gridiron’s Pick: Ballenas by 40 after a quick- start.
South Delta vs Lord Tweedsmuir
Recent posts on the BC High School forum are giving this game the flavor of being the football equivilent of WW 2's greatest battle; the battle of Stalingrad! Much like Von Paulus's never beaten, unstoppable and victorious 6th Army, the South Delta Sundevils have marched to the gates of the divisional title that Lord Tweedsmuir thinks of as its own. Here, in week 8 the fate of the East Conference and quite possibley the 2008 AA Varsity Football Season will be decided. The BC high school football world holds its breath as the two great football collossusses come to grips in the mud, blood and sweat of the South Delta field.
This game will be close throughout if Tweesmuir can defend the pass. A shoving contest is what the Panthers want. South Delta on the other hand, wants to get the ball out in space in the hands of its terrific "skill position" athletes. Offensively, Tweedsmuir can ill afford to nickel and dime the Sundevils. They have to hit-em with a fist and pour on the power football start-to-finish. Turnovers in this scenario will be killer for either squad.
South Delta has had great game plans all year which they methodically execute. If this is the case again and the Sundevils get an early couple TD's vs LT, then there is a good chance that the ultra-jacked Panthers will implode emotionally. If they stay on an even-keel emotionally, they have a chance.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 14 as they find some cracks in LT's perimeter and drive-em into "The Volga".
Seaquam vs Windsor
The Best in The West will emerge after this contest. Both teams are magnificently coached, both teams will have great scouts on one another, both teams are fundamentally and technically sound. What's going to give? Seaquam has better athletes, thats what. I think that the the Windsor offense will never quite get rolling in this one and Seaquam will have just enough big plays to get them by. Special teams are a draw.
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 14
W.L. Seaton vs Vernon
Hey Vernon, props to you guys for your performance vs Fulton last weekend. We were all pleasantly surprised by your efforts! Take that 4th quarter and treat it like a friend. Learn from it and be ready the next time you are in a similar situation. This weekends tilt vs Seaton is going to be about regaining momentum for Vernon and it is going to be a blowout versus the lack-luster Sonics.
Gridiron’s Pick: Vernon by 30
2008 AA Varsity Playoff Draw
Separation weekend is going to plug-in a lot of the first-round playoff games for November 7/8 Weekend. Get your pencils and paper out and start doing the math. Now, as an aside, there is going to be a lot of pee'ing and moaning on the forum about who deserves how many berths to the playoffs based on strength of conference etc. Gang, this is a PROVINCIAL LEAGUE with conferences set-up by the executive REGIONALLY. Everybody pays the same dues to play in the same league. Nobody is savaunt enough to pick-who will win what each year prior to the first game being played. Ultimately, the best teams will be playing the best teams by the semi-finals. Uneven conferences?? Well, at the start of the year they were relatively even in numbers. Known Collapsers like Sentinel were allowed back in the league and a new team got in under the radar (Parklands). The remedy is a simple one: New teams and teams coming back from folding should never be allowed to participate in AA until they have spent a year in Tier 2 proving they know how to run a football program. Further, it should be the discretion of the BCSSFA executive to allow them on to the AA schedule proper. Secondly, uneven conference quality...Blend the Island in with the Lower Mainland conferences. That got nixed a couple years ago because the LM did not want non-regional conferences. The Island is fine either way.
Editorializing aside, here is the playoff-draw:
2008 AA Varsity Playoff Bracket
East #1
__________
Island #4
___________
Interior #2
___________
West #3
Winner A
Interior #1
__________
East #4
____________
Island #3
__________
West #2
BC Championship
Island#1
__________
West #4
__________
East #2
__________
Interior #3
Winner B
West #1
__________
Interior #4
East #3 __________
__________
Island #2
Have a great week everybody! The Weekend cannot come soon enough!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
AA Varsity Week 7
Week Six Round-Up
Week 6 will go down as the weekend when the playoff-bound began to emerge and the top-tier within the league began to declare itself. Rick Hansen, Lord Tweedsmuir and Barsby showed on Friday that they are hitting stride in mid-October while South Delta, Ballenas and Seaquam did so convincingly on Saturday. In the Interior, Okanagen Mission won by a big score versus a Vernon squad that had been surging and Clarence Fulton added a W to it's resume as the march to playoff seeding took a serious turn. Reading the tea-leaves that the weekend has left behind, I see a couple pictures emerge:
Seaquam is headed for a number one seed out of the West if it can get by the Dukes. If they stay healthy the playoffs will be a neat package of games at Lower Mainland locations with short travel and a favorable draw. Start scouting South Delta now, it will pay off the last Saturday of November.
