Playoff's Round Three

AA Varsity BC Semi-Final Games

John Barsby vs Vernon:  Kudos to the Panthers on their victory and their Semi-Final appearance!  Well done guys!  John Barsby struggled finding any kind of offensive consistency during the first half of their quarter-final game vs Abbottsford last weekend.   They did improve in the second half which has to be a somewhat gratifying.   As the games get only bigger, this has to be corrected if the Dawgs are to advance.  Vernon is getting it done in all of their big games thus far in 2011.  The speed of the Barsby defense is going to present some problems for the Panthers to overcome.  These teams have met in the playoffs twice before (1999 and 2004) with the Dawgs coming out on top.  All things considered, Barsby has the depth to win a third time.

Gridiron's Pick: Barsby by 16

Mission vs Ballenas: Mission has yet to be seriously tested by BC AA varsity competition in 2011.  Is Ballenas the team to get it done?  I think the first quarter of the Ballenas-Holy Cross game is a preview of how things will go.  The Crusaders ran unbalanced, power football at the Whalers and gashed em hard for the first quarter and a half of the game.  Mission quite simply wins all of the match-ups up front and they have better running backs than HC did.  The Whalers have a chance in this one only with a lot, and I mean a lot of turnovers going in their favour.  High school football is a funny game however, and you can never count out a prohibitive underdog playing the game of their lives at exactly the right moment in time.  

Gridiron's Pick: Mission by 18

Tier 2 Varsity BC Championship Final "The Ackles Cup"

Nanaimo District vs Howe Sound: These two teams met several weeks ago in a game that turned-out to be the biggest test of the year for the Islanders.  Gang Green had to recover from a 12-0 deficit to propel themselves past the hard-nosed Sounders on Nanaimo home turf.  Now the Island squad has to travel to play their most dangerous foe for all the marbles this coming weekend.  Both of these squads run similar offenses and play the game with a physical edge.  I don't think that Nanaimo is going to get surprised this time around and I believe they have a better kicking game as well.

Gridiron's Pick: Nanaimo District by 11

Gridiron's Playoff Picks: Round Two

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. Mission
2. John Barsby
3. Ballenas
4. Abbottsford Collegiate
5. South Delta

Gridiron's Tier 2 Varsity Top Five

1. Nanaimo District
2. Belmont
3. Timberline
4. Howe Sound
5. G.P. Vanier/Edward Milne

Gridiron's Picks

AA Varsity BC Quarter-Final Picks

John Barsby vs Abbottsford Collegiate:  The Panthers are coming off of a huge win and program milestone vs the Handsworth Royals this past Saturday.  This team has pride and tons of momentum coming up against Nanaimo's John Barsby Bulldogs.  The Panthers have been putting a lot of points on the board and their passing game is a threat to score on every snap.  Defensivley, these guys are tough as well.  The John Barsby defense has not allowed a score since their week 6 game vs Handsworth.  This ought to be a good match-up between the two opposing units.  Look for the kicking game to play a big role in field position come gameday.  Whomever is on a short field will roll.

GI's Pick: Barsby by 18

Vernon vs Rick Hansen: Wow, who would have picked this match-up for the quarter-final game?  Vernon is coming off of a dramatic overtime victory and Rick Hansen, a shocking win over Seaquam. High school football baby, the games are played for a reason and you can never underestimate the capacity of a group of 16 and 17 year olds to catch fire and exceed all expectations. Hansen rolls into the game with a) more playoff experience; b) a more balanced offensive attack; c) a shorter trip to the game and d) a tougher league schedule behind them.  Vernon has a more athletic squad and has had a season of game winning performances.  They come in to the game with high expectations of themselves.  Kicking game will again in this match-up, be a potent force in terms of determining the outcome.

GI's Pick: History is going to be made this weekend with an Interior squad playing its way into the BC Semi-Final game for the first time in over a decade.  Vernon by 8

Ballenas vs Hugh Boyd: The Trojans have completed their season's turn-around and have won a string of close, late season games with a lot hinging on the outcome.  The Trojan defense has been very reluctant to give-up points keeping every game winnable for their offensive counterparts. The Whalers are having a fine season of their own and are consistently scoring over 30 points a contest offensivley.  The special teams group for Ballenas is outstanding and the blue defenders are hard-hitting and opportunistic.  An early surge by Holy Cross last week faltered under the relentless Whaler offensive attack and by game's end, the game was clearly in hand.  I like the Whaler team speed in this one as the difference maker.  Boyd is going to have to get some turnover breaks and start on a very short field consistently to have a realistic shot at victory.

