WEEK 7
Friday, October 23rd
Sands at Rick Hansen
This one pretty much decides who is the number two seed coming out of the Valley. Both of these squads are tough and playing great ball at this time. The game is going to represent a gut check for Hansen as they find out for real if they can hang with the more physical run-oriented squads. The Hurricanes played well against Seaquam but not good enough it seems. Conversely, can Sands defend teams with run-pass balance? This is easily one of the top match-ups of the weekend!
Gridiron’s pick: Hansen by 6
Belmont at Handsworth
If this game were played on a Friday night at Belmont’s home turf, it would be a lot closer than it is going to be. I just cannot see Belmont being able to defend the Toss-Counter-PAP that the Royals bring to the contest. Handsworth can defend what Belmont lays down on the offensive side of the ball with ease.
Gridiron’s Pick: Handsworth by 30
Okanagen Mission at Valleyview
Very good match-up here for the first quarter or so until OKM gets rolling. Keep an eye on the Huskies, they have a pretty complete offensive and defensive package. Too many offensive horses for the Vikings to reign in.
Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by 22
Clarence Fulton at Norkam
Saturday, October 24th
Mt. Baker at Westsyde (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Westsyde will take care of the newcomers in all phases of the game.
Gridiron’s Pick: Westyde by 28
Ballenas at John Barsby
The Border Battle always is fiercely contested and this game will send the losing squad into a dire playoff situation where they have to finish with a victory over Windsor and Windsor has to lose to either JB or Ballenas. Quite frankly, this is the most meaningful Border Battle in the rivalry’s ten year history. Offensively the Whalers bring superb run-pass balance into the contest using multiple offensive formations and ball handlers while Barsby does a similar job from their no huddle-spread. Defensively, both teams play well against the run and like to bring heat. The special teams battle is a virtual draw as well. So what will give? The team that creates the most offensive big plays and takes care of the ball will emerge victorious.
Gridiron’s Pick: Too close to call.
Pitt Meadows at Seaquam
Seaquam has no peers in the Valley Conference. Pitt is a solid middle tier squad in 09 but is out of their league so to speak when they travel to play the Sea Hawks. Pitt would do well to hope that the fumble gods pick their side on a day where Seaquam underestimates their opponent. Barring this, the score will steadily widen as the game progresses.
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 22.
Langley at Abbottsford Collegiate
It is time for one of these squads to hit scoreboard pay-dirt and that team will be Langley. Langley’s roster is just too big and physical for Abbottsford.
Gridiron’s Pick: Langley by 24
Frank Hurt at South Delta
This game will be on mercy time by the early-mid 2nd quarter at the latest. South Delta is playing it’s best ball of the year right now and Frank Hurt is struggling to get a complete squad on the field. Bring a broom and some mops to clean-up the mess that is going to be left on the field.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 60 plus.
Hugh Boyd at Mission
Upset alert! Mission is playing great football right now and they get to host the Trojans on Roadrunner turf this Saturday. Boyd has been an enigma thus far playing alternately good and bad on a week to week basis. These two teams usually play some great ball against one another and the game will be close.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mission by 3
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Gridiron's Picks Week 6
Week 6
The playoff picture is getting painted this week!
WEEK 6
Friday, October 16th
Abbottsford Collegiate at Rick Hansen
Hansen is hitting mid-to late season stride and this will be a good tune up game for the Hurricanes. Abbottsford has to continue to focus on the “little victories” and milestones along the way as it grows into program maturity.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 34
Handsworth at Windsor
This folks is going to be a barn-burner. Huge playoff stakes are also involved as Winsor seeks to leverage itself into a third or fourth seed playoff seed. Handsworth can pretty much clinch third place in the Coast Division with a victory. Coming off of a second “Island Miracle” performance the Royals have to be believers. Windsor is relentless up front and does not give up on the power running game as witnessed at Mt. Douglas. The advantage in team speed goes to the Dukes as does the “tough factor”. Handsworth will cave in sometime around the mid 3rd quarter.
Gridiron’s Pick: Windsor by 14
Langley at Hugh Boyd
Which Hugh Boyd team will show up for this one and for that matter, which Langley team? Boyd is more disciplined and has more program continuity behind them than does the Saints. Langley has not gotten over the psychological hurdle of playing against the perennial league powers in AA. Boyd has to make a statement to themselves and soon!
Gridiron’s Pick: Boyd by 14 plus.
Norkam at Okanagen Mission
By the looks of things this is going to be a very good match-up. It seems that OKM can match pretty much every team in the Interior AA or AAA physically and this could be the difference maker for the Huskies.
Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by 12
John Barsby at Mt. Douglas
The number 1 ranked and undefeated Mt. Douglas Rams host the John Barsby Bulldogs Friday Night under the lights at Royal Athletic Park. Mt. Douglas has had no difficulty dispatching of teams on their schedule with the exception of a tight game vs S. Delta and they have all the momentum heading into this game. The sheer size of Mt. Douglas presents Barsby with problems up front and their second and third level speed defensively compliments the “Big Uglies” in the pits. Offensively Mt. Douglas can strike at any time via the ground game or the air. Barsby is in tough in this game.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by 18
Saturday, October 17th
Clarence Fulton at Kalmalka (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Poor old Kalmalka.. Good in town rivalry game but the Lakers are very overmatched in this contest.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton plays its bench en route to a 28 pt. victory.
Valleyview at Mt. Baker
Valleyview plays regular games and is way ahead in the learning curve.
Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 34
Frank Hurt at Ballenas
Frank Hurt is having a tough season and is on the road to the Island which is never an easy trip. Ballenas is really smarting after last week’s Handsworth Heartbreak! The Whalers will likely take this out on the Hornets and look to gain some momentum headed into week 7’s “Border Battle” clash versus Barsby.
Gridiron’s Pick: Ballenas by 48
Pitt Meadows at Sands
Sands is smarting from a three TD defeat at the hands of Seaquam this past Saturday. Pitt is looking to prove it is a contender by upsetting another of the conference powers (Boyd is already “in the bag”. Should Pitt defeat the Scorpions, they can consider themselves in the top echelon of the Coast Conference and a veritable lock for the number 3 seed entering the playoffs. Sands is playing for no less and a loss would put them behind the playoff seeding 8-Ball.
Gridiron’s Pick: Sands by 21
Mission at Seaquam
Mission is really beginning to find its stride headed into the second half of the season. They are going to get tripped up in this game as Seaquam is just too physical and run heavy for the finesse oriented Roadrunner squad.
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 24
The playoff picture is getting painted this week!
WEEK 6
Friday, October 16th
Abbottsford Collegiate at Rick Hansen
Hansen is hitting mid-to late season stride and this will be a good tune up game for the Hurricanes. Abbottsford has to continue to focus on the “little victories” and milestones along the way as it grows into program maturity.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hansen by 34
Handsworth at Windsor
This folks is going to be a barn-burner. Huge playoff stakes are also involved as Winsor seeks to leverage itself into a third or fourth seed playoff seed. Handsworth can pretty much clinch third place in the Coast Division with a victory. Coming off of a second “Island Miracle” performance the Royals have to be believers. Windsor is relentless up front and does not give up on the power running game as witnessed at Mt. Douglas. The advantage in team speed goes to the Dukes as does the “tough factor”. Handsworth will cave in sometime around the mid 3rd quarter.
