AA Varsity Week 7

AA Varsity Week Seven

Week Six Round-Up

College football has its rivalry week.  This past weekend was BCSSFA's AA blowout week.  With one notable exception, none of the scores were very close.  You can seriously get a good snapshot of program momentum headed in to week eight by looking at the scores below.  This sets the table for a decisive final three weeks of play!

Scores

John Barsby 44 Windsor 20
Hugh Boyd 52 Clarence Fulton 7
Holy Cross 57 Frank Hurt 0
Carson Graham 35 Ballenas 7
G.W. Graham 42 Rick Hansen 0
Abbottsford 42 Pitt Meadows 0
Langley 54 Moscrop 0
Mission 10 Robert Bateman 9
Vernon 27 Valleyview 8
Nanaimo District 40 Timberline 0
South Kamloops 38 Westsyde 9

GI's AA Top Five

1. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
2. Abbottsford Panthers
3. Carson Graham Eagles
4. Langley Saints
5. Holy Cross Crusaders

Honorable Mention: Hugh Boyd Trojans, John Barsby Bulldogs, Vernon Panthers, Mission Roadrunners, Prince George Polars, South-Kamloops Titans

The Conferences

AA East: The October 30th tilt between Graham and Abbey looms large in the East as first and second place will be decided right then and there.  Mission will likely get to a hard fought third place and Bateman the number 4 seed.  High school football players have a say however and the Roadrunners are capable of an upset along the way.

AA West: The Carson Graham-Barsby game will clarify the post season fate of both teams in a very meaningful way.  Windsor is surging and Nanaimo District/Ballenas are trying to find a way to get healthy headed in to the final couple of weeks.  This week's bye for the Whalers is massive in terms of being timely and inmportant.

AA South: What seemed a two horse race between the Trojans and Cruseaders in early September has now become a serious three way affair with the emergence of the Langley Saints as a serious contender.  This weekend's tilt between Troy and Cross can be considered the game that decides who is number three coming out of the South.

AA Interior: Vernon is the class of the Interior and on their heels is South Kamloops and Valleyview.  These two teams will sort things out this coming weekend and then it will be time to dance with the Northern squads for final playoff seeding.

AA North: Prince George is having their best year ever as the Condors cede top rail to their Polar Rivals.  After that, Duchess is the likely number two.  I think PG can legitimately compete with all but Vernon from the Interior when the seeding match-ups get going in earnest.


GI's Picks

Friday, 23 October

Robert Bateman @ Abbottsford: Robert Bateman has been playing very tough football week in and week out this season.  They have been more consistent in terms of their effort than the vastly deeper and more talented Abbey Panthers.  This said, Abbey has put together a couple solid wins of late and they appear to be ironing out internal wrinkles.  Bateman's speed is a plus for the game day match-ups, but their depth is questionable.  GI's Pick:  Panthers by 15

Carson Graham @ John Barsby: This tilt can be legitimately billed as the co-game of the week and it pits two programs who have been building a great divisional rivalry with one another the past four years.  Look for the Eagles to come in to this one very aggressive on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they are a two headed monster in terms of their run-pass balance and defensively, this group loves to pressure from every direction possible and if you could pressure vertically ie. coming at offenses from the clouds, they would do that too!  Barsby for their part, have finally gotten some quality production from their offensive group.  Defensively, the Dawgs are always tough and this side of the ball will surely have its work cut out for it come game day.  Special teams for both groups have been fairly solid to date.  Friday afternoon in Nanaimo is going to be entertaining for sure.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 3 in a minor upset.

Frank Hurt @ Moscrop: This game is likely for the fourth place seed coming out of the South. The present state of self-confidence within each roster coming off of big losses will have much to say in terms of what the coaching staff can milk out of em this week at practice.  A couple quick scores for either team could cause a big collapse by the opposing group come game day as there are likely some fragile egos.   GI's Pick: Hornets by 7

Clarence Fulton @ Westsyde: The Maroons have traveled a lot this year with near perfect consistency in terms of scoreboard results. Westsyde is playing some good scrappy ball and they are at home.  Look for the home team to wear out the Vernon group in this tilt.  GI's Pick: Westsyde by 11

Windsor @ Nanaimo District: The Dukes travel back to Nanaimo for round two of their series versus the Nanaimo schools of Barsby and Nanaimo District.  Windsor came up short on the scoreboard versus the Dawgs last week, but played very good football throughout.  Nanaimo is coming off the biggest win of their season headed in to this one.  Windsor has a deeper bench and  is executing with great precision up front.  GI's Pick: Dukes trap and toss their way to big numbers....Dukes by 19

Pitt Meadows @ G.W. Graham: Last week it was divisional powerhouse Abbey for the Marauders, this week it is another flavor of the same versus the Grizzlies.  When Pitt emerges from these two games, they will be battle tested for sure and won't be playing anyone else of that calibre the rest of the season.  Graham has with two exceptions, barely broken a sweat this year.  Their biggest enemy headed into their final couple weeks after this will be complacency.  GI's Pick: Grizzzlies by 20 plus

Valleyview @ South Kamloops: This on paper is a very evenly matched contest in the Kamloops area.  Both squads know each other well and there will be few surprises other than your garden variety bad bounce of weather induced turnover.  The Titans have been playing a better game on the field than their guests of late.  GI's Pick: Titans by ten