Lord Tweedsmuir will be playing for the number 1 seed vs South Delta on October 25th which we may as well announce now as "Separation Saturday" across BC where the divisional alignments/playoff seeding will come clear. Folks, that game will be HUGE!! The results will ripple on in to November.
Folks, go back and study the Seaquam-Mission Game. Mission is built for November artificial turf fields offensively. Seaquam blanked-em which is the only such occasion this year. Look and learn everyone. The Roadrunners at least know now what style of defense they will be up against for the rest of the year.
Barsby is starting to gain traction and a bit-of confidence to go along with it. They shut-down an offense on Friday that averaged 35 points a game over the first six weeks of play. A victory over Belmont on Friday will solidify at least a second place seed and home host in the playoffs. Over the horizon is a tilt vs visiting Earl Marriot and then the most meaningful Border Battle up in Bandit-Country since 2004 on Halloween Day. The Whalers will be emptying the hallways and looking for Dawgmeat on that fateful day. Neither team however, can afford to look past next week's respective tilt.
Ballenas scored more points against a tough but battered Timberline squad on Saturday than anyone has all year. The Wolves kept it close til half and then the Whaler speed and depth pulled away. The Whalers have played a super-tough schedule in 08 and are oozing well-earned confidence. Up in Parksville there is surely a collective and reflexive jump to Halloween afternoon after this win. The Dawgs are coming. The coaches will tell the players to focus on this week's opponent and everyone will try. They will try.....
South Delta is quietly, methodically and very convincingly marching towards their date with the Panthers on Separation Saturday and a number 1 seed in the playoffs. This is a very, very high quality team that is getting under the radar in terms of hype directed at it. Well that ends now!! People, I am convinced that this is going to be one of the squads in the Dome at the end of November. The Panthers are going to get skinned and their pelts sold at the SD Hudson's Bay trading-post on the 25th. The Sun Devils are going to roast-em. First-off the Sundevils will have to deliver the bad news this weekend to Mission that they are going to be a number 3 seed playing on the road in week 1 of the playoffs; which they will do.
Rick-Hansen...oooh boy, this is a good football team that is getting better that HAS TO WIN one game in the next two weeks to make the playoffs. I think the October 17th game vs Earl Marriot will be the clincher one way or another. How big is that game??!! The Hurricanes will be playing football with a touch of desparation in their hearts onthe 17th and if they lose, every play vs Mission on Separation Saturday will be played with great intensity on the field and baited breath on the sidelines! Wow folks, are they up against it in October.
Mission: Time to re-focus and take care of business over the next two weeks which will easily be the most crucial of the entire year. Next week's tilt versus South Delta will define the Roadrunners as a good second tier squad or a contender. I don't like their chances but they do have the offensive scheme to stay in it. The following week on Separation Saturday it is the Hurricanes on the Roadrunner plate. That game ought to be labelled the Darwin Bowl as one team's season will be a dead-end on the evolutionary chart and the other's will go on to compete for survival for a few more weeks.
The Interior: I am starting to see OKM and Fulton as 1 and 2 respectively while Valleyview, Norkam and Vernon should start collecting their travelling bags for week 1 of the playoffs.
Week Six Scores
Friday Scores
Lord Tweedsmuir 27 Earl Marriot 9
Okanagen Mission 41 Vernon 6
Handsworth 31 Burnaby Central 0
John Barsby 56 Nanaimo District 8
Rick Hansen 42 Langley 6
Saturday Scores
Seaquam 24 Mission 0
South Delta 40 Frank Hurt 0
Ballenas 47 Timberline 14
Clarence Fulton 34 Penticton 0
Gridiron's Week Seven Top Ten
Friday, 17 October
Lord Tweedsmuir vs Frank Hurt
Lord Tweedsmuir is a juggernaut and they are gaining momentum. Huot has yet to be stopped and if the Panthers stay true to the power running game, a lot of bugs are going to get squashed in the process. Frank Hurt has lots of heart and some talented players. LT is going to be too much for the Hornets right out of the gates.