Gridiron’s Pick: Windsor by 14
Langley at Hugh Boyd
Which Hugh Boyd team will show up for this one and for that matter, which Langley team? Boyd is more disciplined and has more program continuity behind them than does the Saints. Langley has not gotten over the psychological hurdle of playing against the perennial league powers in AA. Boyd has to make a statement to themselves and soon!
Gridiron’s Pick: Boyd by 14 plus.
Norkam at Okanagen Mission
By the looks of things this is going to be a very good match-up. It seems that OKM can match pretty much every team in the Interior AA or AAA physically and this could be the difference maker for the Huskies.
Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by 12
John Barsby at Mt. Douglas
The number 1 ranked and undefeated Mt. Douglas Rams host the John Barsby Bulldogs Friday Night under the lights at Royal Athletic Park. Mt. Douglas has had no difficulty dispatching of teams on their schedule with the exception of a tight game vs S. Delta and they have all the momentum heading into this game. The sheer size of Mt. Douglas presents Barsby with problems up front and their second and third level speed defensively compliments the “Big Uglies” in the pits. Offensively Mt. Douglas can strike at any time via the ground game or the air. Barsby is in tough in this game.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by 18
Saturday, October 17th
Clarence Fulton at Kalmalka (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Poor old Kalmalka.. Good in town rivalry game but the Lakers are very overmatched in this contest.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton plays its bench en route to a 28 pt. victory.
Valleyview at Mt. Baker
Valleyview plays regular games and is way ahead in the learning curve.
Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 34
Frank Hurt at Ballenas
Frank Hurt is having a tough season and is on the road to the Island which is never an easy trip. Ballenas is really smarting after last week’s Handsworth Heartbreak! The Whalers will likely take this out on the Hornets and look to gain some momentum headed into week 7’s “Border Battle” clash versus Barsby.
Gridiron’s Pick: Ballenas by 48
Pitt Meadows at Sands
Sands is smarting from a three TD defeat at the hands of Seaquam this past Saturday. Pitt is looking to prove it is a contender by upsetting another of the conference powers (Boyd is already “in the bag”. Should Pitt defeat the Scorpions, they can consider themselves in the top echelon of the Coast Conference and a veritable lock for the number 3 seed entering the playoffs. Sands is playing for no less and a loss would put them behind the playoff seeding 8-Ball.
Gridiron’s Pick: Sands by 21
Mission at Seaquam
Mission is really beginning to find its stride headed into the second half of the season. They are going to get tripped up in this game as Seaquam is just too physical and run heavy for the finesse oriented Roadrunner squad.
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 24
Monday, October 5, 2009
Week 5 Gridiron's Picks
WEEK 5
Wow Gang, we are already at mid-season! GI is having a ball as this year's storylines begin to unfold. Every week from here on out there are going to be battles with massive playoff implications. Lots of fun to watch and this week presents no shortage for AA HS Football Fans!!
Friday, October 9th
Westsyde (Tier 2) at Valleyview (Exhibition)
Valleyview has been playing tougher competition week in and week out. Look for the Vikings to blow this one open in the second quarter.
Gridiron's Pick: Valleyview by 21
Pitt Meadows at Langley
A Huge win over Boyd this past Saturday propels Pitt into what will become one of
BC's great rivalry games. Langley on the other hand cemented their mid-tier status with a loss this past weekend to Mission. Two programs going different directions at mid-season.
Gridrion's Pick: Pitt by 18
Handsworth at Ballenas
Ballenas can determine its own playoff destiny with a win vs the Royals and Handsworth can cement its place in the post season dance with a win over the Whalers. We are talking an early October playoff game here folks. Nothing less. The Whalers have dealt the Royals plenty of disappointment over the years and the coach Hines/Conn combo seem to have coach Prepchuck's number.
Gridiron's Pick: Ballenas by 14
Rick Hansen at Hugh Boyd
A very good Seaquam team team knocked Hansen off of its #1 perch last weekend but not by much. This is important to remember because Hansen IS a good squad. Hugh Boyd on the other hand lost to the upstart Pitt Meadows squad in a game that was tight until the dying minutes. This game suddenly looms much larger than it once was as the inside track to a high playoff seed is now on the line with the loser looking at a much tougher road to and in to the post-season dance.
Gridiron's Pick: Rick Hansen is far more complete and will win by 10.
South Delta at Belmont
Belmont is a better team than at any point in its program history. So is South Delta. If the Sundevils get to running downhill mode early in the game we could be at running time by the second half. Belmont has some fight left in them and with a couple breaks they could keep the game interesting for a quarter or so. In the end, South Delta just has too much in the tank.
Gridiron's Pick: South Delta by 48
Saturday, October 10th
John Barsby at Nanaimo District (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Fast meets slower, bigger meets smaller and so it goes. Nanaimo will certainly have some offensive and defensive wrinkles to present in the ninth annual Ray Kocher Classic but it will be hard to overcome some of the physical mismatches that will present themselves.
Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 24
Seaquam at Sands
OK gang, two teams that are in many ways mirror images of each other in terms of personality and physicality square off this coming Saturday. At the end of the game both squads will emerge better than when they stepped on to the field. The difference in this one could come down to coaching with the edge in the finesse game going to Seaquam. Can't wait to read the post-game summary!!
Gridorion's Pick: Seaquam by 8
Abbottsford Collegiate at Mission
Mission will own this series for years to come. Coach Watrin has cemented the status of his program and Abbottsford is in a program building cycle that will be several years in progress. Mission can take care of the mid-level and bottom level AA squads without breaking too much of a sweat.
Gridiron's Pick: Mission by 26
Windsor at Mt. Douglas
Back to back weeks against conference powerhouses will certainly test Windsor's mettle at mid-season. The Dukes are gamers and can play well against spread teams. Mt. Douglas had better not take this game for granted and ought to consider pulling a page from S. Delta's power running game.
Gridiron's Pick: Mt. Douglas is too big and strong to get run over by Windsor. They can defend the finesse game too. Mt. Douglas by 16 in a game that is surprisingly close for surprisingly long.
Norkam at Kalmalka (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Norkam is playing very, very good football up in the interior. Kalmalka is not.
Gridiron's Pick: Norkam by 40
Mount Boucherie (AAA) at Clarence Fulton (Exhibition)
Whoa, this will be a very, very good game to watch. Fulton is the real deal in the interior this year and Boucherie is having its struggles this year. Look for some big passing from Fulton.
Gridiron's Pick: The Maroons by 16
Okanagen Mission at Pentiction (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
OKM is going to be a good playoff team, never mind a great mid-season exhibition opponent. Penticton will get smacked and smacked hard.
Gridiron's Pick: OKM by 50
Wow Gang, we are already at mid-season! GI is having a ball as this year's storylines begin to unfold. Every week from here on out there are going to be battles with massive playoff implications. Lots of fun to watch and this week presents no shortage for AA HS Football Fans!!
