AA Varsity Week 5

Week 4 Round-Up

What a September! Week four wrapped-up an opening month for the ages and it has become rapidly apparent that the 2008 title is going to be up for grabs with with at least 8 squads having a realistic shot should their stars line-up! The men of Troy came up big again with their defeat of the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers and several other squads served notice that they are going to be tough in October and beyond! It is a lock that Seaquam, Boyd, Tweesmuir, S. Delta, Marriot and Mission will be playoff bound with the Dukes of Windsor starting to make some noise. Off across Georgia Straight beneath the mountains and clouds there are two or three Island squads starting to gather momentum as well! Another great week ahead folks!

Week Four Scores

Friday, September 26th

Hugh Boyd 16 Lord Tweedsmuir 9

Windsor 35 Handsworth 0

Earl Marriot 15 Frank Hurt 13

Clarence Fulton 12 Norkam 11

Saturday, September 27th

John Barsby 32 Mt. Boucherie 12

South Delta 47 Rick Hansen 13

Mission 41 Langley 20

Mt. Douglas (AAA) 22 Ballenas 14

Timberline 38 Belmont 6

Vernon 26 Valleyview 6

South Kamloops (AAA) 56 Nanaimo District 35

WL Seaton 6 Penticton 0

Gridiron's Week 5 Top Ten

1. Seaquam SeaHawks (3-1)


2. Hugh Boyd Trojans (3-1)


3. Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers (3-1)


4. South Delta Sundevils (3-1)


5. Ballenas Whalers (2-1-1)


6. Earl Marriot Mariners (2-2)


7. John Barsby Bulldogs (4-0)


8. Mission Roadrunners (3-1)


9. Windsor Dukes (2-2)


10. Timberline Wolves (1-3)

Gridiron's Week 5 Picks


Week 5

Friday, 3 October


Earl Marriot vs Mission

A week ago I would have picked the Mariners in this one but after a tight contest versus the Frank Hurt Hornets and Mission’s week-to-week improvement, I have to recalibrate. Marriot has the more physical of the two rosters but the Roadrunner’s speedy, no-huddle, passing ways are tough to tangle with. Turnovers are the wild-card in this contest. If the weather is decent Mission will prevail. If there is rain and wind.....it’s anyone’s game.

Gridiron’s Pick: Mission by 8

Norkam vs Vernon

Who would have thought this would be a big game with playoff implications for both squads. Norkam has been playing a tough schedule this year and it will be in their corner when they play the Panthers.

Gridiron’s Pick: Norkam 28 Vernon 26

Burnaby Central vs Frank Hurt

The Hornets have been playing some seriously tough ball and they are due for a payday. Burnaby Central is going to be shelling out some serious payment. If those Hornets can get a surprise W or two (I think they just might too) down the line in their schedule, they could sneak into the playoffs.

Gridiron’s Pick: Frank Hurt by 34

Langley vs South Delta

South Delta had better put the ball in the air all day long because if they run the ball and get into a slugging contest with Langley, they may win but will be tenderized for big contests in October. The Sun-Devils will be too much to handle in this one for their plucky opponents.

Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta 38 Langley 12

Hugh Boyd vs Windsor

Does Hugh Boyd still have gas in the tank after the greatest September in recent memory? Wow have they been through the crucible!! The Dukes are getting into fine mid-season form headed into this contest. Here is my take on the game. The coaching is a draw, both teams are pretty healthy and they know each other inside-out. Unless Windsor has some hidden mojo outside their power-I and option game they are in tough. Hugh Boyd has more and better athletes/team speed. That will be the difference.
Gridiron’s Pick: Hugh Boyd34 Windsor 7

Saturday, 4 October

Ballenas vs Belmont

I was surprised a bit by the lopsided loss by Belmont to Timberline last weekend. They obviously struggle with the deep ball and paid dearly for it. I was equally, but pleasantly surprised by how close Ballenas played AAA Mt. Douglas. The Whalers are a two headed monster on offense. They can pass and run. Worse for the improving but vanilla Belmont squad, the Whalers can run and pass out of just about any formation you can think of. Defensively, the Whalers will match-up well against the Belmont running attack. If you missed the Canada Day fireworks in July, head up to Parksville this Saturday and enjoy the show.

Gridiron’s Pick: Ballenas 48 Belmont 6

Okanagen Mission vs Valleyview

OKM is getting healthy and returning to last season’s form. Valleyview is no slouch in the Interior division either. I like the Huskies passing attack to give them the edge in an otherwise tough game.

Gridiron’s Pick: OKM 27 Valleyview 24

Penticton High vs W.L. Seaton

Seaton wins this one because of experience, experience, experience. New team blues for Penticton in 2008 but they keep showing up and learning. It’s worth it guys, you are laying down the foundation for those who come after you and subsequent squads should be eternally grateful!

Gridiron’s Pick: Seaton by 28.