Saturday, 24 October

Hugh Boyd @ Holy Cross: Huge Game for both squads deservedly earning co-game of the week honors!  This is going to be both physical and telling in terms of how both teams enter the looming playoff draw.  Both teams are coming off of blowouts versus divisional foes and the first quarter is going to be interesting indeed as that momentum blows in like a Pacific Storm Front.  I think on balance, the Holy Cross crew is deeper and has more experience this year playing tougher competition.  This will be telling if things stay close for any amount of time. GI's Pick: Crusaders by 11

Rick Hansen @ Mission: The Hurricanes play an old divisional rival in the Roadrunners on Saturday.  Mission has been stringing together a series of quality game day performances and are certainly going to be one of the lower seeds who can make a deep run in the playoffs.  Kudos to the coaching staff for bringing this group along so nicely!  Rick Hansen on the other hand is gamely working their way through a long rebuilding process.  Hats off to the players and coaches of this group as well.  Come game day, this will be lopsided, its the simple math of the matter.  GI's Pick: Mission by 20 plus

AA Varsity Week 6

AA Varsity Week Six

Week 5 Round-Up

Two big upsets this week!  The Windsor Dukes were explosive offensively in their shocker over Ballenas and you all now know that this year's Dark Horse has emerged in the form of the Langley Saints.  The result, divisional chaos in the South and the West!  In the East, long the undisputed realm of the Mission Roadrunners, parity has emerged.  Anyone playing the 1,2,3 or 4th seed coming out of that battlefield, will be playing a tough hombre to be reckoned with!  In the Interior I see a looming showdown between Vernon and SKS for divisional hegemony and the PGSS Polars are on a tear up North.

Scores

Abbottsford 24 Mission 21
Hugh Boyd 24 Frank Hurt 0
Prince George 53 Nechako Valley 0
South Kamloops 23 Clarence Fulton 13
Langley 20 Holy Cross 13
Vernon 34 Westsyde 7
G.W. Graham 21 Robert Bateman 14
Pitt Meadows 40 Rick Hansen 0
Windsor 33 Ballenas 20
Carson Graham 54 Earl Marriot 7
Valleyview 28 Moscrop 9
Duchess Park 46 Kelly Road 6

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
2. Abbottsford Panthers
3. Mission Roadrunners
4. Vernon Panthers
5. Carson Graham Eagles

Honourable Mention

Robert Bateman Timberwolves, Langley Saints, Holy Cross Crusaders, Hugh Boyd Trojans, John Barsby Bulldogs, Windsor Dukes, Ballenas Whalers

Divisional Races

AA West: Totally up for grabs!This weekend's tilts on the Island with Carson Graham at Ballenas and Windsor @ Barsby will go a long ways towards the ultimate divisional standings.

AA East: This looks like a two horse show at the top with Graham and Abbey vying for top-rail. Three and four will be a toss-up as well between Mission and Bateman.  The East can lay claim to being the toughest division in AA this year.

AA South: This is a three way race between Langley, Boyd and Holy Cross.  The Saints just served notice that they are playing for keeps and the Trojans/Crusaders had better be on their A game the rest of the regular season!  Boyd vs Langley is going to be epic!

AA Interior: Vernon may get a bit of a challenge from South-Kamloops but that is about it.  The Panthers ought to represent well again in the post-season.

AA North: Prince George and Duchess will tangle for top spot up North by the looks of things.  The Polars ought to win out.

GI's Picks

Friday, 16 October

Windsor @ John Barsby: The Dukes are on the road @ Barsby this Friday afternoon.  Windsor is coming off of their best game yet in 2015 with an impressive 33-20 win over Ballenas.  The signature of this game was big plays and lots of em!  Barsby had a bye due to forfeit this past week.  Byes are double edged swords in mid-season.  The Dawg defense has played great ball the past couple of weeks.  Offensively, Barsby has moved the ball, but struggled to score.  It is going to take more than a touchdown to defeat Windsor, but that is exactly what Barsby has been averaging the past three weeks.  Special teams will be huge in this game! GI's Pick: Barsby by 6

Mission @ Robert Bateman: Now here are two teams that are playing their best ball of the season thus far.  Both have had very challenging schedules and both have improved week-to-week.  You can bill this as Bateman's speed versus the Mission offensive line/ground game.  If the Roadrunners can mitigate turnovers and be clock-hogs, they have a more than legit shot at taking this game.  On the flip side, Bateman can score in a flash and Mission really needs to take away big plays from their foes.  GI's Pick: Mission by 3

Vernon @ Valleyview: Valleyview is playing some good football right now and their down hil running game is rounding in to form.  For Vernon's part, they are winning while putting their tenth grade contributors through the crucible of tough varsity play. I don't see this game being any kind of an air show.  Vernon has the push up front on both sides of the ball to win this one. GI's Pick: Vernon by 17

College Heights @ Duchess Park: Duchess is a better overall team on both sides of the ball and their bench is deeper. GI's Pick: Condors by 21

Pitt Meadows @ Abbottsford: Pitt is speedy and scrappy.  Abbottsford is both plus it is bigger and has a far deeper bench this year.  The math in this contest appears unassailable at face value. Teenage football players surely do have the ability to surprise all logic with an inspired performance.  Look for this game to be close early, but Abbey pulls away.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 24