Gridiron’s Pick: Lord Tweedsmuir by 34. It could be even more lopsided but the LT coaches will probably sub the roster generously to keep their powder dry for Separation Saturday's tilt vs South Delta.
John Barsby vs Belmont
Belmont is a big AAA school in terms of numbers. The Blue Dawgs have size, speed and a bye week for preparation versus the Bulldogs of Harewood. In spring-ball Belmont ran the ball very well against JB and their finesse game was much improved over 07. A stud tailback behind a big strong offensive line is their recipe for offense. Belmont has been in some big games vs Mt. Douglas and Ballenas this Fall and will be chomping at the bit to get after another one of the traditional Island powers. Barsby's defense has allowed 8 points in the previous ten-quarters of play while their special teams have been rock-solid. Home field goes to JB as the Dawgs love playing at home in "The Cage"! On top of it all, the Belmont varsity were also laying the verbal smack down on the Barsby JV's last week.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 24.
Nanaimo District vs Timberline
Intriguing match-up. Timberline has been playing tough all year and is very hungry for a conference win. Nanaimo District hit it's first offensive speed bump last week vs Barsby. Other than that, they have been scoring a lot of points in every contest. This game will come down to two factors: 1) Does Timberline have gas in the tanks for the 3rd and 4th quarters and 2) Can the Islanders keep the score close in the first half. If the answer is yes on both counts it is going to be a tight game. If Nanaimo gets down early, it will be a gut-check to see if they keep fighting. If it is close at half and Timberline buckles at the knees then look out.
Gridiron’s Pick: Timberline throws its way to a big score and a victory that could be close or by a wide margin depending on Nanaimo's mental state.
Handsworth vs Seaquam
OK, this is the last call for a Prepchuck turn-around. If it is going to start happening, it is now. Even if they lose, but play good people better be taking note around the league. I just don't see Seaquam laying an egg on this one, just can't see that happening. Seaquam will dominate this game in every phase of the game, particularly the physical phase.
Gridiron’s Pick: The Royals go quietly into that dark-night and Seaquam gains even more momentum in a 24-plus point blowout.
Valleyview vs W.L. Seaton
The Vikings are going to run their way to a victory this week vs a Seaton team that couldn't get it done vs Penticton last week. I like the Valleyview earning a #3 seed out of the Interior this Fall.
Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 24.
Burnaby Central vs Hugh Boyd
Lets see here, Boyd coming off of a tough loss, Boyd with a bye week, Boyd beginning their second-season now. The Wildcats will show-up but beyond that the score will be determined by the Trojan coaching staff's better angels and the running clock after the first-quarter.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fourty-eight zero or bigger for the Trojans.
Saturday, 18 October
Penticton High vs Norkam
I like Norkam in this game. Penticton is getting better each week but so are the Saints and their balanced offensive attack will too much finesse for the new guys. Norkam is going to be a playoff team this year and is going to be aiming to get their level of play up a notch for the post-season.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by four scores or more.
Vernon vs Clarence Fulton
The Maroons are the top dogs of the city of Vernon and every year the other schools mark their game vs Fulton with extra thick ink and circle it. There is no doubt in my mind that this game will be the talk of the town all week and Vernon will be jacked! Coach Scheller doesn't lose many games in Interior play and this will be no different.