Timberline vs John Barsby

Barsby took round 1 of this game down in the cage a week ago. Round two is in Timberline’s back yard and every coach knows that it is extremely hard to play the same team twice and follow up a victory with another victory. Sometimes, no matter what you say to the players, they seem to think that the scoreboard from the last game still counts. Timberline can run and throw out of their spread with great effectiveness and the big play from the Wolves can come at any given moment and leaves opposing teams holding their breath on every possession. Barsby loves to grapple and scrap for four quarters. A new addition to the Timberline coaching staff will likely be heard and quite possibly felt in this dust-up. Welcome back Coach Koehler!

Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 7 when the dust and Barb-B-Q smoke clears.


Rick Hansen vs Lord Tweedsmuir

This is a huge test for Rick Hansen. Simply put, are they contenders or pesky also-rans. Tweedsmuir has to be smarting after this past weekend’s game. The green and white steam-roller is gnashing its teeth and if I am a betting man, it is boot camp and blocking/tackling drills all week. B-Gap on Saturday is going to be a dangerous place to reside come game day.

Gridiron’s Pick: Lord Tweedsmuir 46 Rick Hansen 13

AA Varsity Week 4

AA Varsity Week-3 Round-Up

Week 3 featured a big upset as the ranks of the undefeated grew smaller and a couple squads served notice that they are playing for keeps in 08. In particular, I am talking about Seaquam and Lord Tweedsmuir. The Seahawks raised plenty of eyebrows by defeating the red hot Hugh Boyd Trojans on Saturday while LT rolled over the Mission Roadrunners on Friday.

We have completed 1/3 of the regular season at this point and will begin the second third with the much anticipated match-up between Hugh Boyd and Lord Tweedsmuir. When the dust settles it will be fair to say that the top of the pack in AA will have declared itself in September.

Week 3 Scores

Saturday

Ballenas 55 Mark Isfeld (Tier 2) 20

Okanagan Mission 39 WL Seaton 13

Vernon 46 Penticton High 0

Seaquam 15 Hugh Boyd 14

Friday

John Barsby 28 Timberline 14

Mt. Douglas (AAA) 45 Belmont 6

New Westminster (AAA) 45 South Delta 21

Earl Marriot 37 Langley 6

Windsor 56 Burnaby 8

Horizon (CA) 46 Handsworth 0

Nanaimo 41 Alberni (Tier 2) 0

Lord Tweedsmuir 47 Mission 28

Clarence Fulton 22 Valleyview 6

Thursday

Rick Hansen 27 Frank Hurt 7

Gridiron's Week 4 Top 10

1. Lord Tweedsmuir (3-0)
2. Seaquam Seahawks (2-1)
3. Hugh Boyd Trojans (2-1)
4. South Delta Sundevils (2-1)
5. Ballenas Whalers (2-0-1)
6. Earl Marriot Mariners (1-2)
7. John Barsby Bulldogs (3-0)
8. Mission Roadrunners (2-1)
9. Rick Hansen Hurricanes (2-1)
10. Windsor Dukes (1-2)
    

Gridiron's Week 4 Picks

Friday, 26 September

Frank Hurt vs Earl Marriot

Earl Marriot served-up a lopsided win against Langley last week that was a snapshot of how a lot of its AA schedule is going to look like from a scoring standpoint. Frank Hurt is much better matched up against Langley than it is Marriot.

Gridiron’s Pick: The Mariners walk away with this one with a big score. 42-7 sounds about right.

Mission vs Langley

If anyone remembers, I picked Langley as my AA surprise team in 08. I'm standing by that call for now. The big physical teams can be handled by the Roadrunners but they struggle with the big physical teams who can play the finesse game as well. Langley is .5 of the equation and doesn't have the finesse-game down yet. If the Roadrunners can defend the deep ball and own C Gap on Friday, they take it going away. If they struggle, it could be a bit of a shootout. Either way, Langley will have no answer for Mission's machine-gun offense.

Gridiron’s Pick: Roadrunners by 21

Handsworth vs Windsor

This game is a huge measuring stick for the Royals and it has playoff ramifications right out of the gates. The winner will likely have poll position on the number 3 seed in their division. Windsor is quickly arriving at mid-season, highly competitive form. Handsworth has gone eight quarters without scoring a point. Coach Prepchuk cannot keep his powder dry now and we are going to see what type of development has been taking place around his program the past five weeks. Folks, do not be surprised to see the tenth grade make their appearance and contribute for the Royals in a closer than expected tilt vs the Dukes. Windsor has won a remarkable amount of AA titles and there is Windsor DNA mixed all through this one one both staffs.

Gridiron’s Pick: The Dukes take this one by 12 points.

Norkam vs Clarence Fulton

This is an "up-year" for the Saints but "up-years" are mere foothills in the Interior Division when you line-em up next to Mt. Fulton. The Maroons are doing what they do, which is getting better each week and preparing themselves to be the number 1 seed out of the Interior.