Clarence Fulton @ Hugh Boyd:  Fulton has sure done its share of travelling this year.  The game at Hugh Boyd will be good for both teams in this exhibition tilt.  The Trojans are packing a deeper roster and will wear out the visitors over the course of the game. GI's Pick: Troy by 18

Prince George @ Kelly Road: "Whump-Whump"  naw, that is not the familiar sound of a car hitting a speed-bump at a good clip, that is the sound the Polar running game is going to make as it tramples cross-town foe Kelly Road.  The Roadrunners can take solace in the fact that they are not the only contributor to the PG "whump" cacaphony this year. GI's Pick: PG by 25 +

Moscrop @ Langley: A couple years ago this would have been a tight contest.  Langley however, has significantly upped their game in 2015 and will rain big plays with the vertical passing game while taking care of the defensive line of scrimmage. GI's Pick: Saints by 21+

South Kamloops @ Westsyde: Nice cross-town rivalry here that finds its roots with names like Chow, Olthius, Bridger and the like.   South-Kam still has a bit of Red Devil in em and this will be hotly contested from the opening whistle.  It appears that in 2015 SKS deeper in terms of bench and a big bigger and faster than their hosts.  GI's Pick: Titans by 14

Saturday, 17 October

Frank Hurt @ Holy Cross: This is the rebound game for the Crusaders in 2015.  The Hornets better have their chinstraps done up real tight when they come a calling on HC this Saturday.  Beyond this, HC is simply deeper and more mature in terms of roster.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 21

Carson Graham @ Ballenas: Two teams with proud histories, two teams with winning records, two teams that badly need a divisional win.   Ballenas may be the toughest team at home in the North as their historical record seems to indicate.  These guys are pretty chewed-up right now and went from looking like supermen vs Belmont to well, pretty vulnerable against a tough Windsor squad this past Friday.  Carson is fast, aggressive on both sides of the ball and can score quickly on offense. Defensively, they pressure very well.  This could cost them as they face a very disciplined and cohesive Whaler offensive line. Turnovers and special teams...B I G ! GI's Pick:  Carson by 7

Week Five

AA Varsity Week Five

Week Four Round-Up

Wow folks!  You gotta love the free for all that has become the 2015 AA varsity season!  Holy Cross just found out the hard way that Bateman is a for real squad that cannot be overlooked.  The Timberwolves put a chomp on the Crusaders they won't soon forget!  Out west, the Ballenas Whalers walloped a pretty good group of AAA Belmont Bulldogs 35-6 in a game serving notice that this year's group out of Parksville is the real-deal.  The balanced offensive attack, ferocious line play on both sides of the ball and the well healed passing game were hi-lite material start to finish.  Abbottsford rebounded from last week's upset at the hands of Holy Cross with a big outing vs the scrappy Windsor Dukes on Friday evening and Vernon laid the smack down on the road versus Pitt.   Barsby took it on the road to play another nail biter versus cross-straight rival Argyle and up north, Prince George romped in a big win over Duchess Park.  The playoff picture right now, clear as mud.  I don't think we are going to get a grasp on final divisional standings until the dust (November mud spray) clears at the end of week 9.

Scores

John Barsby 7 AAA Argyle 6
Abbottsford 35 Windsor 6
Westsyde 21 Nanaimo District 6
AAA South Delta 41 Carson Graham 6
Salmon Arm 12 Valleyview 0
Correlieu 55 Kelly Road 0
Prince George 55 Duchess Park 18
Vernon 20 Pitt Meadows 8
Rutland 26 Clarence Fulton 14
Robert Bateman 17 Holy Cross 10
Langley 32 AAA Seaquam 16
Ballenas 35 AAA Belmont 6

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
2. Abbottsford Panthers
3. Ballenas Whalers
4. Misssion Roadrunners
5. Vernon Panthers

Honourable Mention

Robert Bateman Timberwolves, Holy Cross Crusaders, Carson Graham Eagles, John Barsby Bulldogs, Hugh Boyd Trojans, Prince George Polars,

GI's Picks

Thursday, 8 October

Earl Marriot @ Carson Graham: The Eagles just played AAA powerhouse South-Delta and now they play the top Tier 2 squad in BC.  This game won't be an easy walk-in-the park for Carson by any means.  Marriot is quietly having another good season and has matched up well in all of the games it has played this year.  Carson has the horses however and that must be factored in. GI's Pick:  Eagles by 22

Friday, 9 October

Valleyview @ Moscrop: Very intriguing game here between two evenly matched squads as the Vikings travel down to Burnaby for a tilt vs the Panthers.  I like the running game of the Panthers in this one as their version of the double-wing eats clocks and consumes yardage in relentless fashion. In addition, the Panther backs have speed in the open field.  GI's Pick:  Moscrop by 7

Holy Cross @ Langley:  Word has it that Langley has put together a big, physical and ever improving squad for 2015.  Triple A Seaquam found this out the hard way! This came may not be the cake walk that the powerful Crusader squad is expecting come game day.  This said, it is becoming evident week by week that Holy Cross may very well be a favorite to make a Subway Bowl appearance this year.  There will surely be some interesting moments as Langley will take its shots with the deep vertical passing game.  HC will counter with run smothering defense and a lethal blitz package. GI's Pick: Holy Cross by 10