Friday, October 9th
Westsyde (Tier 2) at Valleyview (Exhibition)
Valleyview has been playing tougher competition week in and week out. Look for the Vikings to blow this one open in the second quarter.
Gridiron's Pick: Valleyview by 21
Pitt Meadows at Langley
A Huge win over Boyd this past Saturday propels Pitt into what will become one of
BC's great rivalry games. Langley on the other hand cemented their mid-tier status with a loss this past weekend to Mission. Two programs going different directions at mid-season.
Gridrion's Pick: Pitt by 18
Handsworth at Ballenas
Ballenas can determine its own playoff destiny with a win vs the Royals and Handsworth can cement its place in the post season dance with a win over the Whalers. We are talking an early October playoff game here folks. Nothing less. The Whalers have dealt the Royals plenty of disappointment over the years and the coach Hines/Conn combo seem to have coach Prepchuck's number.
Gridiron's Pick: Ballenas by 14
Rick Hansen at Hugh Boyd
A very good Seaquam team team knocked Hansen off of its #1 perch last weekend but not by much. This is important to remember because Hansen IS a good squad. Hugh Boyd on the other hand lost to the upstart Pitt Meadows squad in a game that was tight until the dying minutes. This game suddenly looms much larger than it once was as the inside track to a high playoff seed is now on the line with the loser looking at a much tougher road to and in to the post-season dance.
Gridiron's Pick: Rick Hansen is far more complete and will win by 10.
South Delta at Belmont
Belmont is a better team than at any point in its program history. So is South Delta. If the Sundevils get to running downhill mode early in the game we could be at running time by the second half. Belmont has some fight left in them and with a couple breaks they could keep the game interesting for a quarter or so. In the end, South Delta just has too much in the tank.
Gridiron's Pick: South Delta by 48
Saturday, October 10th
John Barsby at Nanaimo District (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Fast meets slower, bigger meets smaller and so it goes. Nanaimo will certainly have some offensive and defensive wrinkles to present in the ninth annual Ray Kocher Classic but it will be hard to overcome some of the physical mismatches that will present themselves.
Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 24
Seaquam at Sands
OK gang, two teams that are in many ways mirror images of each other in terms of personality and physicality square off this coming Saturday. At the end of the game both squads will emerge better than when they stepped on to the field. The difference in this one could come down to coaching with the edge in the finesse game going to Seaquam. Can't wait to read the post-game summary!!
Gridorion's Pick: Seaquam by 8
Abbottsford Collegiate at Mission
Mission will own this series for years to come. Coach Watrin has cemented the status of his program and Abbottsford is in a program building cycle that will be several years in progress. Mission can take care of the mid-level and bottom level AA squads without breaking too much of a sweat.
Gridiron's Pick: Mission by 26
Windsor at Mt. Douglas
Back to back weeks against conference powerhouses will certainly test Windsor's mettle at mid-season. The Dukes are gamers and can play well against spread teams. Mt. Douglas had better not take this game for granted and ought to consider pulling a page from S. Delta's power running game.
Gridiron's Pick: Mt. Douglas is too big and strong to get run over by Windsor. They can defend the finesse game too. Mt. Douglas by 16 in a game that is surprisingly close for surprisingly long.
Norkam at Kalmalka (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
Norkam is playing very, very good football up in the interior. Kalmalka is not.
Gridiron's Pick: Norkam by 40
Mount Boucherie (AAA) at Clarence Fulton (Exhibition)
Whoa, this will be a very, very good game to watch. Fulton is the real deal in the interior this year and Boucherie is having its struggles this year. Look for some big passing from Fulton.
Gridiron's Pick: The Maroons by 16
Okanagen Mission at Pentiction (Tier 2) (Exhibition)
OKM is going to be a good playoff team, never mind a great mid-season exhibition opponent. Penticton will get smacked and smacked hard.
Gridiron's Pick: OKM by 50
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Week 4 AA Varsity Season 09
WEEK 4
Friday October 2nd
Sands at Abbottsford Collegiate
This game is going to be a tough contest for Abbey as the Scorpions are playing rock-solid physical ball. There are easily two tiers within AA itself and Sands is “top rail” in this contest.
Gridiron’s Pick: Sands by 32
Frank Hurt at John Barsby
Frank Hurt may have an opportunity in this game as the Barsby squad is reeling from a heartbreaking loss to the Handsworth Royals this past Friday. Barsby has a veteran squad and is now at 1-2 on the season, playing with a touch of desperation. The Hornets are pretty young across the roster and have better days ahead of them if they stick with it. A ferry trip and a rejuvenated Barsby squad will be too much.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 24
Mission at Langley
Very evenly matched contest in Langly this Friday with playoff seeding on the line in a big way. Langley is getting closer to breaking into the top echelon of AA varsity play while Mission is in a bit of a rebuild it seems. Should they keep turnovers and mistakes to a minimum, Langley will be tough to beat.
Gridiron’s Pick: Langley by 8 in a back and forth game.
Seaquam at Rick Hansen
Ah yes, a big time game in the Valley. Both teams are hitting their full stride offensively and they are playing some good Defense as well. The two big questions headed into the game: 1) Can Hansen survive the Seaquam onslaught on the ground and 2) Will Seaquam be able to pressure a balanced Hurricane offensive attack?
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 6 in an “upset”.
Ballenas at Belmont
Ballenas got whacked at South Delta last week physically and mentally. Belmont underachieved against Timberline. One thing is for sure, the atmosphere at Bear Mountain Park is electric and the Belmont players really get off on the crowd. Look for a surprisingly close game if Belmont mans up and decides to run power football. Ballenas is in danger of a dire playoff situation if they lose this game; likewise Belmont.
Gridiron’s Pick: Belmont is close to a breakthrough game but just doesn’t have the killer instinct to win the close ones yet. Ballenas by 6 and then its back to Parksville listening to the 70’s hit Stayin Alive.
Norkam at Valleyview
Norkam just rolled a AAA squad up in Salmon Arm! Well done guys!! Valleyview is really in tough in this game. You gotta go with momentum in this contest and Norkam has it all.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by 22
Pitt Meadows at Hugh Boyd
The Trojans are very, very good and are under the radar a bit on the provincial scene. They will find that their stealthy ways are quickly becoming exposed as they host PMS. Pitt, is solid, but not ready to jump into the same category as Boyd, Sands, Seaquam and Hansen just yet.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hugh Boyd by 21
Saturday, October 3rd
Clarence Fulton at Mt. Baker
Coach Scheller has a very good squad this year as was evident as his Maroons went out and dismantled the visiting AAA Earl Marriot Mariners last week. Next up for a good on-field beating is the newbie Mt. Baker squad from Cranbrook.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 40
Windsor at South Delta
Great stuff here! Windsor travels to S. Delta for a key Coastal conference tilt. The Sun Devils are very tough to beat at home and will be primed for this game! The wildcard however is the fact that Windsor has opened their season with three cupcake games and Coach Schuman has not had to flex his playbook beyond some garden variety power football out of his I-Back package. S. Delta will have to go back to the video archives of past seasons to have any worthwhile prep for this game. Look for some Windsor wrinkles that catch their opponents flat footed more than once in this game. South Delta may have to play from behind for awhile in this game but their roster is stronger from a purely athletic perspective. In the end, speed and brawn will be tough to overcome.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 10
Handsworth at Mt. Douglas
Another good game when you look at both team’s ability to execute their respective s’s and o’s. Mt. Douglas clearly has a more athletic roster in terms of size and speed. Handsworth is a game bunch that Barsby found out has little or no quit in them. It is tough to see a Royal victory in this tilt however.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by 21
Kalmalka (Tier 2) at Okanagen Mission (Exhibition)
OKM is good and Kalmalka is not. Nuff said.
Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by 34
Friday October 2nd
Sands at Abbottsford Collegiate
This game is going to be a tough contest for Abbey as the Scorpions are playing rock-solid physical ball. There are easily two tiers within AA itself and Sands is “top rail” in this contest.
Gridiron’s Pick: Sands by 32
Frank Hurt at John Barsby
Frank Hurt may have an opportunity in this game as the Barsby squad is reeling from a heartbreaking loss to the Handsworth Royals this past Friday. Barsby has a veteran squad and is now at 1-2 on the season, playing with a touch of desperation. The Hornets are pretty young across the roster and have better days ahead of them if they stick with it. A ferry trip and a rejuvenated Barsby squad will be too much.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 24
Mission at Langley
Very evenly matched contest in Langly this Friday with playoff seeding on the line in a big way. Langley is getting closer to breaking into the top echelon of AA varsity play while Mission is in a bit of a rebuild it seems. Should they keep turnovers and mistakes to a minimum, Langley will be tough to beat.
Gridiron’s Pick: Langley by 8 in a back and forth game.
Seaquam at Rick Hansen
Ah yes, a big time game in the Valley. Both teams are hitting their full stride offensively and they are playing some good Defense as well. The two big questions headed into the game: 1) Can Hansen survive the Seaquam onslaught on the ground and 2) Will Seaquam be able to pressure a balanced Hurricane offensive attack?
Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 6 in an “upset”.
Ballenas at Belmont
Ballenas got whacked at South Delta last week physically and mentally. Belmont underachieved against Timberline. One thing is for sure, the atmosphere at Bear Mountain Park is electric and the Belmont players really get off on the crowd. Look for a surprisingly close game if Belmont mans up and decides to run power football. Ballenas is in danger of a dire playoff situation if they lose this game; likewise Belmont.
Gridiron’s Pick: Belmont is close to a breakthrough game but just doesn’t have the killer instinct to win the close ones yet. Ballenas by 6 and then its back to Parksville listening to the 70’s hit Stayin Alive.
Norkam at Valleyview
Norkam just rolled a AAA squad up in Salmon Arm! Well done guys!! Valleyview is really in tough in this game. You gotta go with momentum in this contest and Norkam has it all.
Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam by 22
Pitt Meadows at Hugh Boyd
The Trojans are very, very good and are under the radar a bit on the provincial scene. They will find that their stealthy ways are quickly becoming exposed as they host PMS. Pitt, is solid, but not ready to jump into the same category as Boyd, Sands, Seaquam and Hansen just yet.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hugh Boyd by 21
Saturday, October 3rd
Clarence Fulton at Mt. Baker
Coach Scheller has a very good squad this year as was evident as his Maroons went out and dismantled the visiting AAA Earl Marriot Mariners last week. Next up for a good on-field beating is the newbie Mt. Baker squad from Cranbrook.
Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 40
Windsor at South Delta
Great stuff here! Windsor travels to S. Delta for a key Coastal conference tilt. The Sun Devils are very tough to beat at home and will be primed for this game! The wildcard however is the fact that Windsor has opened their season with three cupcake games and Coach Schuman has not had to flex his playbook beyond some garden variety power football out of his I-Back package. S. Delta will have to go back to the video archives of past seasons to have any worthwhile prep for this game. Look for some Windsor wrinkles that catch their opponents flat footed more than once in this game. South Delta may have to play from behind for awhile in this game but their roster is stronger from a purely athletic perspective. In the end, speed and brawn will be tough to overcome.
Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 10
Handsworth at Mt. Douglas
Another good game when you look at both team’s ability to execute their respective s’s and o’s. Mt. Douglas clearly has a more athletic roster in terms of size and speed. Handsworth is a game bunch that Barsby found out has little or no quit in them. It is tough to see a Royal victory in this tilt however.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by 21
Kalmalka (Tier 2) at Okanagen Mission (Exhibition)
OKM is good and Kalmalka is not. Nuff said.
Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by 34
Monday, September 21, 2009
WEEK 3 PICKS
OK Gang,
Big apologies for the week two lapse! Life's priority list was not kind to ol GridIron and his picks. The dust has settled and it is time to "go to work"!
WEEK 3
Friday, September 25th
Exhibition
Earl Marriot (AAA) at Clarence Fulton
Marriot is stuggling mightily in 09 and their freshman year at AAA ball will likely be unkind. This said, their trip to Vernon to lock horns with the Maroons ought to play out well.
Gridiron's Pick: Marriot by 14.
Norkam at Salmon Arm (AAA)
Salmon Arm has a good squad this year and will be too much for Norkam to handle. Gridiron's Pick: The Golds roll by 28
Valleyview at Mt. Douglas
The Vikings are outmatched in just about every area I can think of in this game. Tenth grade running back sensation Terrel Davis of the Rams will have a field day against the Valleyview Defense and the Rams will be throwing the ball at will.
Gridiron's Pick: Mt. Douglas by 40
Saturday September 26th
Mt. Baker at Penticton (Tier 2)
League
Friday, September 25th
Handsworth at John Barsby
This is shaping up to be a very key game in the Coastal Conference with the winner having the inside track to a playoff berth and the loser facing an uphill battle getting into the post-seson dance. Barsby is at home and Handsworth has a ferry trip to deal with. Both sqads are coming off of impressive victories last weekend.
Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 4
Windsor at Frank Hurt
Windsor has by the scheduling Gods come across an opening three weeks of cupcake games. Frank Hurt will be a further tune-up for the surging Dukes headed into a tough as nails October schedule.
Gridiron's Pick: Windsor by 44
Abbottsford Collegiate at Hugh Boyd
Hugh Boyd will again play the whole roster as they get important reps in headed into the October smash mouth contests ahead. Abbottsford looks to improve week to week and will certainly be given a litmus test of their progress to date vs the Trojans.
Gridiron's Pick: Boyd by 36
Pitt Meadows at Rick Hansen
If there is going to be an upset this week, it is going to be this game. Pitt roasted the West Van AAA squad last week and there has been some muttering on the net about Hansen underachieving thus far. I think Hansen gets better each week as a product of their coaching style. Pitt has some dandy athletes.
Gridiron's Pick: Hansen by three!