Gridiron’s Pick: Fulton by 18

Tweedsmuir vs Hugh Boyd

Hugh Boyd's narrow loss to Seaquam does very little to tarnish the most anticipated game in BC at any level of play this September. The Hugh Boyd coaching staff know's how to beat the Tweedsmuir juggernaut which is more than most coaching staffs have been able to say the past couple of years. The secret to cracking this nut for-em is going to be forcing the Panthers to get away from their run-game. Tweedsmuir runs the dang ball and they run it good. The Tweedsmuir QB has not had to carry his team on his shoulders and the Trojans know it. The biggest challenge for Boyd is going to be the line-of-scrimmage on both sides of the ball. If they cannot get it done without loading up the box on defense, then they are going to give Tweedsmuir's QB some shots downfield. If they cannot get it done up-front on offense, their magnificent "skill-players" are going to be relegated to the status of frustrated spectators. Look for Boyd to be trapping their butts off and working the option off of quick hitting down blocks. Tweedsmuir is going to try to empty the box with two and three receiver sets so they can lean on the remaining Boyd defenders up-front with the run. Special teams, how big are they going to be??!!

Gridiron’s Pick: This will come down to turnovers and ultimately, which group of well- coached, motivated athletes, finds a crack in the other squad's plan-of attack/defense early on. I think that Tweedsmuir could flatten if they get behind early. They sure are tough though. Boyd is the most emotionally resillient of the two. Boyd goes deep and wins by 8.

Saturday, 27 September

Nanaimo vs South Kamloops (AAA)

Part 1 of the Island-Interior double header kicks off at 9 AM at Nanaimo District Field. This game will be quite close up front in the trenches to be sure. The Nanaimo squad will be rested, playing on their home field and looking to upset the interior AAA powerhouse. The Titans can throw the ball well and this will challenge the Islanders right out of the gates. If the Islanders can keep things close til the 4th quarter, they have a shot. The opening period of play on both sides of the ball will say it all.

Gridiron’s Pick: Titans by 21

Vernon vs Valleyview

This ought to be a fun game to match as both teams are very evenly matched! I'd go as far as to call it the Interior Game of The Week. Look for Valleyview to pull away in the 4th quarter in this one.

Gridiron’s Pick: Valleyview by 10

John Barsby vs Mt. Boucherie (AAA)

Part 2 of the Island-Interior double header is played between the John Barsby Bulldogs and the Mt. Boucherie Bears at 11 AM @ Nanaimo District Field. This is a first ever match-up between the two programs and it ought to be an early mid-season litmus test for both outfits. The Bears will wield their big, physical roster like a sledgehammer and pound away from the opening whistle. This will be accompanied by big shots downfield and underneath stuff off of the run. Barsby will need to defend the Bears long enough for it's offense to find some openings in the Bear D. The numbers game is pretty even in terms of roster size but Barsby has a significant height and weight disadvantage. Barsby has good team speed, is playing at home (Nanaimo District Field counts as home) and its 2nd string is closing the gap with its first. If both teams shut down the pass it could be very close. The kicking-game will be BIG.

Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by 2

Ballenas vs Mt. Douglass (AAA)

Mt. Douglas likes to think of itself as top-rail on the Island fence. They take every Island game as a statement-builder to this effect. Make no mistake, this isn't an exhibition game for anybody. The Rams are coming up to the Whaler's house looking to make the Whalers a shining example of what "the second tier" of Island Football is all about. Ballenas knows this and the Whalers are not going to serve this one up to Mt. Douglas at home, in front of the City of Parksville just because it is their pre-determined lot in life. The Whalers are a tough and proud program/team but tough and proud don't help much when you are smaller and slower. The coaching here is a draw.

Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by 28 as BC's best QB receiver tandem shell the boys in blue.

South Delta vs Rick Hansen

If the Trojans and Panthers weren't dancing this weekend I'd call this the Game of The Week. It's going to be a good one for awhile before South Delta pulls away. South Delta is just too complete across the roster for the Hurricanes. This is not to say that Hansen isn't a good squad and perhaps the most rapidly improving team in AA. I wish I was there to watch this game!!

Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by 17

Timberline vs Belmont

If this game were run for it's entirety between the tackles I'd have to give it to Belmont. Their roster is loaded with size and strength and there are simply more of em than there is on the Timberline squad. Timberline however, a) is playing at home b)is a more veteren squad c) is regaining its health d) can throw the football very well! This game will be very close IF Belmont can cover the deep ball /get heat on the Timberline QB. If they cannot, there will be the most shelling taking place since any time after the battle of Verdun in 1916. In any case, Belmont is learning to play football as a program pretty quickly and there will be no freebies from them anymore.

Gridiron’s Pick: Timberline by 16 in a game that is close for awhile behind a surprisingly good Belmont running game.

Week 3 Rankings and Match-Ups

The plot thickens...