GI's Pick: Whalers by 14

Mission vs South Delta: Mission has clearly been an "order above" in terms of roster depth, size, speed and overall execution in 2011.  The Sundevils have been struggling with consistency throughout the year.  If the blue and gold can keep their emotions in check and execute their offense to a high degree, I see em making the game a bit closer than most expect it to be.  Mission has not been tested north of the 49th and will likely not be tested come game day.  These guys are quite frankly the complete package on both sides of the ball and they will absolutely Dominate the line of scrimmage.  The Mission receivers block exceptionally well in space as well and this means that SD is going to have fits stopping the run inside and out. 

GI's Pick: Mission by 36

Tier 2 Varsity BC Semi-Final Picks

Nanaimo District vs Timberline:  It is playoff time and sure enough, we have a Timberline-Nanaimo District tilt on our hands. Timberline is coming off of its most impressive victory of the year vs G.P. Vanier.  Nanaimo District is coming off of a bye.  The Wolves will be rolling on to the playing field with all the momentum on their side, a healthy roster and the feeling that all the pieces are coming together.  Nanaimo District found themselves reading their own press clippings early on in their last big tilt vs Howe Sound.  This led to a costly first quarter and a half and a hole to be climbed out of.  Athletically, both teams are evenly matched and I think the biggest factor may very well be the weather.  Running the football and hanging on to the dang thing are going to be equally important.  Nanaimo's kicking game is as good as it gets and field position will be crucial come gameday.  This game will be fun to watch!

GI's Pick: Nanaimo District by 7

Belmont vs Howe Sound: Belmont is surging late in the season and Howe Sound has been doing the same with the exception of a tough loss to Nanaimo District.  The Sounders have a long travel day headed into this tilt and have not fared overly well versus  spread offenses that are run with any degree of skill.  Belmont has seen double-wing twice this year and has played against it for half a decade previously.  No great surprises for them.  This game is going to come down to a) grit and b) composure.  Penalties will really hurt either squad as big plays are going to be few and far between in long distance situations come gameday.  Kicking and handling the bounces on Belmont's artificial turf surface will also be problematic.  Practice those short kicks both ways fellas!  This may very well be the closest game of the weekend.

GI's Pick: Belmont by 2

Gridiron's Playoff Picks Round 1

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top Five

1. Mission
2. John Barsby
3. Ballenas
4. Seaquam
5. Handsworth

Gridiron's Tier 2 Varsity Top Five

1. Nanaimo District
2. Howe Sound
3. Belmont
4. G.P. Vanier
5. Timbrline

GI's Playoff Picks

DOUBLE A

TOP HALF DRAW

QUADRANT A

West 1 John Barsby vs. Interior 3 Clarence Fulton:  The Dawgs are loaded for bear and can run or pass with equal effectiveness.  The Dawg D has become exceptional over the course of the year.  Fulton is a bunch of tough-nut gamers who want the challenge and competition.  Kudos to this crew!

GI's Pick:  John Barsby by 21


East 2 Abbotsford vs. West 3 Handsworth:  This is going to be a very, very physical game.  Handsworth has all the playoff exprience here and ought to eke out a victory if they can get their counter game rolling.

 GI's Pick: Royals by 3


QUADRANT B
South 1 Seaquam vs. East 4 Rick Hansen: Seaquam's downhill running game and size up front will enable them to have a big day on the scoreboard against under-sized Rick Hansen.  The points will pile up, particularly in the second half.


GI's Pick: Seaquam by 24

Okanagan 1 Vernon vs. Northern 1 Nechako Valley:  The North is getting better each year.  They have not caught up to the Interior yet and this will be on display for the entire province.  Vernon is bigger and faster.  Good math to have on your side come game-day.

GI's Pick:  Vernon by 21

BOTTOM HALF DRAW

QUADRANT C
West 2 Ballenas vs. South 3 Holy Cross:  Love this match-up.  Can Ballenas stop the HC running game?  Can HC defend one of the three most balanced run-pass attacks in BC?  Special teams, wow, this is going to be big.

 GI's Pick: Ballenas by 10



South 2 Hugh Boyd vs. East 3 Robert Bateman:  These two squads played one another earlier this year.  A healthy Bateman won that game.  Weeks have passed and Boyd seems to be the team that has improved.  The Trojans have a positive history in big games as a staff as well.