Gridiron’s Pick: Maroons by 18
Mission vs South Delta
Folks, this is part one of the two big statement games of October for the Sundevils. Mission, if ever you guys needed to pull off a big upset, this is it. I have come to admire both coaching staffs over the past couple of years and they are fast burning the midnight oil for this one. South Delta will be borrowing some of Seaquam's cliff notes but will be going to the dance with South Delta athletes, not Seaquam athletes. Mission, well, when have they had a week-off this season? The roadrunners know how to play in big tilts as well. The weather will affect the day to some degree but ultimately it will be the Mission defense and special teams that clinch it one way or another. South Delta is a gooood football team gang and that trident that the Sundevil mascot has in his hand looks good for roasting chickens and yep, Roadrunners too.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 16
Week 6 will go down as the weekend when the playoff-bound began to emerge and the top-tier within the league began to declare itself. Rick Hansen, Lord Tweedsmuir and Barsby showed on Friday that they are hitting stride in mid-October while South Delta, Ballenas and Seaquam did so convincingly on Saturday. In the Interior, Okanagen Mission won by a big score versus a Vernon squad that had been surging and Clarence Fulton added a W to it's resume as the march to playoff seeding took a serious turn. Reading the tea-leaves that the weekend has left behind, I see a couple pictures emerge:
Seaquam is headed for a number one seed out of the West if it can get by the Dukes. If they stay healthy the playoffs will be a neat package of games at Lower Mainland locations with short travel and a favorable draw. Start scouting South Delta now, it will pay off the last Saturday of November.
Lord Tweedsmuir will be playing for the number 1 seed vs South Delta on October 25th which we may as well announce now as "Separation Saturday" across BC where the divisional alignments/playoff seeding will come clear. Folks, that game will be HUGE!! The results will ripple on in to November.
Folks, go back and study the Seaquam-Mission Game. Mission is built for November artificial turf fields offensively. Seaquam blanked-em which is the only such occasion this year. Look and learn everyone. The Roadrunners at least know now what style of defense they will be up against for the rest of the year.
Barsby is starting to gain traction and a bit-of confidence to go along with it. They shut-down an offense on Friday that averaged 35 points a game over the first six weeks of play. A victory over Belmont on Friday will solidify at least a second place seed and home host in the playoffs. Over the horizon is a tilt vs visiting Earl Marriot and then the most meaningful Border Battle up in Bandit-Country since 2004 on Halloween Day. The Whalers will be emptying the hallways and looking for Dawgmeat on that fateful day. Neither team however, can afford to look past next week's respective tilt.
Ballenas scored more points against a tough but battered Timberline squad on Saturday than anyone has all year. The Wolves kept it close til half and then the Whaler speed and depth pulled away. The Whalers have played a super-tough schedule in 08 and are oozing well-earned confidence. Up in Parksville there is surely a collective and reflexive jump to Halloween afternoon after this win. The Dawgs are coming. The coaches will tell the players to focus on this week's opponent and everyone will try. They will try.....
South Delta is quietly, methodically and very convincingly marching towards their date with the Panthers on Separation Saturday and a number 1 seed in the playoffs. This is a very, very high quality team that is getting under the radar in terms of hype directed at it. Well that ends now!! People, I am convinced that this is going to be one of the squads in the Dome at the end of November. The Panthers are going to get skinned and their pelts sold at the SD Hudson's Bay trading-post on the 25th. The Sun Devils are going to roast-em. First-off the Sundevils will have to deliver the bad news this weekend to Mission that they are going to be a number 3 seed playing on the road in week 1 of the playoffs; which they will do.
Rick-Hansen...oooh boy, this is a good football team that is getting better that HAS TO WIN one game in the next two weeks to make the playoffs. I think the October 17th game vs Earl Marriot will be the clincher one way or another. How big is that game??!! The Hurricanes will be playing football with a touch of desparation in their hearts onthe 17th and if they lose, every play vs Mission on Separation Saturday will be played with great intensity on the field and baited breath on the sidelines! Wow folks, are they up against it in October.
Mission: Time to re-focus and take care of business over the next two weeks which will easily be the most crucial of the entire year. Next week's tilt versus South Delta will define the Roadrunners as a good second tier squad or a contender. I don't like their chances but they do have the offensive scheme to stay in it. The following week on Separation Saturday it is the Hurricanes on the Roadrunner plate. That game ought to be labelled the Darwin Bowl as one team's season will be a dead-end on the evolutionary chart and the other's will go on to compete for survival for a few more weeks.
The Interior: I am starting to see OKM and Fulton as 1 and 2 respectively while Valleyview, Norkam and Vernon should start collecting their travelling bags for week 1 of the playoffs.