The conclusion of week 2 of the 08 schedule finds several squads fulfilling expectations and others looking for answers early on. The week 3 top ten looks to be different than what we headed into week 2 with as well. There are some great must-see match-ups this coming weekend that will have AA varsity fans buzzing around the lunch table and practice fields as the tilts grow closer. First off a bit of a review:

SATURDAY

Frank Hurt 22 Clarence Fulton 6
Okanagan-Mission 33 Penticton 0
Vancouver College 20 STM 0
W.J. Mouat 42 Rutland 7
Mission 42 Handsworth 0
Ballenas 21 Windsor 7
Calgary Titans 15 Seaquam 12

FRIDAY

John Barsby 32 Pinetree 12
Mt. Douglas 35 Earl Marriott 13
Lord Tweedsmuir 27 Timberline 0
Notre Dame 30 Holy Cross 6
Terry Fox 39 Carson Graham 0
Vernon 32 W.L. Seaton 6
Rick Hansen 36 Mt. Boucherie 20
Hugh Boyd 47 Salmon Arm 0
O’Dea (Wash.) 41 Centennial 14
New Westminster 14 Toledo (Ore.) 0
South Delta 26 South Kamloops 14
Kelowna 46 Valleyview 0
Langley 44 Nanaimo Dist. 36
Vernon 32 W.L. Seaton 6
Belmont 45 Gulf Islands 0

Summaries can be found at Howard Tsmurra's The Province website: http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/high_school_hamper/archive/2008/09/14/final-edition-the-province-high-school-football-report-9-13-08.aspx

Our new AA top ten as of Sunday, 14 September

1. Hugh Boyd (2-0)
2. Lord Tweedsmuir (2-0)
3. Mission (2-0)
4. South Delta (2-0)
5. Ballenas (1-0-1)
6. Earl Marriot (2-0)
7. John Barsby (2-0)
8. Seaquam (1-1)
9. Windsor (0-2)
10. Rick Hansen (1-1)

Week 3 Match-ups

Friday, 19 September

Frank Hurt vs Rick Hansen

Both teams are coming off of victorious outings this past weekend and are looking for more of the same. Frank Hurt has had to overcome the most radical changes from a program perspective in the off-season while Hansen is led by a coaching staff that a few short years ago took it to a AAA championship.

Gridiron’s Pick: The nod goes to the Hurricanes in this one by three scores as they continue to solidify into an outside shot as a championship contender in 08.

John Barsby vs Timberline

Timberline opened their season with a schedule that can be argued as one of the toughest in the AA ranks. Only Marriot is playing a tougher exhibition. Week three has the Wolves renewing a great old rivalry with the Bulldogs of John Barsby. While both squads are in the same division, this is an exhibition game. Two weeks later it will be for real up in Campbell River. Barsby is 2-0 but has not played nearly the competition that Timberline has faced. This game will be a good guage of where both squads are at. There is pride on the line.

Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by seven (7) hard earned points in what could be a rain filled muddy affair on the ground.

Tweedsmuir vs Mission

OK, who is not excited about this one??!!! Wow, is it going to be a good one and man oh man I'd sure like to be holding the down box and getting a feel for this game!! These two programs are quickly developing a heated rivalry and do not think for a second that there is a soul in the entire town of Mission that does not remember last year's lopsided and some continue to claim, ran-up score by the Panthers. This game is going to have it all from an intensity perspective!

Gridiron’s Pick: Physical football still rules and all other factors being considered even, Tweedsmuir brings a bigger, stronger roster into this contest. Tweedsmuir by 12 pts.

Windsor vs Burnaby Central

Windsor doesn't have the dominating athletes compared to the past several but they do have the terrific coaching and a positive attitude in the huddle and on the field. They execute very well and proved they can hit with a very physical Ballenas squad this past Saturday. Burnably Central is one AA's celler dwellers in just about every facet of the game.

Gridiron’s Pick: Windsor gets its first W in a game that is on mercy rule timing well before half-time.

Valleyview vs Clarence Fulton

Valleyview has improved over the off-season and this game will be a big test for Interior Conference supremacy. The Maroons are smarting after a loss to Frank Hurt and the coaching staff has to get a good week out of their squad in preparation for this game.

Gridiron's Pick:

Clarence Fulton by 7 hard-earned points.

Mt. Douglas (AAA) vs Belmont

This is an interesting match-up for a couple reasons. I don't expect the game to be remotely close but it is a historic first with big implications for High School Football in the city of Victoria. This is the first cross-town game between Mt. Douglas and Belmont. Belmont is a huge school that is taking big program strides in the right direction. Mt. Douglas used to own the city of Victoria and it still does but this is beginning to be contested. This is a true East-Side vs West-Side cross town rivalry. If it were a game where both teams could only run between the tackles I'd say the physical match-ups would be an even match. Mt. Douglas may very well be the best throwing team at any level of play this year. Belmont does not know that kind of finesse and it will show. Mt. Douglas is also looking to make a local statement about where the show is in Victoria and the score could get ugly fast as a result. They won't take their foot off of the throttle either.

Gridiron’s Pick:

It will look even until the first kick-off. Mt. Douglas in a blowout on mercy rule running time.

Alberni District vs Nanaimo District

This game could develop into a good little rivalry between these two Island schools over time. Nanaimo is the more mature of the two programs and definitely the most physical. Alberni is in the early stages of putting itself on a solid program building foundation. They overreached by scheduling this game.

Gridiron’s Pick: Nanaimo District gets its first win in 08 in convincing fashion.

Langley vs Earl Marriot

The Mariners will be all over Langley early in this game. The difference will be passing as the new Langley squad though big and physical, will have a tough time defending a sophisticated passing attack. Both squads are headed in the right direction this year but Marriot is a legitimate contender and Langley is not (yet).