Sands at Mission
Sands likes to play smashmouth ball..Mission is all about finesse. Rock-em-Sock-em rules.
Gridiron's Pick: Sands by 18
Saturday, September 26th
Belmont at Timberline
Belmont played a six point game vs Barsby for the first half last week. Belmont has stud athletes and lots of em. Their game will only get better. Belmont will win by a good score.
Gridiron's Pick: Belmont by 14
Ballenas at South Delta
Langley at Seaquam
Seaquam's juggernaut on the ground will face a big, tough Langley roster. Time to see if Langley has turned the corner to being competitive in the upper echelons of the league. I won't believe it til I see it.
Gridiron's Pick: Seaquam by 24
Big apologies for the week two lapse! Life's priority list was not kind to ol GridIron and his picks. The dust has settled and it is time to "go to work"!
WEEK 3
Friday, September 25th
Exhibition
Earl Marriot (AAA) at Clarence Fulton
Marriot is stuggling mightily in 09 and their freshman year at AAA ball will likely be unkind. This said, their trip to Vernon to lock horns with the Maroons ought to play out well.
Gridiron's Pick: Marriot by 14.
Norkam at Salmon Arm (AAA)
Salmon Arm has a good squad this year and will be too much for Norkam to handle. Gridiron's Pick: The Golds roll by 28
Valleyview at Mt. Douglas
The Vikings are outmatched in just about every area I can think of in this game. Tenth grade running back sensation Terrel Davis of the Rams will have a field day against the Valleyview Defense and the Rams will be throwing the ball at will.
Gridiron's Pick: Mt. Douglas by 40
Saturday September 26th
Mt. Baker at Penticton (Tier 2)
League
Friday, September 25th
Handsworth at John Barsby
This is shaping up to be a very key game in the Coastal Conference with the winner having the inside track to a playoff berth and the loser facing an uphill battle getting into the post-seson dance. Barsby is at home and Handsworth has a ferry trip to deal with. Both sqads are coming off of impressive victories last weekend.
Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 4
Windsor at Frank Hurt
Windsor has by the scheduling Gods come across an opening three weeks of cupcake games. Frank Hurt will be a further tune-up for the surging Dukes headed into a tough as nails October schedule.
Gridiron's Pick: Windsor by 44
Abbottsford Collegiate at Hugh Boyd
Hugh Boyd will again play the whole roster as they get important reps in headed into the October smash mouth contests ahead. Abbottsford looks to improve week to week and will certainly be given a litmus test of their progress to date vs the Trojans.
Gridiron's Pick: Boyd by 36
Pitt Meadows at Rick Hansen
If there is going to be an upset this week, it is going to be this game. Pitt roasted the West Van AAA squad last week and there has been some muttering on the net about Hansen underachieving thus far. I think Hansen gets better each week as a product of their coaching style. Pitt has some dandy athletes.
Gridiron's Pick: Hansen by three!
Sands at Mission
Sands likes to play smashmouth ball..Mission is all about finesse. Rock-em-Sock-em rules.
Gridiron's Pick: Sands by 18
Saturday, September 26th
Belmont at Timberline
Belmont played a six point game vs Barsby for the first half last week. Belmont has stud athletes and lots of em. Their game will only get better. Belmont will win by a good score.
Gridiron's Pick: Belmont by 14
Ballenas at South Delta
Langley at Seaquam
Seaquam's juggernaut on the ground will face a big, tough Langley roster. Time to see if Langley has turned the corner to being competitive in the upper echelons of the league. I won't believe it til I see it.
Gridiron's Pick: Seaquam by 24
Monday, August 10, 2009
GRIDIRON'S PICKS WEEK 1
Gridiron's Pick's Week 1 2009
We're Back Baby and it's about dad gum time for some BC AA HS Football!! This year's AA league is by far the most muscular and competitive group of squads in the history of BC High School Football and boy oh boy is it going to be fun to watch things unfold week by week!
The first three weeks will be a mixed bag of exhibition and league tilts due to the uneven number of teams in the conferences and the standings will reflect this.
A note to all AA enthusiasts out there in cyber-land; this blog will become a lot more interesting if you log on as a member and share your candid and appropriate thoughts each week. Everyone is welcome but again, be appropriate.
Gridiron's Week 1 Rankings
Top 10
1. Rick Hansen
2. S. Delta
3. Windsor
4. Mt. Douglas
5. Sands
6. Seaquam
7. John Barsby
8. Hugh Boyd
9. Mission
10. Handsworth
Honorable Mention: Ballenas, Clarence Fulton, Pitt Meadows
Gridiron's Picks
Zero Week Exhibition
Friday, September 4th
Mt. Douglas at Jefferson Oregon: The Mt. Douglas Rams are a monster squad this year chalk full of size, speed and experienced talent. These veteren players have won down south of the 49th before and are looking to bond as a program on this trip while solidifying their on-field game in preparation for week 1 league play. A great move by the coaching staff in scheduling this trip!
Gridiron's Pick: The Rams by 18 points.
Week 1 Exhibition
Friday, September 11th
Rick Hansen vs WJ Mouat (AAA) : A huge rivalry in the Valley and a win-win for both teams no-matter what the score. Hansen will only get better any way you slice this one and though they are surely big-time underdogs, the Hurricanes will be stepping on to the field with no shortage of motivation.
Gridiron's Pick: Mouat has too much talent for Hansen to handle. This game will be a blowout by half-time. Mouat will be getting a good look at it's second and third string during the second half. Look for Hansen to pull out all the stops in the first quarter which could make things interesting for a bit. Hawks by twenty plus by game's end.
Nanaimo (Tier 2) at Sands: This game will be a controlled scrimmage format. Nanaimo is in a big re-build year and Sands is returning to AA ball after a two year hiatus. Don't read too much into this game other than getting a good preview of athletes and base schemes. A lot of eyes are on Sands this year and hopefully the Scorpions give em some positives to report back to the league.
Gridiron's Pick: Sands in a cakewalk. Nanaimo comes away knowing they can go head-to-head with a powerhouse and survive. Tier 2 competition against the better squads in the league thereafter will not be a mental hurdle after this trip.
Burnaby Central (Tier 2) at Langley: The Saints are in year 3 of their evolving program and have got to be turning the corner this year. Burnaby Central is well...Burnaby Central. This will be a slaughter if the Saints want it to be.
Gridiron's Pick: Langley by 34 plus.
Lord Tweedsmuir (AAA) at Hugh Boyd in Gridiron's Game Of The Week!: Now this game rocks! LT had no problem wading through Hansen in Spring Ball and the Trojans are a special group this year. All things considered, the talent level on both squads measures up even and both programs have a history of fast starts out of the blocks in the Fall. The coaching staff's are superb and Boyd likes a fast track so the artificial turf will play in their favour. Tweedsmuir does a great job in the kicking game and they like to run the football. Boyd's monster Fullback is going to find out just how tough he is in this game. I like Tweedsmuir up front on the offensive and defensive lines and I like the Trojans on the edge offensively and in the defensive backfield. Folks, this is going to be fun!!!