Week Six Scores
Friday Scores
Lord Tweedsmuir 27 Earl Marriot 9
Okanagen Mission 41 Vernon 6
Handsworth 31 Burnaby Central 0
John Barsby 56 Nanaimo District 8
Rick Hansen 42 Langley 6
Saturday Scores
Seaquam 24 Mission 0
South Delta 40 Frank Hurt 0
Ballenas 47 Timberline 14
Clarence Fulton 34 Penticton 0
Gridiron's Week Seven Top Ten
- Seaquam Seahawks (5-1)
- South Delta Sundevils (5-1)
- Ballenas Whalers (4-1-1)
- John Barsby Bulldogs (6-0)
- Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers (5-1)
- Windsor Dukes (3-2)
- Hugh Boyd Trojans (3-2)
- Mission Roadrunners (4-2)
- Earl Marriot Mariners (2-4)
- Rick Hansen Hurricanes (3-3)
Friday, 17 October
Lord Tweedsmuir vs Frank Hurt
Lord Tweedsmuir is a juggernaut and they are gaining momentum. Huot has yet to be stopped and if the Panthers stay true to the power running game, a lot of bugs are going to get squashed in the process. Frank Hurt has lots of heart and some talented players. LT is going to be too much for the Hornets right out of the gates.
Gridiron’s Pick: Lord Tweedsmuir by 34. It could be even more lopsided but the LT coaches will probably sub the roster generously to keep their powder dry for Separation Saturday's tilt vs South Delta.
John Barsby vs Belmont
Belmont is a big AAA school in terms of numbers. The Blue Dawgs have size, speed and a bye week for preparation versus the Bulldogs of Harewood. In spring-ball Belmont ran the ball very well against JB and their finesse game was much improved over 07. A stud tailback behind a big strong offensive line is their recipe for offense. Belmont has been in some big games vs Mt. Douglas and Ballenas this Fall and will be chomping at the bit to get after another one of the traditional Island powers. Barsby's defense has allowed 8 points in the previous ten-quarters of play while their special teams have been rock-solid. Home field goes to JB as the Dawgs love playing at home in "The Cage"! On top of it all, the Belmont varsity were also laying the verbal smack down on the Barsby JV's last week.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 24.
Nanaimo District vs Timberline
Intriguing match-up. Timberline has been playing tough all year and is very hungry for a conference win. Nanaimo District hit it's first offensive speed bump last week vs Barsby. Other than that, they have been scoring a lot of points in every contest. This game will come down to two factors: 1) Does Timberline have gas in the tanks for the 3rd and 4th quarters and 2) Can the Islanders keep the score close in the first half. If the answer is yes on both counts it is going to be a tight game. If Nanaimo gets down early, it will be a gut-check to see if they keep fighting. If it is close at half and Timberline buckles at the knees then look out.
Gridiron’s Pick: Timberline throws its way to a big score and a victory that could be close or by a wide margin depending on Nanaimo's mental state.
Handsworth vs Seaquam
OK, this is the last call for a Prepchuck turn-around. If it is going to start happening, it is now. Even if they lose, but play good people better be taking note around the league. I just don't see Seaquam laying an egg on this one, just can't see that happening. Seaquam will dominate this game in every phase of the game, particularly the physical phase.
Gridiron’s Pick: The Royals go quietly into that dark-night and Seaquam gains even more momentum in a 24-plus point blowout.
Valleyview vs W.L. Seaton
The Vikings are going to run their way to a victory this week vs a Seaton team that couldn't get it done vs Penticton last week. I like the Valleyview earning a #3 seed out of the Interior this Fall.
Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 24.
Burnaby Central vs Hugh Boyd
Lets see here, Boyd coming off of a tough loss, Boyd with a bye week, Boyd beginning their second-season now. The Wildcats will show-up but beyond that the score will be determined by the Trojan coaching staff's better angels and the running clock after the first-quarter.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fourty-eight zero or bigger for the Trojans.
Saturday, 18 October
Penticton High vs Norkam
I like Norkam in this game. Penticton is getting better each week but so are the Saints and their balanced offensive attack will too much finesse for the new guys. Norkam is going to be a playoff team this year and is going to be aiming to get their level of play up a notch for the post-season.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by four scores or more.