Gridiron’s Pick:

Earl Mariot by 17 points on a big passing day.

Horizon (CA) vs Handsworth

Handsworth took it on the chin again last week and finds itself out of the top ten, playing another tough opponent and doing so on the road. I believe that they are far from being in crisis and are forming the frame for a surge in regular season play. A smallish varsity roster will be joined by the tenth grade once things get rolling and Handsworth will compete for a playoff seed in a very tough division.

Gridiron’s Pick: Prepchuk continues to teach and preach to the Royals in a game lost on the scoreboard but won in the big scheme of things.

New West (AAA) vs South Delta

Hey folks, this one is going to be fantastic! South Delta has answered any critics over the past 14 months by simply stepping on to the field and winning most of its games. New Westminster has a AAA championship in its crosshairs and will be looking to do so with great defense and a buzz saw Wing-T offense. I can't see S. Delta matching up well against the New West defensive line and that will hurt them a lot. On the flip-side, if New Westminster overlooks this game they could very realistically be sitting in a post-game changeroom wondering what the hec just happened. The "Old Sun Devil" who now runs the Hyack defense won't let his squad do much overlooking.

Gridiron’s Pick: New Westminster by 16 as the SunDevils wear out in the 3rd.

Saturday, 20 September

W.L. Seaton vs Okanagen Mission

Okanagen Mission is back on the tracks after a convincing win over Penn High. Seaton will be much more of a challenge but will be handled by the Huskies.

Gridiron’s Pick:

The Huskies will win by 12 behind a very good toss play and super quarterbacking.

Rutland (AAA) vs Ballenas

The Whalers are fresh off of a physical 21-7 victory over the Windsor Dukes and are now primed for a visit up-country agains AAA Rutland. Rutland comes off of a drubbing at the hands of powerhouse WJ Mouat and is looking to respond with a home victory over the Whalers. They are going to have to wait however as the Whalers are a dynamic bunch on offense who can run and throw in equal measure. Rutland's tendency to lean on the run plays right into the Whaler defense's style as well.

Gridiron's Pick: Whalers by 18 plus.

Seaquam vs Hugh Boyd

Another fun game to go see here!! Number 1 Hugh Boyd has been steam rolling over and past its first two opponents but will find the terrain much more difficult vs the Seaquam Seahawks. The Hawks are very solid physically and present some challenges via their passing game. Look for a close score headed into half-time with Boyd pulling away in the late 3rd. The Trojans have played together since they were little fellas and they have the chemistry that comes around a program maybe once in a decade or longer. It will be too much for their worthy opponents.

Gridiron’s Pick:

Hugh Boyd by 17 in a contest much closer than the score would indicate.

Vernon vs Penticton High

It looks like Vernon is on an "up-year" that will see it challenging the Maroons and competing for a playoff position from the Interior. Penn High has the new team blues and success for them will be getting better each week and completing their first season.

Gridiron’s Pick: Vernon by 24

Week 2 AA Varsity Schedule

Hi Gang,

Week 1 held a few surprises and a couple programs really stepped to the plate and made a statement! The rankings have changed a bit!! Week one summaries can be found at the following location: http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/high_school_hamper/archive/2008/09/07/the-province-s-high-school-football-report-late-edition-9-06-08.aspx

Gridiron's Week 2 AA Top 10

1. Hugh Boyd (1-0)
2. Lord Tweedsmuir (1-0)
3. Mission Roadrunners (1-0)
4. Seaquam Seahawks (1-0)
5. Ballenas Whalers (0-0-1)
6. Windsor Dukes (0-1)
7. South Delta Sundevils (1-0)
8. Earl Marriot Mariners (0-1)
9. John Barsby Bulldogs (1-0)
10. Clarence Fulton Maroons (0-1)


Here is the skinny on Week 2:

All locations and up-to-date start times can be found on http://www.bchighschoolfootball.com/

Friday, 12 September

John Barsby vs Pinetree (AAA)

Barsby is coming off of a redemtion win and Pinetree is coming off of a very tough game vs red-hot New Westminster. The Timberwolves are hungry for a W and have AA Barsby in their sites. This game will be closer than some might expect. Pinetree will definitely be better than in their opener and Barsby has not seen the spread offense since playing Mt. Douglas in May.
Gridiron’s Pick: Barsby by one score.


Earl Marriott vs Mt. Douglas (AAA)
The Mariners played an outstanding game and matched up physically with AAA powerhouse Vancouver College this past weekend. Mt. Douglas comes off of a sound victory down in Oregon and will be taking that momentum into Friday's tilt. The Rams can pass as good as anyone in BC and have a solid run game to compliment it. Marriot is tough but won't be able to run with the Ram's pass attack.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Douglas by two scores.

Lord Tweedsmuir vs Timberline

OK gang, the Panthers are for real and the steamroller is gathering momentem with each practice and game. Timberline is coming off of a rough start vs South Delta but will be much healthier than they were in last Friday's lopsided loss. Look for LT to make a statement on the ground in this game while Timberline puts the ball up in surprising fashion. It won't be enough as the Wolves will be over-matched at almost every position.
Gridiron’s Pick: Tweedsmuir by 30 points.