Gridiron's Pick: Tweedsmuir by 10 on a wave of fumble driven momentum. Gotta take care of that ball Trojans.
Clarence Fulton at Kelowna: Gotta tell ya, if this game were played in mid-to late October it would be a lot closer than it is going to be. Kelowna has the roster and experience to dominate in week 1 and will do so. Fulton's Coach Scheller is one of BC High School Football's gems and he knows the Interior competition inside-out so the Maroons are going to be prepared for sure. Kelowna will roll however provided it doesn't start splitting offensive hairs and try to cover its offensive playbook from front-cover to back. The Owls like the pretty stuff on offense so Fulton had better find ways to pressure quarterbacks and cover deep balls to tree sized receivers.
Gridiron's Pick: KSS is too much-too early athlete for athlete in this game. The Owls win by 21.
Saturday, September 12th
Handsworth at Carson Graham (AAA) in the storied Buchannon Bowl
Coach Prepchuck has a battle hardened group of players this year and an exceptional crew of 11's. Carson a team that is quite possibly going to be 2009's AAA surprise. Both coaching staffs know each others bag of goodies very well and the opposing rosters know the symbolic importance of this North Shore rivalry game. Carson usually starts their seasons stronger than the Royals who under Coach Prepchuck will as sure as the rising sun each morning, get better week to week during the season. The mitigating facor for this game is how long Carson keeps its starters on the field and how well they can practice in the pre-season with their big roster numbers as this slows down the learning curve if not handled correctly by the coaching staff. Handsworth will be picking up things quickly as their roster is much smaller in terms of sheer numbers. Secondly, continuity; Handsworth is not changing its scheme a lick from JV to Varsity and most of their players have two or three years if not more in "the system". Carson gets edged here. If the Eagles decide they are going to go run heavy and play power ball this game is going to be much kinder to them. If not, they will be playing the game with better athletes but an exhibition disadvantage.
Gridiron's Pick: Carson by 6. Bigger-Faster-Stronger.
Mt. Boucherie (AAA) at Seaquam: Seaquam is a very, very good AA team with a mean and brash attitude. They are run-oriented at heart and can throw well when need be. Boucherie doesn't play its best ball on the road and will be struggling to reload at the tailback position this year. The Bears are running into a defensive buzz saw if they think they are going to head into this one and run the ball.
Gridiron's Pick: Seaquam by 22
Mission at Chief Leschie Washington: Two years ago I had the privilege of watching an incredible JV semi-final game between Mission and Boyd. Those youngsters are now seasoned varsity players and the speed, size and talent are all there! Mission should not be taken likely by anyone this year. I think they will be better than last year's version and will be featuring an improved ground game as a direct contributor to their on-field success. The whole program has to have a chip on its collective shoulder after 08. Chief Leschi is a very small school that plays some tough ball in it's division. This is a team-building trip for the Roadrunners.
Gridiron's Pick: Mission by 16 plus.
Mt. Baker vs Taber Alberta: Yep Folks, we have a team in Cranbrook this year! I love the possibilities here as their closest competition each week is going to be in Montana, Idaho and Washington! Alberta is not far down the road either and they play some good ball in that province as well. The Mt. Baker program is going to cut its teeth on great football each week and if their coaching staff is wise, they will gobble up every game they can find with their US competition. If they do this, they ought to have a cakewalk in the Interior conference and will be a yearly monster in the playoffs. Get after it Mt. Baker!!
Gridiron's Pick: It ain't gonna be pretty for Mt. Baker out of the gates. Taber by Fourty. Learn from this guys and close the gap.
League Play
Friday, September 11th
Belmont at Windsor: Belmont is much better than last year....so is Windsor. Belmont is huge physically and it has some very good speed in key positions off of the Line of Scrimmage. The Dukes have a Samurai approach and appreciation of technique and they are strong at every position on the field. A very seasoned group of Duke players will step on to the field in week 1 as a squad that I believe will be semi-finalists in 09 as a minimum! Belmont is not doing the little things well and does not have an offensive identity yet which will result in them getting carved-up like Christmas Goose by the Dukes.
Gridiron's Pick: Windsor by 30.
Saturday, September 12th
Mt. Douglas at Rank Hurt: In Frank Hurt's favor the Rams have to travel to play this game. After this, things look bleak for the Hornets. Frank Hurt continues it's rebuild and Mt. Douglas will be coming off of a tilt in Oregon with a talented, veteran squad. This game will post big offensive and defensive numbers for the Rams. Frank Hurt has to set some realistic goals and aim to walk off the field with some positives to build on.
Gridiron's Pick: Mt. Douglas by 40
John Barsby at South Delta: The defending BC Champions look to pick-up where they left off in 08 and that is in the win column. The visiting Bulldogs of John Barsby aim to improve on a BC Quarter-Final season last time round. These are both winning programs that reload each year as opposed to rebuilding. The Sun Devils big, fast and loaded with returning and upcoming talent. Barsby is bigger up front than in years past and has an impact group of 11's stepping up to varsity play. South Delta easily handled a tough Seaquam squad in Spring ball while Barsby had a mixed-bag of results in their spring jamboree. The factor that adds a lot of intrigue to this game is that neither squad or coaching staff knows a lot about the other and game day adjustments are going to be at a premium once the ball is kicked-off. Depth is an issue for Barsby and it is not as big of a concern for South Delta. Size goes to the Sun Devils as does speed.
Gridiron's Pick: The Sun Devils are 21 point favorites.
Timberline at Ballenas: These two Island squads have similar raw talent on their rosters. The difference maker in this game will be coaching depth. Ballenas has at least six coaches who are coordinator type quality and are manning position groups. Timberline has two fine coaches who multi-task very well. Ballenas gets polished faster at the individual position level than probably every group in BC. I went and poured over a good 8 season's of Ballenas varsity ball and took a look at the Whaler losses. In almost every case they were not out finnessed in losing but were basically run over by more physically dominant groups of opposing players. Timberline's version of spread offense does not run people over as a rule and like I said, the raw physical talent is similar. Out finnessing Ballenas is doubtful.
Gridiron's Pick: Ballenas by 21
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
2009 Pre-Season Projections
AA Varsity 2009
Ranking The Conferences
This one is a bear! The Valley and Coastal conferences are in a dead heat in terms of competitive balance.
Lets look at school size as it is one important indicator of program strength. It all begins with the pool of athletes to recruit from within one's hallways:
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)
Avg. 279 Avg. 250
Strength of Program: Jv's are an important indicator of program strength as are community ball feeder systems. Also, taking into account last year's varsity performance and historic varsity standings it emerges that there is again much parity between the conferences from the top of each heap to the bottom.
Weaker Programs: What may separate the two conferences is the number of weaker or unproven squads this year. Until proven otherwise on the field of play, it breaks down like this:
Coastal: Frank Hurt, Belmont. Valley: Abbottsford, Langley
Again a tight heat and it can be argued that all four of these programs are on the ascendency. What then? Probably coaching, off-season conditioning and ultimately, the number of impact athletes on each team. Failing this, spring scores may give insight.