Westsyde @ Vernon:  This one will be a good ol Interior smashmouth running contest from start to finish.  Vernon is King in the Interior and will not take kindly to any potential usurpers again this year.  Playing on home turf is a big plus for the Panthers as is depth of program. GI's Pick: Westsyde needs a fast start, I just don't see it come Friday as the Panthers win by 18

G.W. Graham @ Robert Bateman: Well here we are, week five of the season and Graham is only playing their third game.  This bodes well for health on the one hand and the long gaps between games could also lead to rust or a lack of urgency.  This said, the Grizzlies are loaded with talent and have few peers across the board in AA ball this year.  Bateman stunned Holy Cross this past weekend and is riding a wave of confidence as a result, the first quarter could be interesting for awhile. GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 21

Ballenas @ Windsor: "Out of the frying pan and in to the fire."  The Windsor Dukes get to stand in front of one of the elite AA running games a short week after a tough loss to the powerhouse that calls itself the Abbottsford Panthers.  The Whalers are looking complete with a superb passing game to go with an outright nasty ground-game.  Windsor is not as far off as some may think and they present their own set of problems to opposing defenses.  The Whalers have the horses up front and in the backfield however. GI's Pick: Whalers by 16

Clarence Fulton @ South-Kamloops:  Fulton played a pretty darn good game vs Salmon Arm last week.  The Titans are hosting and are fresh going into this game.  I think South-Kam has a depth edge that will come in to play as the game matures.  GI's Pick: Titans by ten

Correlieu @ College Heights: Wow Correlieu, big win for you guys this past weekend.  Long overdue I reckon!  This game will be close in the first half with a second half turnover being the difference.  GI's Pick: Clansmen by 4

Kelley Road @ Duchess Park: Duchess is gonna be in a bad, bad mood after the PG game.  Kelley Road will find itself in front of some deternined Condors come game-day.  Look for lots of point on the Duchess board.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 20


Saturday, 10 October

Hugh Boyd @ Frank Hurt: Big divisional game for the South right here.  The winner is likely at least a number 4 seed in the post-season.  The loser is in for some tough sledding.  With the season Holy Cross and Langley are having, a win is paramount.  Hugh Boyd has been the most consistent team on the scoreboard and their roster is the more mature of the two taking the field on Saturday. GI's Pick: Trojans by 11

Abbottsford @ Mission: How big is a year?  Well, a year ago Abbey gained their first varsity win against Mission in program history.  The game was close and yes, it was a big deal to the Panthers. Now, the Roadrunners are clear underdogs and they are square in the sights of an electric offensive team who has big things to prove to itself in the Eastern Division.   Mission for it's part, is no pushover and you can bet that the coaching staff has game planned this one for some time.  This game believe it or not, will hinge on Mission's offense.  Abbey's offense is pretty ineffective if it is sitting on its hands.  The more the Roadrunners can do to slow down the clock and control the game's temp, the better off they will be.  Tall order, but doable.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 11

Prince George @ Nechako Valley:  Fun game up-north!  The Vikings will make a determined go of it for sure, but this is PG's year by the looks of things.  Look for some big time ground game from the Polars en-route to a big win headed into Turkey Day. GI's Pick: Polars by 18

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Week 4

AA Varsity Week Four

Week Three Round-Up

This past weekend saw the Holy Cross Crusaders make a huge statement serving notice that they will have a say in the race to and for the 2015 Subway Bowl.   The HC crew dumped the number 1 Abbottsford Panthers in guts, physical fashion.  Look out AA South!   Carson Graham is serving up some great defense blanking another team on the scoreboard and you have to like Moscrop's breakout game vs Nanaimo District.  In exhibition tilts vs AAA squads Graham, Windsor and Barsby kept it close gained much needed self-confidence in the ring with the heavyweights.  Up North, Prince George dished out another beat-down to conference competition making them the team to keep an eye on at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers.

Scores

Valleyview 12 Howe Sound 6
Rick Hansen 12 Eric Hamber 12
Carson Graham 14 Robert Bateman 0
Holy Cross 34 Abbottsford 23
Prince George 50 College Heights 8
AAA Mt. Douglas 22 John Barsby 6
Salmon Arm 32 Clarence Fulton 12
Moscrop 20 Nanaimo District 8
AAA Argyle 20 Langley 14
Earl Marriot 26 Frank Hurt 0
South Kamloops 28 Kelley Road 8
AAA Rutland 14 Vernon 14
AAA New Westminster 21 G.W. Graham 10
AAA West Vancouver 19 Windsor 14
Concrete WA 44 Mission 18


GI's AA Varsity Top Five

1. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
2. Holy Cross Crusaders
3. Abbottsford Panthers
4. Ballenas Whalers
5. Mission Roadrunners

Honourable Mention

Carson Graham Eagles, John Barsby Bulldogs, Vernon Panthers, Prince George Polars

GI's Picks

Tuesday, 29 Sept.