Vernon vs W.L. Seaton

Vernon will keep it close for three quarters before Seaton pulls away with their ground game.

Gridiron’s Pick: Seaton by 7

Mt. Boucherie (AAA) vs Rick Hansen

Mt. Boucherie comes off of a convincing route of the new Langley program who I must admit, is struggling a bit more that expected. Hansen bravely stood in front of the AAA WJ Mouat juggernaut and bravely got squashed. The Hurricanes will be better this week but will need a quick start to stay in this one and compete for the W.
Gridiron’s Pick: Mt. Boucherie by 10.

South Kamloops (AAA) vs South Delta

South Delta is red hot and loaded for bear when it comes to athletes. South Kamloops is smarting from last week's opening loss and is going to be looking for answers after this tilt.

Gridiron’s Pick: South Delta by three major scores in a route.

Kelowna vs Valleyview

Valleyview played super tough in it's season opener last week. The Owls bring more horses into this contest than the Vikings. The score will be pretty close for awhile but Kelowna will pull away in the end.

Gridiron’s Pick: KSS by ten.

Gulf Islands (Tier 2) vs Belmont

Gulf Islands leads this series 1-0. Gulf Islands will execute better than Belmont but the size and athletic difference between the two rosters will be manifest. Belmont will grind on the valiant but over-matched Scorpions. Ever watch the move 300?

Gridiron’s Pick: Belmont by 14

Hugh Boyd vs Salmon Arm

Boyd continues to make believers and confirm everybodie's hunch that they, along with LT may be the class of AA in 08. A convincing victory in San Diego last Friday night ushers in the Trojan season. Salmon Arm is going to be fighting for their football lives from the opening whistle. The outlook is grim for the Golds.

Gridiron’s Pick: The Trojans go 2-0 on the season and will not allow a point to be scored while hanging up at least 30.

Saturday, 13 September

Nanaimo vs Norkam

The Islanders are itching to get on the field and have their season under-way. This team is talented, big and strong. There is no blazing speed on the roster but enough of it to get the job done. NorKam took it on the chin from the Islanders last Fall as hosts and this year they have to travel. That chain saw sound you all hear...The Double Wing is revving up.

Gridiron’s Pick: Islanders by 28

Frank Hurt vs Clarence Fulton

The Maroons have a good squad this year and Frank Hurt is in the midst of a rebuild while trying to find it's identity under new leadership. Scheller's Maroons travel well and always play at a consistently high level. They will be too much for the Hornets.

Gridiron’s Pick: Maroons 28 Hornets 7.


Pentiction High vs Okanagen Mission

OKM plays some physical ball and will be on the rebound after the Barsby game this past Saturday. The OKM staff will have the Huskies ready for this tilt and the brand new Penticton program will find itself looking to build a better moustrap for week 3.

Gridiron’s Pick: OKM by five major scores.

Handsworth vs Mission

Coach Watrin is doing his thing with the Roadrunners which usually translates into winning games. Handsworth comes off of a tough loss to AAA Carson Graham in the always emotional Buchannan Bowl. The Roadrunners are hot and the Royals are not. November is magic time for coach Prepchuk and September is all about getting better week to week.

Gridiron’s Pick: Mission by 14 and possibly a lot more if a short benched Handsworth cannot run with the no-huddle spread in the second-half.

Ballenas vs Windsor

Love this Rivalry!! The Whalers are home and home field could be a difference maker for them vs a Windsor squad hungry to post it's first W. Special teams will go to the Dukes and they will have a slight defensive edge. The Whalers have a more dynamic offense than the Dukes. All in all this game is almost too close to call. As a program the Dukes have played in more competitive game than Ballenas on a far more frequent basis.

Gridiron’s Pick: I am picking the Dukes by 2 pts. while holding my breath and knowing it could easily go the other way. This is Gridron's game of the week and a must see for fans of HS Football.

Seaquam vs Bowness (Calgary)

Seaquam plays it's best ball in October. Bowness will learn quickly that it's offensive line won't be ready for the US line of scrimmage. This tilt will be close for a while but Sequam will pull away in the 4th on a couple big plays via the air.

Gridiron’s Pick: Seaquam by 10

Week 1 Matchups

2008 Baby, Here We Go!

Friday Games - check www.bchighschoolfootball.com for times and locations.

Nanaimo District vs G.P. Vanier

Gridiron's Pick: The Islanders by 3 scores. The Islanders return a good crew and they had spring ball. This will be a hard hitting game as both teams like the physical side.

Earl Marriot @ Vancouver College

Gridiron's Pick: VC by 4 scores. The game will be played much closer than the score but VC has the advantage in size, talent and experience. Good on Marriot for scheduling VC!

West Van vs Ballenas

Gridiron's Pick: Ballenas by 10. This will be a bruising game defensively but the Whalers have the edge in the passing game.

Langley vs Mt. Boucherie

Gridiron's Pick: Langley by 6! Yep, you read it here, Langley will be the surprise team of AA this year and the first squad to get bloodied will be Mt. Boucherie.