By the narrowest of margins I am going to rank the conferences as follows:
Coastal: 9 teams seven of which could make a deep playoff run.
Valley: 8 teams, six of which could make a deep playoff run.
Interior: Only Fulton seems dangerous or has consistently proven itself since turn of the century. As JV ball gets established for these guys, the bar will go up. Not there yet.
North: A good team of athletes will emerge from this conference in 09. It may take this group awhile to acclimate to high calibre ball. Time will tell. Not running spring ball in May/June will prove to be problematic. Summer "spring" ball won't be the same with athletes all over the map due to family and work commitments.
Top 10
1. Rick Hansen
2. S. Delta
3. Windsor
4. Mt. Douglas
5. Sands
6. Seaquam
7. John Barsby
8. Hugh Boyd
9. Mission
10. Handsworth
Honorable Mention: Ballenas, Clarence Fulton, Pitt Meadows
Coastal Conference
1. South Delta: The SunDevils lost some key players from last year's championship squad to graduation but they have also retained many important contributors from that group while adding a very good group of players from their feeder system. Coach Moon has been quoted as saying that he thinks they can be better in 09 than they were in 08. There is no reason to doubt him and judging by the way his squad handled a very good Seaquam unit in Spring Ball this is going to be the team to beat in the Coastal Conference if not all of BC. Offensively the Sundevils will be using multiple formations and they are known to quickly exploit what defenses are giving them. Defensively they like to get a lot of hats to the football while not selling out too hard with the blitz. Special teams are very good due to the game breaking athletes that abound on the SD roster. This group is well coached at every position and the complete package in terms of size, speed and experience. The season opener versus a scrappy John Barsby squad will be followed by a week 2 road-trip collission with Mt. Douglas that will have a major impact on the November playoff line-up.
2. Windsor: Watching a Windsor offense carving up opponents is like watching lazer surgery. The offensive line has few rivals in terms of technical proficiency and woe unto opposing defensive coordinators who don't do an honest self-scout heading into a Windsor game. Bend but don't break defense characterizes the Duke approach to keeping opponents out of the endzone. In terms of coaching, Coach Schuman is a preparation animal who if given an eighth day, would likely have the DNA profiles of opposing players on hand for Monday practice. The Dukes are a complete squad who's only knock would be a lack of size. Look for the Dukes to get off to a very fast start in September before wading into what can arguably be characterized as the toughest October schedule in BC. There will be no weeks off in the lead-up to the playoffs and the Dukes will be in playoff mode weeks ahead of their post-season competition as a result.
3. Mt. Douglas: A very big AA school back from four years of AAA ball where they competed quite well, the Rams are licking their chops (no pun intended) as they prepare to tear into AA competition and make a run for the Subway Bowl. The Rams are the biggest team physically in the conference and have a wealth of experience, speed and big play makers. This group has been together since the seventh and eighth grade and they will be entering week 1 play with a US game under their belts. This is the team to beat coming off of Vancouver Island and they are built to challenge the "heavyweights" in the provincial top five. The Rams could very well go undefeated in conference play. A week 2 showdown at home with the BC Champion South Delta Sundevils could be the game that determines who emerges from conference play in November as the number 1 seed.
4. John Barsby: A consistent playoff team since 1999, the "Dawgs" of John Barsby have undergone a bit of an internal rebuild the past couple of years that began to manifest itself in the win column in 08. A seasoned group of veteren players will form this year's squad with playoff experience at the JV and Varsity levels of play. Spring-Ball gave a hint of what is to come with big offensive numbers, but it also exposed a lot of room for defensive improvement. The Dawgs need to stay healthy as depth is an issue in a small school program. The season opener versus the BC Champion South Delta SunDevils will give an indication of where the Dawgs are in the provincial pecking order and a week 3 home contest versus the Handsworth Royals, a squad Barsby has never defeated will be absolutely huge in determining the November playoff picture. Look to the week 6 Border Battle versus Ballenas for some fireworks with the losing squad facing a potential missed or very short post-season.
5. Handsworth: The Handsworth offensive and defensive schemes are tried and true and the coaching first-rate. With the Royals it comes down to the group of players who have to make these X's and O's do their thing. This year Handsworth is on an "up" year and will be very, very competitive headed into the playoffs. Strengths will be on the offensive line and at the quarterback/receiver positions. A solid crew of JV's move up who are well versed in the Handsworth system. Traditionally slow starters, it will be interesting to see how they handle playing league games in week 2. Notwithstanding this, the Royals will be a vastly improved team when it counts come November. Week three and four visits to John Barsby and Mt. Douglas respectively will have a significant impact on playoff seeding for the Royals.
6. Ballenas: On a good day, the Whalers can play with and possibly beat any team in the Coastal Division. They are going to need at least six or seven good days this Fall to obtain a decent playoff seed when it all shakes down in November. The Whalers are a quality group through and through with excellent technical coaching to back up tried and true offensive and defensive schemes. Strengths will be at linebacker and on the offensive line with a quality backfield to accompany. Look for an early exhibition tilt versus Hugh Boyd to give a good indication of how the Whalers stack up against AA's upper echelon. Games versus Timberline, Handsworth and Barsby are going to have a big impact on whether or not the Whalers make or go far in the playoffs.
7. Timberline: At the start of the season the Wolves will be a group of tough kids. By mid-season they will be a group of tough football players. Timberline will have to get a couple of early victories to stay in the playoff hunt late in the season. That is just the math of the thing. Offensivley, the Wolves have big play potential in the air and their O. Coordinator does a very good job of mixing the run-pass game. On defense, this will be a hard nosed, run stopping crew that likes to dust it up. The Wolves will have some decent size to throw into the mix as well and this bodes well for them looking at some of the key games on their schedule. A finish higher than number seven is perfectly possible but.....winning a few games early will be a big part of that kind of a season. The season opener versus Ballenas will be HUGE!
8. Belmont:The blue Bulldogs of Belmont are on the edge of reaching the critical mass of a program that is going to make the jump to being very competitive. Going into year three of varsity play, they are big, fast, and increasingly veteran in terms of their skill set. Mentally, they are starting to get some killer instinct as well. Being on the edge of being competitive is not good enough this year though; they have to BE competitive. Technique, conditioning and unit cohesiveness need to improve for this to happen. I have watched this program with great interest and feel that they are getting better each and every year. This improvement has to be a weekly thing and the "winnable" games against the bottom half of the division have to be won. It is then going to be a matter of confidence headed into the other tilts that will define this year's squad and lay track for the program in the years ahead. Make no mistake, this is a big year for Belmont. If they can get their ducks in a row on the practice field with everyone pulling in the same direction, I believe they will be a big surprise this fall. When this program comes of age, it could be a dynasty....yep....I am saying dynasty at AAA in the years to come. Back to 2009; look for a shocker of a score somewhere on the Belmont schedule and after that, look for a couple more. All you Belmont players, coaches and fans, take offense to a number eight ranking and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
9. Frank Hurt: Headed into the season known as the Hornets this crew had better be showing improvement over their 08 effort. The Hornets are in year two of a regime change at the coaching level and what looks to be a rebuild to go with it. Last season there were positive signs that the rebuild was taking hold. Hopefully, the Hornets will pick-up where they left off and get better week by week. The Coastal Division is going to be very tough in 09 and a big step-up from the opponents they faced in spring ball. What will it be in 09. a swarm of angry hornets reminiscent of the 04-07 era or a gob of dump bees? I am thinking somewhere in between.