Nechako  Valley @ Kelley Road: The Vikings are on an up and Kelley Road is having a middling year.  The "execution" game goes to the Vikes in all three phases.  GI's Pick: Nechako Valley by 12

Friday, 2 October

John Barsby @ AAA Argyle:  Great game for both squads as this is the last exhibition tilt prior to league play.   Argyle is undefeated thus far in 2015 while the Dawgs of Barsby are 1-3.  The Pipers took last year's tilt in a close contest.  Barsby has scored all of six points in the past eight quarters of play.  The Nanaimo squad needs a breakout game offensively to compete in this one.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 6

Moscrop @ Rick Hansen:  Moscrop found its offensive gear last week vs Nanaimo District.  Hansen is in serious rebuild mode right now.  Gotta give this one to the Panthers.  GI's Pick: Moscrop by 7

AAA South Delta @ Carson Graham:  Well, here is a litmus test for the Eagles.   South-Delta is looking for a big rebound after their loss in Alberta a week or so back.  Carson Graham is quietly putting together a solid defensive season of their own and will be challenged by the explosive Sundevil offense.  GI's Pick: South Delta by 19

Correlieu @ Kelly Road: Kelley Road will score early and often en route to a welcome and much needed victory over Quesnel's finest.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 21

Valleyview @ Salmon Arm: Valleyview is getting better week to week and is coming off of a good road victory vs Howe Sound.  Salmon Arm however has a lot more in the tool box than the visitors. GI's Pick:  Salmon Arm by 17

Windsor @ Abbottsford:  Now here is a real test for the ever improving Windsor Dukes.  This team gets better week by week and Abbey is amongst the best at any level in BC.   This game will be close up front and the respective coaching staff's will parry back and forth with some great play call and scheme.  Abbottsford has the more explosive athletes however and this will have a big say in the outcome.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 19

Duchess Park @ Prince George:  Last year's game was close.  This year the Polars ought to put it all together and take this tilt decisively.  It will be a big game on the ground for PG.  GI's Pick: Polars by 14

Nanaimo District @ Westsyde: You gotta like this one.  Both teams are evenly represented in terms of athleticism and both squads like a physical brand of ball.  This will go back and forth on the scoreboard with turnovers being a decisive factor in determining the outcome.  GI's Pick: Nanaimo District by 4

Vernon @ Pitt Meadows:  Vernon probably won't lose another game until November.  The Panthers are set to launch into regular season play and will conclude their exhibition tilts with a good showing at Pitt Meadows.  Vernon is deeper at pretty much every position than their hosts and will wear down the scrappy Marauders by mid-third quarter.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 17

Saturday, 3 October

AAA Rutland @ Clarence Fulton:  The Maroons are a bit short benched but as anyone who has ever played them knows, they are not short hearted!  This will be a close contest in the early going.  Look for Rutland to have a little more in the tank come the second half.  GI's Pick: Voodoo by 11

Robert Bateman @ Holy Cross: The Crusaders are suddenly surging with a confidence not seen since their AAA heyday of yore.  There is swagger and momentum after the big upset of previously number one ranked Abbottsford.   Folks better look out for this crew!  Bateman has been playing a tough schedule that has now gotten a bit tougher than they expected when scheduling this contest. GI's Pick: Crusaders by 20

Langley @ AAA Seaquam: Very similar rosters will take the field for this game.  Langley has a deeper bench and the Seahawks have been flagging this year in terms of motivation.  Look for a minor upset come Saturday.  GI's Pick: Saints by 3

College Heights @ Nechako Valley:  Nechako Valley will look like a buzz saw offensively against the Cougars.  The hosts ought to slice and dice their way offensively to a big half-time lead.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 22

AAA Belmont @ Ballenas:  This game will be close for a quarter, maybe.  Ballenas is healthy and playing some outstanding football.  The Belmont bench will be short of sr's and likely augmented by their tougher JV's.  GI's Pick: Ballenas by 21

Week Three

AA Varsity Football Week Three

Week 2 Round-Up

What a Friday for the Valley this past weekend!  The G.W. Graham Grizzlies mauled, chewed-up and spit out the visiting John Barsby Bulldogs blanking them 33-0 and the Abbottsford Panthers continued their story book season with a dramatic come-from-behind victory against AAA powerhouse W. J. Mouat!  This sets up the October 30th clash between these two programs as perhaps the premier AA varsity tilt of the regular season and it will have a decisive effect on the playoff draw!

Two other teams made a big splash in the form of a dominant Ballenas Whaler win over Pitt Meadows and a sound Holy Cross victory over the Windsor Dukes on Duke home turf.  Hugh Boyd got a solid win vs AAA Seaquam as well and the Mission Roadrunners were solid against AAA Notre Dame in a close loss.

Up north it is becoming apparent that the Prince George Polars are the team to beat as they posted another big score.

Scores

Ballenas 44 Pitt Meadows 0
G.W. Graham 33 John Barsby 0
Carson Graham 8  AAA West Vancouver 0
AAA Handsworth 17 Robert Bateman 0
Prince George 49 Correlieu 0
Nanaimo District 44 Spectrum 12
Valleyview 14 Eric Hamber 0
Earl Marriot 24 Moscrop 0
Holy Cross 20 Windsor 7
AAA Notre Dame 28 Mission 19
AAA Kelowna  37 Vernon 20
Omak WA 56 Clarence Fulton 7
Hugh Boyd 22 AAA Seaquam 0
Abbottsford 39 AAA W.J. Mouat 36


Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. Abbottsford Panthers
2. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
3. Ballenas Whalers
4. Holy Cross Crusaders
5. John Barsby Bulldogs

Honorable Mention

Vernon Panthers, Mission RoadrunnersHugh Boyd Trojans, Robert Bateman Timberwolves, Carson Graham Eagles

GI's Picks

Friday, 25 Sept.