Vernon vs Clarence Fulton
The Maroons are the top dogs of the city of Vernon and every year the other schools mark their game vs Fulton with extra thick ink and circle it. There is no doubt in my mind that this game will be the talk of the town all week and Vernon will be jacked! Coach Scheller doesn't lose many games in Interior play and this will be no different.
Gridiron’s Pick: Maroons by 18
Mission vs South Delta
Folks, this is part one of the two big statement games of October for the Sundevils. Mission, if ever you guys needed to pull off a big upset, this is it. I have come to admire both coaching staffs over the past couple of years and they are fast burning the midnight oil for this one. South Delta will be borrowing some of Seaquam's cliff notes but will be going to the dance with South Delta athletes, not Seaquam athletes. Mission, well, when have they had a week-off this season? The roadrunners know how to play in big tilts as well. The weather will affect the day to some degree but ultimately it will be the Mission defense and special teams that clinch it one way or another. South Delta is a gooood football team gang and that trident that the Sundevil mascot has in his hand looks good for roasting chickens and yep, Roadrunners too.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 16
Sunday, October 5, 2008
AA Varsity Week 6
Week Six Round-Up
Boyd Falters, Dukes Roll, Mission Carpet Bombs and Penn High Chalks One-Up! This weekend has a smorgesboard of headlines for sure and well gang, we are looking at some serious parity beginning to emerge in the Lower Mainland! Windsor wasn't interested in rolling over for the much heralded Trojans of Hugh Boyd, instead they prepared all week and took one away from a more talented Boyd squad. The Trojans aren't going to get a free pass from anyone on their schedule except maybe BC and are now looking to be travelling in week 1 of the playoffs. South Delta is rock-steady and is continuing to win football games. Mission, wow! They shelled Earl Marriot and the Mariners got a taste of what the Japanese fleet got drilled with in the Battle of Midway back in 42. Whoever lines up against Mission in November out-of-doors better be doing a serious rain-dance while praying for the same winds that ripped up Stanley Park a couple years back! Hey Penn High! Props to you guys for your first program win! Way to go!! All in all, there is going to be movement in the top ten for week 6.
Week 5 Scores
Lord Tweedsmuir 37 Rick Hansen 27
Ballenas 34 Belmont 7
Penticton 18 W.L. Seaton 14
Okanagen Mission Valleyview
Seaquam 47 Clarence Fulton 6
Mission 42 Earl Marriot 13
South Delta 27 Langley 6
Windsor 25 Hugh Boyd 21
Vernon 10 Norkam 9
Frank Hurt 63 Burnaby Central 12
Gridiron's Week 6 AA Top Ten
1. Seaquam Seahawks (4-1)
2. South Delta Sun Devils (4-1)
3. Mission Roadrunners(4-1)
4. Ballenas Whalers(3-1-1)
5. John Barsby Bulldogs(5-0)
6. Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers(4-1)
7. Windsor Dukes(3-2)
8. Hugh Boyd Trojans(3-2)
9. Earl Marriot Mariners(2-3)
10.Timberline Wolves(1-4)
Gridiron's Week 6 Picks
Friday, 10 October
John Barsby vs Nanaimo
Barsby is still feeling the angst over last year's defeat at the hands of the Islanders. This year's game is in "The Cage" and the Islander's are seriously short-staffed at the coaching level. If the Dawgs can slow down the Islanders Double Wing and get their offense rolling it will go Barsby's way. Barsby has the team speed to win and is playing at home. This game will be PHYSICAL as there is no love lost between the two programs.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby is too much to handle for the plucky Islanders. Dawgs by 14
Burnaby Central vs Handsworth
Handsworth wins in every category except numbers on the bench. This would be the case if the Handsworth JV's were lined up against the BC Varsity. Should have played Tier 2.
Gridiron’s Pick: Handsworth by 38.