 GI's Pick:  Hugh Boyd by 8

QUADRANT D

East 1 Mission vs. Northern 2 Duchess Park:  Great season Dutchess Park.  Way to go yellow and black!  It ends this weekend however.  Is there a match-up that is not hugely in Mission's favour?

 GI's Pick:  Mission by 50...conservatively.

Interior 2 Kalamalka vs. West 4 South Delta:  South Delta is simply bigger, stronger and more battle tested.  Kalmalka has a chance if they can get up early and win the turnover battle.  Tall order.

 GI's Pick: South Delta by 21

Tier 2 Varsity Playoffs

Side A 

#1 NDSS vs #4 Moscrop:

The Islanders will steamroll their opponents on their home field in front of a packed and enthusiastic house.  Moscrop can make a go of it if they get firing on offense and get a couple timely turnovers.  Big "Ifs".

GI's Pick: Nanaimo District by 34

#2 Timberline vs #3 Vanier:

Perhaps the game of the Tier 2 week.  Timberline has a more dynamic offense, but Vanier has perhaps the best back in the league.  Home field goes to the Wolves.  So this one is going to be about defense and the kicking-game.

GI's Pick: Timberline by 2

Side B

#1 Belmont vs #4 EJ Milne:

Milne plays Belmont tough every time.  I think the Wolverines are a bit banged-up heading into this one and Belmont is playing some darn good ball at this point in the season.  The Bulldogs ought to stop the run here and then it becomes a very one dimensional game for Milne.  Not good.

GI's Pick: Belmont by 18

#2 Howe Sound vs #3 Frank Hurt: 

Frank Hurt cannot play the physical game that is going to be required to tangle with the Sounders.  Look for big second half scores for HS.  Hurt, champs no more.

GI's Pick: Howe Sound by 31

ALL LOVE!

Fun to get back in the Ol'Hood!

GI's Picks Week Nine

Week 9 2011

Well, here we are folks at the end of the regular season of play.  Sure did go by quick!  This weekend sees multiple games that will determine first and second place seeding into the playoff tourney.  For some seniors, this will be the last game of HS football.  Make it your best fellas!

GI's Week Nine AA Varsity Top Five

1. Mission
2. John Barsby
3. Ballenas
4. Abbottsford Collegiate
5. Holy Cross

GI's Week 9 Tier 2 Varsity Top Five

1.  Nanaimo District
2.  Howe Sound
3.  Belmont
4.  G.P. Vanier
5.  Edward Milne

Gridiron's Picks

Thursday, 3 November

Hugh Boyd @ Handsworth:  Hugh Boyd and Handsworth are playing their best football of the year right now.  Both Squads are coming off of big, emotional wins and though this game is exhibition, it will speak a lot to momentum headed into the post-season.  Handsworth wins this match-up in the passing game, Boyd on the ground.  The weather man may be a prominent figure headed into Thursday.    Defensively, this is a toss-up.  Special teams are going to have a big say overall.

GI's Pick: Handsworth by 2

Friday, 4 November, 2011

Abbottsford Collegiate @ Mission: Divisional title on the line.  In a short period of time, Abbey has come to rule the local roost in their town and now they are travelling to play The King of the Fraser Valley in the Mission Roadrunners.  Abbey is very hard hitting and they have been improving week-to-week all year long.  Mission has not broken a sweat against any AA competition this year.  Abbey may make em sweat a bit, but not for long.  Mission has too many offensive weapons and will clearly and effectively dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. 

GI's Pick: Mission by 36

Ballenas @ Windsor:  The Whalers are rolling into North Vancouver coming off of a bye and in playoff form.  Windsor is going to play tough for awhile, but cannot run with the Whaler receiving corps.  This one does not come down to coaching as both squads are very well tutored, but rather it comes down to roster maturity and the Whalers hold a decisive edge in that category.