Nanaimo District @ Moscrop:  Look for the Islanders to show up and relentlessly pound the football against the home Pantheres.  This year's group of varsity green looks to build on last week's Spectrum game with another solid win.  GI's Pick: Nanaimo by 18

AAA Mt. Douglas @ John Barsby:  Mt. Douglas and Barsby always come together and play a tough game.  Sometimes the score is close and sometimes it is not.  The Rams have been steamrolling opponents thus far in 2015.  Barsby is looking to rebound from a big loss to G.W. Graham.  Defense and special teams will have a big say come Friday Night.  GI's Pick: Mt. Douglas by 21

AAA Argyle @ Langley: The Pipers have been building momentum week to week against underwhelming competition.  New to AAA ball, this may be a good plan as the squad gains confidence and solidifies its identity headed in to league play.  Langley has athletes and will play tough for a couple quarters.  GI's Pick: Pipers by 16

AAA Rutland @ Vernon: Vernon has been playing every tough game it can find this year.  The Panthers have yet to post a win and that is set to change against the Voodoo.  Look for a big day offensively for Vernon and a possible shut-out.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 24

Frank Hurt @ Earl Marriot:  The Hornets are scrappers and are going to be in a very tight game versus the undefeated Earl Marriot Mariners.  I think that the Mariner defense will make the Hornet offense struggle for the balance of the game.  GI's Pick: Marriot by 6

Windsor @ AAA West Vancouver: Windsor always makes big strides over the first three weeks of the season.  The Dukes will give the host Highlanders all they can handle throughout the game but will ultimately fall short.  GI's Pick: West Vancouver by 8

Salmon Arm @ Clarence Fulton: Fulton has opened up their season on the road and with tough contests week one and two.  Now they are home and ought to step up their game.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 4

Westsyde @ Burnaby Central: This game will be very evenly matched.  Westsyde has a deeper roster in terms of experience and this will factor in to the outcome. GI's Pick: Westsyde by 14

Correlieu @ Duchess Park: Duchess has been struggling as has the Clan.  Normally this would be a blowout for the hosts.  Not this year.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 2

Mission @ Concrete WA:  Another great game for the Roadrunners as they grow in to their 2015 selves.  Concrete is a small, rural program. This game will be close!  GI's Pick: Mission by 6

G.W. Graham @ AAA New Westminster: This game will be well attended and a close match for a quarter.  New Westminster matches-up well athletically and can throw the football effectively which will expose the Grizzlies, particularly on play action.  GI's Pick: New Westminster by 14

Abbottsford @ Holy Cross: The Panthers will take aim a legitimate AA competition.  The air show will really unleash itself in this game.  The Crusaders are a good run team and tough up front.  Abbey will be unfazed.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 18

Valleyview @ Howe Sound: A very good tilt for both teams.  Howe Sound plays tough at home and the Vikings may have bus legs.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 3

Carson Graham @ Robert Bateman:  In games against common opponent AAA Handsworth, these two teams have posted losses by significantly different margins.  Carson Graham has a roster edge and speed differential in their favor.  Bateman is playing on home turf.  GI's Pick: Carson Graham by 11

College Heights @ Prince George: The Polars are having their best season ever.  College Heights not so.  GI's Pick: Prince George runs all over the Cougars en route to a 30 point win.

Eric Hamber @ Rick Hansen:  This game will be close early on but Hansen has the team speed to pull away as the game unfolds.  GI's Pick: Hurricanes by 17

Hugh Boyd @ Ballenas:  A very, very good match-up between these two squads is the initial take. Hugh Boyd is solid and a contender for the South Division #1 seed.  The Whalers are a contender for the AA Championship.   Ballenas is at home and has a far more complete offensive attack than the visitors.  The Whaler kicking game will give the Trojans fits.   This could get ugly in the second half. GI's Pick: Whalers by 22

Week 2 2015

AA Varsity Week Two

Week 1 Round-Up

Abbottsford wins big and makes a statement that reverberates around the province!  The Panthers shocked AAA stalwart Lord Tweedsmuir with a big win on Friday!  Notice has been served that these cats are the team to beat in 2015.  The byline should also read that though this team is blessed with one of the great athletes in recent memory at receiver, there is one hec of a team surrounding him and we can all look forward to some special football this year!  Out-Gal-Dang-Standing Abbey!

In other games, Carson and Handsworth had another memorable Buchannan Bowl tilt on the North Shore, Prince George played very well on the road and the Barsby-Vernon rivalry added a sound chapter to its history.  The Holy Cross Crusaders are looking tough this year and Hugh Boyd and Robert Bateman are not backing down from anyone!  A good first week all-round!