Rick Hansen vs Langley
I find this game intriguing. Hansen has shown flashes of brilliance this year followed by less than inspired performances. Langley is getting better each week against tough opponents. They have not gotten good enough yet to beat Hansen. Coach Gill and co. know where to apply the finnesse.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 12
Lord Tweedsmuir vs Earl Marriot
I heard somewhere that Coach Mckay-Dunn said something to the effect of "We have the team this year to beat Tweedsmuir". He is an honest guy and Marriot by all accounts has the muscle to dance with the Panthers. I think however that Tweedsmuir has something to prove after the Hansen game and sure as hec ought to be reading what was written about their defense on the forum by "Massive Attack". Hec, a lot of folks should read his remarks, great poster-board material. Back to this game: Tweedsmuir is good. Marriot on an up-day is good. They will be up for this one.
Gridiron’s Pick: Tweedsmuir by 8
Saturday, 11 October
W.L. Seaton vs Norkam
Norkam has lost its last two games by a combined two points. W.L. Seaton just served up Pen High's first program victory. Norkam is going to break through on Saturday and be all over Seaton.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by 21
Okanagen Mission vs Vernon
Good game....the best one in the Interior this weekend!! I think we are looking at two of the top three seeds coming out of the hill country for the playoffs. OKM has the QB. Vernon can chew up the yards on the ground. Passing is sexy but I've always liked to run the ball. The greatest College Football team in history, the 95 Nebraska Cornhuskers ran the ball.
Gridiron’s Pick: Vernon by 6
Timberline vs Ballenas
This game boils down to a couple factors. 1) Is Timberline Healthy? Yes, they play great. No, it's over by half-time. 2) Can Timberline protect its QB? Yes, this is gonna be fun to watch. No, it's over by half-time. 3) Will Timberline put the breaks on the Ballenas running game? Yes, stick around for the 3rd and 4th quarters. No, it's over by half-time. Here is the problem for the Wolves....Ballenas is a two headed monster. Stop their run, they can pass. Stop their pass, they can run. Sort-of stop either...not good enough. Stop both....I don't think so. Oh yeah, Ballenas hits better than they have for a couple years on Defense.
Gridiron’s Pick: Whalers by 34
South Delta vs Frank Hurt
Frank Hurt is on its way up! I have mad respect for the job their coaches and players have done getting their house in order and getting better each week. First quarter will be close. The rest, not so good. South Delta folks is easily a contender for all the marbles this year if they stay healthy.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 21
Seaquam vs Mission
Game of the week, hands-down! Weather, weather, weather! Good weather and Mission will be all over the Seahawks. Bad weather and things get interesting. Mission has more bodies and likes a fast pace. Seaquam is fast getting a reputation for being tough-as-nails. This game could be the championship preview!!
Gridiron’s Pick: Mission by 6 but they better pre-order an ice truck.
Clarence Fulton vs Penticton High
Pen High is on a winning streak. Fulton is looking to find some self-respect. The streak ends here.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 24
Boyd Falters, Dukes Roll, Mission Carpet Bombs and Penn High Chalks One-Up! This weekend has a smorgesboard of headlines for sure and well gang, we are looking at some serious parity beginning to emerge in the Lower Mainland! Windsor wasn't interested in rolling over for the much heralded Trojans of Hugh Boyd, instead they prepared all week and took one away from a more talented Boyd squad. The Trojans aren't going to get a free pass from anyone on their schedule except maybe BC and are now looking to be travelling in week 1 of the playoffs. South Delta is rock-steady and is continuing to win football games. Mission, wow! They shelled Earl Marriot and the Mariners got a taste of what the Japanese fleet got drilled with in the Battle of Midway back in 42. Whoever lines up against Mission in November out-of-doors better be doing a serious rain-dance while praying for the same winds that ripped up Stanley Park a couple years back! Hey Penn High! Props to you guys for your first program win! Way to go!! All in all, there is going to be movement in the top ten for week 6.