GI's Pick: Whalers by 16

Rick Hansen @ Robert Bateman: A few weeks back I'd say Bateman in a landslide.  Consecutive physical maulings of the Wolves by Abbottsford and Mission have brought the once surging Bateman squad crashing back to earth.  Rick Hansen has a real shot to take this one as the Bateman offense is basically starting from scratch with injuries and illness having taken a toll.  Rick Hansen will execute better on offense as a result and a sound defensive effort may give em the margin to steal this one/

GI's Pick: Hansen by 2

Nanaimo District (Tier 2) @ Frank Hurt (Tier 2):  Frank Hurt has put up some sereious points in a few of their games this year.  Nanaimo District up until last weekend has been flat-out dominant.  These two squads played a close game in Nanaimo last September with the Hornets eventually emerging triumphant; now the Islanders are on the road with some payback on their minds.  I think the Islanders have demonstrated themselves to be better in all three phases of the game this year.  I also think they play a way more physical brand of ball. 

GI's Pick: Islanders by 31

Eric Hamber (Tier 2) @ Moscrop (Tier 2): Moscrop, when its players and coaches feel confident about their opponent, can really score points in a hurry.  They are entering this game feeling brash and good about who they will be matching up against.  Hamber is still on a big learning curve.

GI's Pick: Panthers by ground and air win by 30

Belmont (Tier 2) @ Mark Isfeld (Tier 2): If Isfeld can get the bodies to play this weekend, they will have a tough game ahead of them.  Belmont is on a win streak and getting healthier with each passing day.

GI's Pick: Belmont by 30 plus.

Saturday, 5 November

Clarence Fulton @ Kalmalka:  Game for divisional title.  Fulton has been on a tear late in the season.  A young but fast Kalmalka found a way to win last weekend.  I think Fulton is more complete on both sides of the ball.

GI's Pick: Fulton by 8

Norkam @ Mt. Baker:  This is a good way for Norkam to wrap-up its season.  Mt. Baker gets to finish at home which is also good for them.  Norkam is quite simply, further along as a program and group of athletes.

GI's Pick: Norkam by 27

Langley @ Seaquam:  Seaquam has clearly been the better team this year if one looks at wins and losses vs common opponents.  In a smallish division, this counts for very little as a Langley victory would tip the whole division on its ear.  If Langley can get all over Seaquam's running game and put a couple scores on the board, they may have a shot this Saturday.  High school athletes are full of surprises and there is a reason we play these games.

GI's Pick: Seaquam by 22

John Barsby @ South Delta: Both teams have a stake in a positive outcome in this game for entirely different reasons.  A South Delta win would bring a tie breaking pts. for and against formula to the Western 3 and 4 playoff berth.  Interesting indeed.  Barsby, well, they want to play this one as hard as any this season.  It ought to be a good game to watch.  South Delta has been very balanced offensivley this year and they are trick play masters.  Barsby likewise, has had a balanced attack from a different offensive set entirely.  Defensively, both squads have superb run pursuit and I really like the SD cover schemes.   The Sundevils are tough at home and would love to add this big notch to their belts.

GI's Pick: Barsby by a close 10

Okanagen Mission @ Vernon:  Huge game for Vernon with a 1st place seed on the line.  Likewise for OKM, an upset would propel them to a 4th place finish divisionally and the satisfaction that they derailed a divisional heavyweight.  I don't think the Panthers are going to let it happen though.  Too big, too fast, too many players for their opponents.

GI's Pick: Vernon by 16

Valleyview @ South Kamloops:  Perhaps the hottest team in the Interior, SKS can only wonder what may have been this year if they had been able to roll in September.  The Titans will finish strong in this local rivalry game and will hang-up their hats with another W under their belts.

GI's Pick: Titans by 16

Gulf Islands @ G.P. Vanier:  The Saltspring scrappers are travelling North to tangle with a goliath school in Vanier.  They all oughta get medals of valor for making the trip.  We need B-8 or 9 in this province.  I volunteer to help set it up.

GI's Pick: Vanier by double digits

Timberline @ Edward Milne:  This could go either way, especially if Timberline trys to get "style points" on offense.  Ugly touchdowns are worth just as much as pretty ones guys.  This game has become a bit of a rivalry and I believe the 2011 edition will be no exception.  Timberline rolls in with a deeper bench and a size advantage.  Milne is at home and will be giving no quarter themselves.  I think if the Wolverines are patient offensively and get some big heat on the Timberline QB they are in this one.  Conversely, if the Timberline bench doesn't roll in more jacked than their players, they will do just fine.  Kinda wish I could watch this one. 

GI's Pick:  Timberline by 8

Howe Sound @ Argyle:  Kudos to Howe Sound last weekend rolling into Nanaimo and giving the Islanders all that they could handle.  Shorter trip this time and the opponent did not fare so well last time they stood in front of a Double-Wing.