Valleyview vs Salmon Arm

Gridiron's Pick: The Golds will run away with this one. In the real world Golieth usually picks David out of his sandle treads. Good on Valleyview for building some challenge into their exhibition schedule.

San Diego vs Hugh Boyd

Gridiron's Pick: San Diego by 18. Lets be perfectly clear here, the Haddow Bros. are not going to CA to pad their resume. They have a great Boyd team this year and they are bringing the Trojans south to cut their teeth on top flight competition. The Trojans will return different than when they left.

Rutland vs Lord Tweedsmuir

Gridiron's Pick: LT by 24. The Panthers are loaded and are on a mission. Rutland can play physical ball but the Panthers can go around, over the top and straight through. Good thing this isn't homecoming.

Omak (WA) vs Clarence Fulton

Gridiron's Pick: Omak by 21. This is a yearly pilgrimage for the Maroons and a game that makes the Fulton Squad better. This year is no different.

WJ Mouat vs Rick Hansen

Gridiron's Pick: Mouat by 18. A super rivalry continues in week 1. Mouat will be just too much to handle for the Hurricanes who will come out with tons of emotion but will leave the park looking to build a better mouse-trap.

Saturday Games

John Barsby vs Okanagen Mission

Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 10. Last year's game up in Kelowna was a nail biter. Many players on both teams return to dust it up in round two. Barsby lacked mental focus and killer instinct throughout 07. This year's squad is a questionmark. OKM gets to travel this time and that could be the difference.

Mission vs Windsor

Gridiron's Pick: Windsor by 2 pts. This is easily the AA Game of the Week. Mission's no-huddle spread antics are accompanied by superb skill position players and a veteren cast up front. Coach Schuman however doesn't get surprised a whole lot and the shock and awe experience of standing in front of the Mission offense in high gear will be mitigated to some degree. I'd love to be a spectator at this one and thanks to the new on-line video sharing software I will be!! Life just keeps getting better!!

Timberline vs South Delta

Gridiron's Pick: Timberline by 1 pt. I say this very grudgingly. South Delta will have more experienced on-field talent but.....they have a big travel day and Timberline plays extra-nasty at home. If the home field situation was reversed I'd say South Delta by a couple scores. The Wolves will take this one.

Seaquam vs Kelowna

Gridiron's Pick: Seaquam by 10. Seaquam is a legit AA title contenter playing at home. If their fun and gun offense gets rolling it will be a tough day for Kelowna. If Kelowna want's to play a finesse game on offense it will be over before it starts as that is Seaquam's game. If they come out banging with their big, physical roster Seaquam's knees may buckle. On the bright side for the Owels, Seaquam has been a bit of a slow-starter in past years and is better late in the season than early in the season. Welcome home Coach Anderson and I hope you count your visit as a good one.

Carson Graham vs Handsworth

Gridiron's Pick: Carson by 2 pts. in another great Buchannon Bowl. Both teams seem to have started recent seasons kind of sleepy. This one will wake-em up and Carson has a few more athletes in the stable than Handsworth.

NorKam vs Burnaby Central

Gridiron's Pick: NorKam by 10. Home field counts for something as does being 1st year varsity and having to travel a good stretch to play. Norkam returns some good athletes in 08.

Ranking The Conferences

Sorry Island and Interior, but the road to the championship is going to go through the lower mainland again this year. The two strongest conferences are easily the East and West. Lets take a look:

The number one ranking goes to the West. Here is the projected order of finish:

1. Hugh Boyd
2. Seaquam
3. Windsor
4. Handsworth
5. Sentinel
6. Burnaby Central

The top four could very well re-arrange themselves by the season's end. Any one of these four teams is championship quality. The conference schedule will provide plenty of big game experience headed into the playoffs. Sentinel is a wild-card this year but has historically been pretty tough down the stretch. Burnaby Central has a lot to prove. Tier 2 would have been a good move for that program.

The number two ranking goes to the Lower Mainland East. Projected order of finish is:

1. Lord Tweedsmuir
2. Mission
3. South Delta
4. Earl Marriot
5. Rick Hanson
6. Langley
7. Frank Hurt

Frank Hurt is for all purposes at the start of a rebuild. It is going to be a tough campaign for the Hornets in 08. Langley is the wild-card in the division. Last year's squad could make a solid argument for being the most physical team in the division. Most of them return and coupled with the move to a larger school and a veteren atmosphere around the program, they should not be taken lightly by anyone. LT is the reigning king of the division and until they are unseated it is the Panthers followed by the rest of the pack. The reason for a second place divisional ranking is the fact that the West has possibly four serious championship contenders and the East has LT and possibly Mission. You can never say never in AA HS football but I'll stick to my guns on this one.