Valley Conference
1. Rick Hansen: OK, if the forum scuttlebut is to be believed, Lord Tweedsmuir waded through these guys in spring ball like crud through a tin horn. I don't buy it. Coach Gill and co. were not looking to add a spring exhibition game to their coaching resume as its defining triumph. The Hurricanes got real good as the season progressed last year and wound-up almost knocking off the eventual provincial champions in the semis. The guts of last year's squad is back and they are loaded for bear at every offensive position on the field. The top returning Quarterback in AA ball returns to guide a very, balanced offensive scheme that is complimented by a defense that should be way tougher, way earlier, in the season than in 08. Week 1 against cross-town rival AAA Mouat will be an early litmus test for the Hurricanes and make no mistake, they are coached-up with a proven history of week by week improvement. The Hurricanes are the team to beat in 09 and they ought to get busy sewing bulls eyes on their shirts.
2. Sands: "The return of Darth Vader", "The Boogy Men are Back", "The Rise of Mordor"......and so it goes. They're baaaaack.....Good I say!! Hey, this is going to be a tough, tough team that is going to try to name C Gap "Scorpion Alley" and smash opposing offenses who try to advance the football. Everyone on the Sands schedule is going to have to pick-up their game and on the flip-side, the Scorpions are going to find out that AA ball has gotten tougher the past couple of years. This crew is going to make the year all the better for everyone and for themselves by being back. There will be no shortage of rivalry games week in and week out. Look for the Scorpions to be in the mix, as high as number one and a couple of game day mistakes from number 5. Number two seems about right for now.
3. Seaquam: These guys are a throwback to something rolling out of Pittsburg in the mid to late 70's. They run, trap and tackle hard and like nothing more than a good street-fight in pads. This year's offense will define itself with the run and PAP. Defensively the Seahawks play with a chip on their shoulder and have quietly assembled some serious perimeter speed offensively and defensively. This is a fully re-built winning program who will be playing its best ball late in the year. They will need to be doing just that in 09. A first place finish is not out of the question provided the Hawks stay healthy.
4. Hugh Boyd: The Trojans will be lining up with two backs this year and have a superb group of receivers to compliment their backfield. Importantly the offensive line is an improvement over last year's talented group as well! Defensively the men of Troy feature a very quick crew of ball hawks and run stoppers who play very well as a cohesive unit. Specials will be good and it all adds up to a very solid squad taking the field each week. Key for the Trojans will be the team mo-jo. I hear tell that they are a group with a super attitude who just don't have "quit" in their mentality. This is good because they are going to play in a lot of close games versus the upper echelon of their division. Look for a finish that could be a lot higher than the fourth seed headed into the playoffs.
5. Mission: The Roadrunners have for better or worse thrown the ball and left the run as more than a bit of an afterthought since joining varsity play in 2004. Along the way they have fairly or unfairly earned a reputation for coming up short against power running teams in the big games. I think that there is a mixed-bag of reality in this perception. I also think that Coach Watrin is no slouch and that when he has guys who can run, he uses them well. This year's squad is going to be more balanced and it has the guys up front who can lay down track for the ball carrier. Defensively they are quick and nasty with many veteran players. The Roadrunners are Gridiron's pick to be 09's surprise in their conference. Though ranked fifth in pre-season, the Mission squad has the potential to play right up to number one or two. Anyone who watched their JV's two years ago can vouch for how talented this team is. Keep an eye on the Roadrunners!
6. Pitt Meadows: A solid group of JV's move-up from last years championship appearance and by all counts, PMS is headed upwards as a program. Varsity ball is going to be a sobering experience to those who think this season will be a continuation of last year's JV success. One thing of note however is the pass oriented offensive scheme these guys employ. If they can throw effectively this group won't have to get in shoving matches with more mature and physical squads which could allow them to hang a few unexpected W's in the standings. Defensively, the power running teams like Sands and Boyd are going to be a fearsome challenge. A middle of the pack finish is likely.
7. Langley: The Saints are in year 3 of their program's football oddessy. This group matches up well physically with anyone and it is just a matter of time til they can play the finesse elements of the game at a level that makes em a true threat on both sides of the ball. Last year I thought they would be a break through squad and it just didn't happen for them. This year I think they could challenge up a few spots from their current conference ranking. It ought to be fun to follow this group in the coming months.
8. Abbottsford Collegiate: Word has it there is a good quarterback in Abbottsford who doesn't play at Hansen or Mouat. With some help, this fellow could lead a fairly productive offense in 09. This season however is going to be a particularly tough one to have as your first in AA ball. Big, school, big numbers...who knows? This group could overachieve but at this sitting, it is doubtful.
Interior Conference
1. Clarence Fulton: Early season favorites to place first in the Interior. Coach Scheller knows how to get it done and he has a great group of athletes in pads this year.
2. Okanagen Mission: The Huskies are a mature program who have found their full measure the past three years. This group will challenge the Maroons for top rail.
3. Valleyview: The Vikings are a cruiser weight in this division who can rise above the middle of the pack on a good year. Keep an eye on these guys.
4. Mt. Baker: A good quality exhibition schedule and the surprise factor that comes with distance and a long trip for scouting bodes well for this new squad come league play. Will be fun to watch how they do in 09.
5. Norkam: This could be a breakout year for the Saints. Early season play will give everyone a good luck at their prospects in October.
North Conference
1. Kelley Road: A couple dozen returning players and a good looking option oriented running game. The Roadrunners are built for the late Fall weather and will seed into AAA playoffs at year's end. This is the consensus team to beat in the North Conference.
2. College Heights: Eighteen returning players bolstered by a grade 11 youth movement. A balanced offensive attack with great roster depth will help the Cougars play deep into the season. If they can find a way to slow down Kelley Road's ground game and force a few turnovers the boys on the hill could be sitting atop the pack come November.
3. Prince George: Big school that will pound away with 250 lb wrecking ball running back and this could be a factor in the autumn frost. The Polars could jump up in the mix with effective PAP and a solid defensive group.
4. Nechacko Valley: (Vanderhoof): Last year's Tier 2 Champions loses a quality group to graduation but returns with size and a winning mentality. The Vikings have what it takes to upset a couple of the top three squads and make big moves to a good playoff seed.
5. Dutchess Park: A new coaching staff for the Kondors as they hit the field in 09. Some good talent present on the roster and this could be the sleeper team up north this year!
6. Correlieu (Quesnel): Hanging their hat on a big offensive line and beast running back Kilby Barker. Add some defense and you have a group that could surprise.
7. D.P. Todd: A roster low in numbers spells depth problems for the Trojans down the stretch. Innovative coaching and great conditioning could save the day for this group.
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