GI's Pick: Sounders by 38

Gridiron's Picks Week 8

Gridiron's Week 8 AA Varsity Top Five

1.  Mission
2.  John Barsby
3.  Seaquam
4.  Ballenas
5.  Abbottsford Collegiate

Gridiron's Week 8 Tier 2 Varsity Top Five

1.  Nanaimo District
2.  Howe Sound
3.  Belmont
4.  Edward Milne
5.  Timberline

Thursday, 27 October

Moscrop (Tier 2) @ Argyle (Tier 2):

Friday, 28 October, 2011

Mt. Baker @ Vernon:  Got to give this one to the Panthers coming angry off of a tough loss to South Kamloops.  Beyond sheer emotion and the will to rebound, Vernon has more veteren depth than their Mt. Baker foes.

GI's Pick: Vernon by 38


Windsor @ John Barsby:  Windsor is executing as good as anyone in the league.  Barsby, a more mature team in terms of depth and veteren roster had better not take the Dukes for granted come Friday.  Look for a big effort on behalf of the Dukes to slow down the chainsaw Dawg offense.  "The Box" is going to be a very crowded piece of real-estate for this tilt.  Windsor will also go to the air early and often on offense.  Turnovers and an opportunistic kicking game could not be bigger for the Dukes.  Barsby has to play smart ball on every down to take care of its week 8 business.


GI's Pick: Barsby by 18

South Delta @ Handsworth:  Huge game for both teams in terms of playoff seeding coming out of divisional play in a couple weeks.  South Delta had a big team performance vs Windsor last week and Handsworth though they came up short, mounted a furious near comeback from a 21 pt. deficit vs Ballenas.  The Royals always play South Delta very good and they are on home turf to boot.  South Delta however, is a very complete team and they match-up very well across the board athletically with their North Van. foes.  Look for the squad who can move the ball on the ground to prevail in this contest.

GI's Pick: South Delta by 10


South Kamloops @ Okanagen Mission: South Kamloops is making a late season run at the divisional title and OKM is their next obstacle to overcome.  Momentum is a big factor here and the Titans have a lot of it.

GI's Pick: Titans by 12


Seaquam @ Hugh Boyd: The East division is proving to be a rough one for prognosticators in 2011.  Hugh Boyd is at the headwaters of this cascade of uncertainty as one never really knows which group of Trojans will show up to play on a give Friday afternoon.  One thing is for certain, when these guys are "on" they can play ball with pretty much anyone.  Seaquam plays for keeps in the big games and if they get their big back running downhill the men of Troy are in trouble. 

GI's Pick: Seaquam by 17


Mission @ Robert Bateman:  Bateman has wound-up playing its two toughest divisional games in a four day span.  This is often a very good thing when you emerge from the 1st relatively healthy.  There is not a whole lot to insert and bango, you pick-up where you left off.  I have been anxiously awaiting this tilt since the day the schedule came out for 2011.  Mission is the big dog in the Valley and the one of the squads that really looks to be able to unseat them any time soon is Bateman.  The JV's are neck and neck and the Varsity aren't far off of the mark.  All year long, the Mission defense has been very impressive.  Bateman isn't going to do anything offensively but come right after em.  This is goign to be an honest game.  One side or the other is going to break in the second half.  Offensively, Mission has to be able to finesse the ball to compliment their powerful running game.  If Bateman cannot cover the pass, doom awaits them.  If they can can turn this into a slugging match, they have a chance. The weather report calls for rain...

GI's Pick:  Mission by 21

Abbottsford Collegiate @ Pitt Meadows:  Abbey is flat-out tougher on defense than their hosts this weekend.  The Panther offense is a reflection of their defensive demeanor.  The "tough" math does not add up very well for Pitt.  One thing the Marauders do have going for them is that Abbey is playing this game a very short four days after a physical contest vs Bateman. The momentum of the Panther's big win over rival Bateman should stand them in good stead!

GI's Pick:  Abbey by 23


Holy Cross @ Rick Hansen:  I like this match-up a lot.  The Hurricanes showed up to play some very solid football last week vs Pitt and they have that to build on as they host HC.  The Crusaders took it on the chin vs divisional top dog Seaquam and are looking to regain some of the swagger they had entering that tilt.  The match-ups are very equal between these groups with an edge going to the HC offensive line and smashmouth running game.