Third Place goes to the Island. Projected order of finish as follows:

1. Ballenas
2. John Barsby
3. Timberline
4. Nanaimo District
5. Belmont
6. Parklands

Until the Island can raise the competitive bar across the board, it will remain in the third slot. The addition of Timberline to the Island AA conference and the move by four programs to a Tier 2 division gives this conference hope. During the previous two years the Island was way too polarized between the haves and the have nots. The regular season just did not provide enough big games for the playoff bound teams to be ready for the big dance when the time came. This year has things headed in the right direction as Timberline's return to AA Ball will go a long way towards changing all that. Nanaimo District has also matured as a program and further solidifies the conference. Belmont is moving in the right direction as well and has the roster to bludgeon opponents. Parklands thus far as a program has demonstrated that it ought to have entered tier 2 in 08. No one has seen them on the field yet so this could be a premature remark, but I doubt it. Ballenas is the team to beat in this conference and Barsby is probably the team that can challenge them the hardest. Again, Timberline and Nanaimo District should not be discounted. Belmont has to discover the finnesse dimension of the game in order to break in to the top four. Look for the number one and two seed off the Island to play tough in the playoff tournament.

The Interior gets a fourth place ranking. Projected order of finish:

1. Clarence Fulton
2. OKM
3. W.L. Seaton
4. Westsyde
5. Valleyview
6. Vernon
7. Norkam
8. Penticton

The return of the Maroons! This has always been a very good quality program that is a dangerous adversary in the playoffs. This squad has the potential every year to run deep into the playoff tournament. The Interior Conference got better the day Fulton announced its return. OKM has a very dynamic quarterback and a lot of quality players returning with him for 08. On average, the rest of the pack is more talented and competitive than in year's past. With Fulton raising the bar in the division a surprise squad could emerge in time for the November tourney. It will surely be fun to watch this group develop during the season.

2008 AA Varsity Pre-Season Predictions

BC High School Football Pre-Season Predictions


AA Varsity

Pre-Season Top Ten

1. Hugh Boyd Trojans: Loaded with returning talent, AA JV Champs in 06, this team is ready to make a run for all the marbles. This year’s crew has played in a lot of big games and has made very deep runs into the playoffs at all levels. A punishing schedule will have this squad ready for BC Place come November.

2. Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers: The Panthers are big, strong and very deep at all positions. Coach Thornton and company can hear the clock tick in 08 as this is their last year of AA ball. LT wants to leave its mark in the record books by winning the championship that has proved elusive these past four years. If this crew has the patience to lean on people and bring their physical prowness to bear, they could be an unstoppable force. In the back of their heads however,lurks the 07 semi-final game. Way too much like the Lesner-Mirr fight this spring.

3. Seaquam Seahawks: Coach Pechet knows how to win the big ball games. Seaquam has quietly built one of the provincial powerhouses to be reckoned with. Varsity and JV championships are no stranger to the Seaquam program and there is a very solid foundation of second year varsity and solid JV’s moving up.

4. Mission Roadrunners: The young varsity squad took its knocks last year while the JV’s continued to develop a solid crew to move up. This is an “up-year” for the Roadrunners and a Coach Watrin led squad in the now mature Mission program will be tough to beat.

5. Ballenas Whalers: The Whalers are going to be tough to beat. The loss of only a half dozen or so players from last year’s playoff squad bodes well for team maturity and continuity within the program. Their quarterback position is very solid, they are faster as a team than ever before and they have a loaded coaching staff. The boys in blue play a tough schedule that will have them primed for divisional contests in October. A week two tilt vs #6 Windsor not only renews a great rivalry but could be a second or third round playoff preview.

6. Windsor Dukes: Never, ever count out the most storied and championship-rich program in AA history. Coach Schuman has another solid crew moving up to join his veteran varsity crew. The Dukes play an exceedingly tough schedule week in and week out this season. Should the Dukes prevail in key divisional contests vs Boyd, Seaquam and Handsworth a top seed in the playoff draw could pave the way to the Dome at the end of November. Nobody out-prepares Coach Schuman so this scenario is very possible.

7. Handsworth Royals: Oops he did it again! Coach Prepchuck wins another championship when seemingly out-gunned by his opponent. The Royals this year may have more talent than they did in 07! The league this year however is stronger than it was in 07. If there is a team in the league that gets better each week it will be Handsworth. Come November the Royals will be a dangerous foe. Look for a slow start that gains momentum as the season progresses. The West is one tough conference and a first or second place seed entering the playoff tournament will be a tall order. This is another year that will tax AA football’s Jedi Master’s coaching skills. He hasn’t faltered yet!

8. South Delta Sundevils: A terrific 07 varsity season has set the table for a very talented crew of athletes to join the returning varsity ranks. South Delta now has a pre-season swagger that wasn’t there a year ago. By all accounts this crew will be ready to climb the ladder to a second consecutive playoff appearance and from there, anything is possible.

9. Earl Marriot Mariners: The Mariners are ready to challenge their divisional rivals for top-dog status in the East. Big-strong and fast, the Mariners are moving to AAA ball in 09. They would love nothing more than to go there with an AA championship banner hanging at their school. It’s a scenario that is not impossible for this up and coming football program.

10. John Barsby Bulldogs: A scrappy 07 squad returns having lost only five players to graduation. This year’s Barsby squad has plenty of depth and experience to go along with the largest roster since 2000. There is no doubt that this squad can compete and this group could be playing for a number one playoff seed when they arrive in Parksville this Halloween for 2008’s Border Battle.

Honorable Mention: Rick Hanson Hurricanes, Clarence Fulton Maroons, Timberline Wolves.