Week 5 Scores
Lord Tweedsmuir 37 Rick Hansen 27
Ballenas 34 Belmont 7
Penticton 18 W.L. Seaton 14
Okanagen Mission Valleyview
Seaquam 47 Clarence Fulton 6
Mission 42 Earl Marriot 13
South Delta 27 Langley 6
Windsor 25 Hugh Boyd 21
Vernon 10 Norkam 9
Frank Hurt 63 Burnaby Central 12
Gridiron's Week 6 AA Top Ten
1. Seaquam Seahawks (4-1)
2. South Delta Sun Devils (4-1)
3. Mission Roadrunners(4-1)
4. Ballenas Whalers(3-1-1)
5. John Barsby Bulldogs(5-0)
6. Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers(4-1)
7. Windsor Dukes(3-2)
8. Hugh Boyd Trojans(3-2)
9. Earl Marriot Mariners(2-3)
10.Timberline Wolves(1-4)
Gridiron's Week 6 Picks
Friday, 10 October
John Barsby vs Nanaimo
Barsby is still feeling the angst over last year's defeat at the hands of the Islanders. This year's game is in "The Cage" and the Islander's are seriously short-staffed at the coaching level. If the Dawgs can slow down the Islanders Double Wing and get their offense rolling it will go Barsby's way. Barsby has the team speed to win and is playing at home. This game will be PHYSICAL as there is no love lost between the two programs.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby is too much to handle for the plucky Islanders. Dawgs by 14
Burnaby Central vs Handsworth
Handsworth wins in every category except numbers on the bench. This would be the case if the Handsworth JV's were lined up against the BC Varsity. Should have played Tier 2.
Gridiron’s Pick: Handsworth by 38.
Rick Hansen vs Langley
I find this game intriguing. Hansen has shown flashes of brilliance this year followed by less than inspired performances. Langley is getting better each week against tough opponents. They have not gotten good enough yet to beat Hansen. Coach Gill and co. know where to apply the finnesse.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 12
Lord Tweedsmuir vs Earl Marriot
I heard somewhere that Coach Mckay-Dunn said something to the effect of "We have the team this year to beat Tweedsmuir". He is an honest guy and Marriot by all accounts has the muscle to dance with the Panthers. I think however that Tweedsmuir has something to prove after the Hansen game and sure as hec ought to be reading what was written about their defense on the forum by "Massive Attack". Hec, a lot of folks should read his remarks, great poster-board material. Back to this game: Tweedsmuir is good. Marriot on an up-day is good. They will be up for this one.
Gridiron’s Pick: Tweedsmuir by 8
Saturday, 11 October
W.L. Seaton vs Norkam
Norkam has lost its last two games by a combined two points. W.L. Seaton just served up Pen High's first program victory. Norkam is going to break through on Saturday and be all over Seaton.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by 21
Okanagen Mission vs Vernon
Good game....the best one in the Interior this weekend!! I think we are looking at two of the top three seeds coming out of the hill country for the playoffs. OKM has the QB. Vernon can chew up the yards on the ground. Passing is sexy but I've always liked to run the ball. The greatest College Football team in history, the 95 Nebraska Cornhuskers ran the ball.
Gridiron’s Pick: Vernon by 6
Timberline vs Ballenas
This game boils down to a couple factors. 1) Is Timberline Healthy? Yes, they play great. No, it's over by half-time. 2) Can Timberline protect its QB? Yes, this is gonna be fun to watch. No, it's over by half-time. 3) Will Timberline put the breaks on the Ballenas running game? Yes, stick around for the 3rd and 4th quarters. No, it's over by half-time. Here is the problem for the Wolves....Ballenas is a two headed monster. Stop their run, they can pass. Stop their pass, they can run. Sort-of stop either...not good enough. Stop both....I don't think so. Oh yeah, Ballenas hits better than they have for a couple years on Defense.
Gridiron’s Pick: Whalers by 34
South Delta vs Frank Hurt
Frank Hurt is on its way up! I have mad respect for the job their coaches and players have done getting their house in order and getting better each week. First quarter will be close. The rest, not so good. South Delta folks is easily a contender for all the marbles this year if they stay healthy.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 21
Seaquam vs Mission
Game of the week, hands-down! Weather, weather, weather! Good weather and Mission will be all over the Seahawks. Bad weather and things get interesting. Mission has more bodies and likes a fast pace. Seaquam is fast getting a reputation for being tough-as-nails. This game could be the championship preview!!
Gridiron’s Pick: Mission by 6 but they better pre-order an ice truck.
Clarence Fulton vs Penticton High
Pen High is on a winning streak. Fulton is looking to find some self-respect. The streak ends here.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 24
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