GI's Pick:  Crusaders by 8

Saturday, 29 October

Valleyview @ Kalamalka:  Kalmalka rolls into this one with the better team speed.  All other things even, the Lakers should take this one.

GI's Pick:  Lakers by 10

Gulf Islands (Tier 2) @ Belmont (Tier 2): Belmont is getting healthy and has won consecutive big games.  Gulf Islands is far better suited roster wise to 9 man football where they would be fearsome.  Belmont matches up very well in every phase of the game.  They are on home turf as well.

GI's Pick:  Belmont by 36

Howe Sound (Tier 2) @ Nanaimo District (Tier 2):  Here it is folks, the game that decides first place coming off of the mainland division in Tier 2.  Nanaimo district has been essentially mercy ruling teams by half-time all year and now they may have a game on their hands, if not a legitimate challenge. Howe Sound has been playing solid ball and has really earned some respect around the league.  Nanaimo District has been Moby Dick in the Tier 2 Goldfish Bowl.  This game will be physical and possibly close at first, but then the Islanders will sniff out weakness and pounce. Both teams run the double-wing, Nanaimo District knows how to run the double-wing.  The Islander Defense aka Gang-Green is a wrecking crew as well.  In the end, the debris field that was once the Sounders will be scattered from end-zone to parking lot.

GI's Pick: Islanders by 38

Edward Milne (Tier 2) @ GP Vanier (Tier 2):  This could very well be the closest game played at any level during the weekend.  Both of these teams are playing their best ball of the season and they have played common opponents with very similar outcomes.  Vanier has a definitive edge in size and overall team speed.  Milne does a better job of identifying and exploiting opponent defensive flaws.  What could emerge here is a barnburner on the scoreboard that resolves itself in the last minutes of the game.  One thing in Vanier's favor and I believe the tipping point, the Towhees are at home.

GI's Pick: Towhees by 6

Eric Hamber (Tier 2) @ Frank Hurt (Tier 2):  The Hornets will throw and counter their way to victory in front of their home crowd this Saturday.  Hamber has gotten better this year for sure, but still a ways to go fellas.

GI's Pick: Hornets by 11

Timberline (Tier 2) @ Mark Isfeld (Tier 2):  Timberline got an abrubt reality check vs a surging Belmont crew at home last weekend.  Now the Wolves are on the road and looking to feast.  Isfeld is going to be outmatched by Timberlines offensive assault and the Ice just don't seem to have the game breakers offensively to match their guests score for score across four quarters.

GI's Pick: Wolves by 22

Gridiron's Week Seven Picks

Week Seven

Dawgs, Roadrunners, Whalers SeaHawks, Wolves continue to roll!

GI's AA Varsity Top Five

1.  Mission
2.  John Barsby
3.  Seaquam
4.  Robert Bateman
5.  Ballenas

GI's Tier 2 Varsity Top Five

1.  Nanaimo District
2.  Timberline
3.  Howe Sound
4.  Belmont
5.  Edward Milne

GI's Week Seven Picks

Friday, 21 October

Pitt Meadows @ Rick Hansen: This is a playoff game for both teams.  Pitt has been playing very tough competition of late and their game has to be on the elevated side assuming they are healthy.  Hansen is quickly coming to the realization that Abbey and Bateman are now mature programs who are forcefully asserting their place in the Valley pecking order.  This game is pivotal for reasons that extend past playoff viability.  I think the Hansen crew will be very well prepared for this tilt and they can run the ball better.  Team speed to Pitt.

GI's Pick: Hurricanes by 1

Handsworth @ Ballenas: The Whalers are coming off of consecutive big games and are playing very good football at this juncture of the season.  The Royals are playing some very tough ball of their own as well.  I like the Handsworth defensive line vs the Whaler offensive line but the Whalers match-up way better in the secondary and perimeter.  The key to this contest will be whether or not the Whalers can make short work of the Royal rushing attack.  If they accomplish this, I like em to win.  Kicking game could not be bigger.  There are some great opportunities for Ballenas here as well.

GI's Pick: Whalers by 14

Hugh Boyd @ Langley: This is a perfect game for the Trojans to rebound from last weekend's heartbreak. Boyd can run the ball and Langley just doesn't have the jam to do anything about it.  Look for a big score.