Scores

John Barsby 25 Vernon 0
Handsworth 21 Carson Graham 20:
Kelly Road 36 College Heights 30
Earl Marriot 28 Nanaimo District 22
Holy Cross  36 Clarence Fulton 0
Pitt Meadows 26 Frank Hurt 6
Nechako Valley 28 Correllieu 6
South Delta 46 Hugh Boyd 13
W.J. Mouat 44 Robert Bateman 19
Abbottsford 45 Lord Tweedsmuir 27
Prince George 23 Rutland 23
Kelowna 46 Mission 6

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top 5

1. Abbottsford Panthers
2. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
3. John Barsby Bulldogs
4. Mission Roadrunners
5. Ballenas Whalers

Honourable Mention

Vernon Panthers, Hugh Boyd Trojans, Carson Graham Eagles, Holy Cross Crusaders, Pitt Meadows Marauders

GI's Week 2 Picks

Friday, 18 September

John Barsby @ G.W. Graham: This should be a very good contest as Barsby hits the road to play a group of players who have known nothing but championships since their elementry school days.  The Grizzlies are spread with power up front and an attacking crew defensively.  Barsby likes to blend solid base defense with up tempo offense.  The kicking game is a draw in this one.  Size to Graham by a large margin and perhaps a bit of a speed edge to the Dawgs.  Home field is big for the Grizzlies. GI's Pick: This should be very, very close in the first half and possibly all the way through...Barsby wins close in an upset.

Ballenas @ Pitt Meadows: The Whalers are solid in all three phases of the game and bring a balanced, relentless offense to the dance.  Pit is tough and has a speedy defensive backfield to go with a home field advantage. GI's Pick: Whalers by 10

Nanaimo District @ Spectrum: The Islanders feel like they "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory" last week vs Marriot.   Spectrum is in year three of the program building experience, but took a step back by not fielding a varsity squad in 2014.  GI's Pick: Islanders by 20

Moscrop @ Earl Marriot: This will be a very close tilt.  I think Marriot is definitely riding a surge in terms of the development of the program.  Moscrop has several explosive athlete the Mariners will find it hard to match-up with.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 7

Eric Hamber @ Valleyview: This will be another good game!  Hamber is getting better and Valleyview will be better than last year's version.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 6

Holy Cross @ Windsor: Holy Cross has a solid game under their belt.  Windsor is opening the packaging on their own season.  Game two is usually a positive leap for most teams and HC will find this to be no different.  The Dukes are led by one of the best and have some maturity and depth on the roster this year.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 4

Mission @ AAA Notre Dame:  Notre Dame is at the beginning of a half decade long string of good varsity seasons with the possibility of a deep, deep playoff run each year.  Mission is tough, but will not be able to overcome the Jugglers just yet. GI's Pick: Notre Dame by 17

Duchess Park @ Nechako Valley: The Vikings are going to have a very competitive "up-season" in 2015 and may challenge PG for top-rail up north.  Duchess is taking a step back for now.  GI's Pick: The Vanderfoot squad by 10

Frank Hurt @ South Kamloops: This one will go down to the wire.  I predict that the most explosive running back on the field will lead his team to victory.  GI's Pick: Hornets by 3

Vernon @ AAA Kelowna: The Panthers are a tough, very competent squad.  They are also a bit chewed-up right now and will be playing a program with much, much more size and athletic depth. Them facts will have a say in the outcome.  GI's Pick: Owls by 16

AAA Seaquam @ Hugh Boyd: This one go's to the Trojans.  Conference mates a year ago, both squads know each other and Boyd has more depth come game-day. GI's Pick: Boyd by 10

Westsyde @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins this one at home, no doubt.  Westsyde is in a rebuild this year and the Golds have a mature roster. GI's Pick: Golds by 14

Clarence Fulton @ Omak WA: This is a traditional road trip for the Maroons.  Omak traditionally dominates the game.  There will be nothing new to report come next Sunday.  GI's Pick: Omak by 30 plus.

Abbottsford @ AAA W.J. Mouat: Game of the week!  No doubt about it.  I just don't see Mouat being able to match-up vs the big play ability of the Panthers.  There will be lots of points scored but in the end, a new king will be crowned in the Valley football hotbed known as Abbottsford, BC.  GI's Pick: Abbey by 10


Saturday 19 September


AAA West Vancouver @ Carson Graham: Another good pre-season tilt on the North Shore.  Carson Graham likely has the roster depth and will kick-off the second game of the season vs a Highlander squad that has not yet played in 2015.   The teams met during the spring so there ought not to be too many surprises scheme wise.  GI's Pick: Eagles by 6

Robert Bateman @ AAA Handsworth: Look for a minor upset here.  Bateman played pretty darn good against a good Mouat team last weekend.  Handsworth is fairly short benched.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 4

Langley @ Rick Hansen: It has been a tough off season for the Hurricanes and they will be playing this game at the start of a very long rebuild.  Langley has a half-dozen potential big time players and a good crew to accompany them.  GI's Pick: Langley by 12

Prince George @ Correllieu: Word out of the North is that PG is the consensus pick to run the table this year.  The Polars will likely never break stride en route to a dominant win in Quesnel.  GI's Pick: Polars by 30

AA Varsity Week 1

Week One

Zero Week Round-Up

AAA Mt. Boucharie 36 Ballenas 20


The Whalers gained some great experience against some top flight competition on the road in zero week.  In so many ways, "mission accomplished".



Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. Abbottsford Panthers
2. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
3. Vernon Panthers
4. John Barsby Bulldogs
5. Mission Roadrunners

Honourable Mention

Ballenas Whalers, Hugh Boyd Trojans, Carson Graham Eagles, Holy Cross Crusaders

GI's Week 1 Pics

Thursday, 10 September

Kelley Road @ College Heights: The Roadrunners have generally owned this tilt.  No reason to pick otherwise.  GI's Pick: Kelley Road by 12

Friday, 11 September

Nanaimo District @ Tier 2 Earl Marriot: This is a great season opener for both squads.  The defending Tier 2 champs are really gaining traction as their program has taken a second breath of life over the past couple seasons.  Nanaimo District is a hard working crew who is looking to find a new identity after graduating some fine varsity players.  This will likely be a back and forth affair with turnovers playing a role in the outcome.  GI's Pick: Mariot by 6

G.W. Graham @ AAA Seaquam: The Grizzlies are healthy and ready to begin a season that many expect will conclude itself in the dome.  Seaquam will be returning from their Vegas trip wide-eyed and ready for what BC competition has to dish out.  Graham heads in to the game with a distinct size advantage and equal in terms of speed.  GI's Pick: Graham by 17

Holy Cross @ Clarence Fulton: Great week one match-up for both teams!  Each squad likes to run the football and both have a history of rough and tumble defense.  Home field will play a big role in this game.  I see special teams being a separator as well as the play up front for both teams.  GI's Pick: Holy Cross by 7

Langley @ Eric Hamber: Another good home opener for both teams.  Langley has the size and speed to run away with this one by mid second quarter.  Hamber is improving, but has a ways to go still. GI's Pick: Langley by 18

Pitt Meadows @ Frank Hurt:  Again, this is a positive week 1 match-up.  You have to give the edge in team speed to Pitt, particularly their secondary and receivers.  Every thing else is much closer by comparison.  Pitt is a valley darkhorse to do big things in 2015.  Frank Hurt has found their stride as a program and is high-middle right now in terms of development.  GI's Pick: Pitt by 14 

Nechako Valley @ Correllieu: Nechako Valley is very consistent in terms of its scheme and execution.  The "up years" for the Vikings usually have a lot to do with the athleticism of the roster.  The Clansmen seem to be a bit more ponderous over the years.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 17

Salmon Arm @ South Kamloops: I like this one for both squads.  There will be some interesting offense played by both squads and I see Salmon Arm being able to move the ball better via the ground than their opponent. GI's Pick: Golds by 7

AAA Lord Tweedsmuir @ Abbottsford: Very, very big game for both teams.  Abbey may very well have the top passing game at either tier this year and Tweedsmuir is rolling into this one with a roster full of superlatives. Tweedsmuir's run game will be decisive.  If it produces some long. clock eating drives, the Panther air-show could be significantly mitigated.  There will be some crazy special teams play on both sides to add to the projected fireworks.  GI's Pick: Tweedsmuir by 14 as they wear out the Abbey defense.

AAA South Delta @ Hugh Boyd: Kudos to the Trojans for scheduling the AAA champs to open the season.  The skill level on both rosters will be very even.  The difference is that South Delta has more skilled bodies proportionately and more size by comparison.  Mass times speed equals impact.  The Trojans are going to have some very dented armor when all is said and done. GI's Pick: South Delta by 28 plus.

Robert Bateman @ AAA WJ Mouat: This game is good for football in Abbottsford.  The traditional big dog in this fight, Mouat, has dominated past tilts.  The results will likely be the same, but Bateman gets a tonne of local exposure and certainly gains a measure of themselves against a top flight roster.  The post Coach Kelley era is launched for real here as well.  Should be a good evernt. GI's Pick: Mouat by 24

Saturday, 12 September

John Barsby @ Vernon: Barsby and Vernon have developed a budding playoff rivalry over the past three years.  The Panthers are at home now with no long November bus ride dragging behind them like a ball and chain.  Two years ago, the Panther JV squad was a strong semi-finalist and this group returns to take its place among the better Panther squads in program history.  Barsby is in the very early stages of a rebuild/reload returning one offensive starter from last year's semi-final game vs the Panthers.  I believe that many of the Panther players also find themselves as new starters as well. This game will hinge on run defense and turnovers.  It is being played on Panther home dirt and there is likely some "payback" on the minds of the home team.  GI's Pick: Upset alert...Barsby by 4

Tier 2 Spectrum @ Ballenas: Spectrum is in the very early stages of program development and Ballenas is fielding a very, very good AA squad.  This game will be a blow-out by mid 1st quarter and will have to be managed by both coaching staffs so that some positive emerge for both rosters. GI's Pick: Whalers by 50 plus.

AAA Handsworth @ Carson Graham: One of the great rivalry games in BC high school football, The Buchannan Bowl is being played on Graham home turf.  Carson Graham enjoys a much larger roster in terms of both numbers and size.  The new Carson Graham HC is up against his former coach and mentor in Coach Prepchuck.  This will be close for awhile but I see the preponderance of size and speed held by the Eagles to ultimately carry the day. GI's Pick: Eagles by 10

AAA Kelowna @ Mission: The Mission Roadrunner program does nothing without very calculated and deliberate forethought.  This is why I find that this game on the schedule is so telling in terms of where they think they are after the merger with Heritage Park.  Me thinks the Roadrunners have acquired some size, speed and added depth to their roster.  The superb Mission machine therefore has bonus raw material to shape and guide into solid football players.  A game vs Interior powerhouse Kelowna is a deliberate act and tells me the Roadrunners think they can dance with the Owls.  Good stuff!  GI's Pick: Misson by 2 in an upset.

Prince George @ AAA Rutland: Good on the Polars for scheduling this game.  It will be a team builder and certainly will raise the bar on the field.  Rutland is a big building with very good athletes. Probably a bit much for PG to handle.  GI's Pick: Rutland by 18