GI's Pick: Trojans by 24

Robert Bateman @ Abbottsford Collegiate: Best game of the week right here.  Bateman is making huge waves and a big win for them will create a Tsunami of interest headed into their game vs Mission on the 28th.  These programs are on the rise and the collission is going to be very physical.  I like Bateman in this game because of their offensive simplicity.  They do what they do and are relentless in their approach.  There are a few more "explosive" athletes in the black and green uniforms as well.  It will be a very tough game, but the outcome will never be in doubt.

GI's Pick: Bateman by 16

Clarence Fulton @ Okanagen Mission: Two squads headed in the right direction at mid-season.  I like Fulton as their schedule has been more challenging to date.  The Maroons are going to run the ball better and that is the key to Interior success year in and year out.

GI's Pick: Maroons by 8

Vernon @ South Kamloops: Vernon has emerged as the class of the Interior in 2011.  The Panthers have all the offensive and defensive tools to dominate this contest.  SKS is above middle in the mix this year but not top rail.

GI's Pick: Vernon by 16

Edward Milne (Tier 2) @ Gulf Islands (Tier 2): Milne is a solid all around squad with plenty of depth.  The Milne roster is also hardened by a full season of play.  Gulf Islands is scrappy, but they have all the chance of winning this one as a sunfish does of snapping 15 lb test line.

GI's Pick: Milne by 26

Nanaimo District (Tier 2) @ Eric Hamber (Tier 2): Congrats Hamber on your victory this past weekend.  Bring plenty of ice to this game.  Nanaimo District is a juggernaut in 2011 and is playing for keeps.  A Hamber score can be considered wild success.  The home team will not be celebrating much at game's end.

GI's Pick: Nanaimo District by 46

G.P. Vanier (Tier 2) @ Mark Isfeld (Tier 2): The Comox Valley Civil War.  This has been a one sided affair over the years with Vanier having their way with little bro Isfeld.  I think the Towhees are more than hungry for a W coming off of consecutive narrow losses to divisional opponents.  If Isfeld is healthy they can keep things close for awhile.

GI's Pick: G.P. Vanier by 30

Saturday, 22 October

Mt. Baker @ Valleyview:  Valleyview gets in the win column with this one.  The Vikings are simply better at every facet of the game in this match-up.

GI's Pick: Valleyview by 24

Windsor @ South Delta:  This game will be one of the most interesting first halves of the weekend.  Windsor is executing as good as anyone in the province at any level of play right now.  Problem for them is that they are using .22 calibre ammo and their opponents are showing up with the .50 variety.  The Dukes are playing great football, they are just outgunned when it comes to some key athletic match-ups.  South Delta has a very impressive defensive line and linebacking crew.  Their cover one is very tight.  Offensively the Sundevils trap very well and do a great job protecting the passer from multiple spread looks.  Windsor's defense plays solid zone and they fly to the football.  I think that the running game will be all important on Saturday.

GI's Pick: Upset alert...Windsor by 1

Holy Cross @ Seaquam: HC is on a win streak and has been making hay with their running game.  Week to week these guys have surely gotten better.  Seaquam loves to rumble inside the box.  These guys are tough and "old school" when it comes to their playing mentality.  Both defenses are a reflection of their offenses.  Seaquam can pass a bit better than their foes this Saturday.  Their defense can cover the pass better too.

GI's Pick: Seaquam by 12

Mission @ Lakeside (WA):  I took a good look at the Lakeside Lions and I think they bit off way more than they can chew by scheduling Mission.  The Roadrunners are bigger and faster.  They also have a skill set to match their impressive physicality.

GI's Pick: Mission by 17

Argyle (Tier 2) @ Frank Hurt (Tier 2): Frank Hurt has shown signs of life this season.  Argyle is going through new team blues so to speak.  Argyle has better athletes than Hurt.  Hurt has better football players.

GI's Pick: Hornets by 17

Moscrop (Tier 2) @ Howe Sound (Tier 2): Two double-wing teams in a row for Moscrop.  Ever seen one of those racoons who didn't get across the highway fast enough?  Ever seen one of those same racoons that has been run over for half a week?  You get the picture of what things will look like Sunday morning.

GI's Pick:  Howe Sound by 23

Belmont (Tier 2) @ Timberline (Tier 2): This is the game for first place in the Island division.  These two squads have played epic contests in years past and Saturday's tilt will be no different.  The Wolves will show up to the dance with the more balanced offense, but Belmont plays a better brand of D.  If the Bulldogs are healthy this is going to be a classic.  Timberline is at home and this could be the difference all things considered.

GI's Pick: Timberline by 2