Week 9

AA Varsity Week Nine

Week Eight Wrap

 

The playoffs became much more clear with Duchess Park, South-Delta and John Barsby sewing up their conference number one seed to the playoffs and both Vernon and Mission taking a big step in that direction.  If this week's scores proved anything, there is a lot of parity developing in AA ball this year.  Kudos to Hugh Boyd and Rick Hansen on their impressive outings against traditional powers South Delta and Mission.  Notice has certainly been served that top rail in the East and South will be contested in seasons to come.  Robert Bateman, Holy Cross, Ballenas and Pitt with their week 8 wins also are making the playoff seeding much more complicated and down to the wire as they are all playing great ball headed into a week nine that will set the table for the playoff feast to come.  Great weekend of ball for sure!

Scores

THURSDAY

 

College Heights vs Correllieu????

 

FRIDAY

 

South Delta 27 Hugh Boyd 20
John Barsby 21 Carson Graham 0
Pitt Meadows 36 G.W. Graham 0
Vernon 36 Valleyview 6
Clarence Fulton 44 Westsyde 22
Kelly Road 14 Nechako Valley 13
Ballenas 48 Argyle 13
Windsor 34 Sentinel 7
Robert Bateman 54 Langley 0
Holy Cross 50 Spectrum 6
Abbotsford 14 Samuel Robertson 7
Duchess Park 49 Prince George 0

 

SATURDAY

 

Mission 24 Rick Hansen 21

The Plus-Minus

 

+ Mission's come from behind win vs Hansen. 

+Hugh Boyd's solid outing vs #1 ranked S. Delta.

+Bateman and Pitt...Solid Wins Guys.  Headed the right direction for playoffs!
+Howard's Bulletin Board Material..Barsby loved it.

-Seaquam not having their gear on other side of the Ferry trip!

-North Score not reported again...page one of getting taken seriously (Duchess Park excepted), meet your obligations.

 

 

Gridiron's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils

2. John Barsby Bulldogs

3. Mission Roadrunners

4. Carson Graham Eagles

5. Rick Hansen Hurricanes

AA Varsity Game Of The Week

 

 

 

                                                                              VS

 

 

Gridiron's Picks

 

Friday

Nanaimo District @ John Barsby:   A well rested Islander crew faces the division leading Bulldogs Friday afternoon at Merle Logan Field.  This game has been named the Ray Kocher Classic in honour of the man who was principal at both schools when their respective football programs were formed.  The game is always hard fought and this year promises to be no different.  The Islander Sr.'s will be playing their last game of HS football and the Dawgs are looking to springboard into the playoffs healthy and with a lot of momentum.  Both teams can run and pass the ball well.  Barsby has much more depth however and ought to outlast their foes. GI's Pick: Barsby by 20

Windsor @ Argyle: Argyle is playing its best football of the year right now which is good to see after a trying varsity season.  Windsor's offense however is like a fine surgical instrument and it carves up folks with the slightest part of their defensive game out of place.  There will be a lot of slicing and dicing on Friday as the Dukes take their last step towards the post season.  The Argyle g. 12os are to be commended however as this is the first group of players to to have strapped on football gear at the program's inception.  Congratulations fellas as you have established a football legacy and tradition at your school that many, many young people will benefit from their whole lives to follow.  It is more than just the W's at the start.  Mad Respect To You All!  GI's Pick: Windsor by 30

Mission @ Robert Bateman: If Mission wins this game, they are 1st in the East.  If Bateman wins by 14 pts or more, they are first in the East or so me thinks.  Basically, Hansen beat Bateman in Sept. by 16 pts.  Mission beat Hansen by 3.  In the event of a three way tie, I think it goes head to head competition and then points spread up to 18.  Well, the math gives me a headache in the event of a three way tie.  Mission squeaked a close one out last week and now plays a red hot group out of Abbottsford in the Timberwolves.  Bateman's running back will be singled out all day so they better have some balance in their offensive attack come Friday.  Mission has to be healthy going into this one as they are not super deep.  Bateman has never come close at varsity to winning this game.  Same coaches, different year.  GI's Pick: Mission by 12

Mt. Baker @ Valleyview: Valleyview got clobbered last week.  Now they get one more shot to do their thing this season vs the Wild.  The Viking offense ought to go wild on Friday. GI's Pick: Valleyview by 30

Westsyde @ Salmon Arm: Pride game both ways and the last game of HS football for a dedicated group of g. 12's.  Whatever the score may be, treasure thes couple of hours on the field fellas.  GI's Pick: Salmon Arm by 16

Pitt Meadows @ Langley: This game is for the 4th and final playoff seed coming out of the East and features Langley's gunslinger against a much more rounded Pitt Offense.  Looking at their respective scores I'd have to say that Pitt is on a more advanced trajectory heading into this tilt. GI's Pick:

Pitt by 16

 

GW Graham @ Samuel Roberts Technical: Last game for the 12's in both programs.  Look for Graham to light it up via the air come Friday night against their defensive foes.  Much to build on for both programs and better days ahead at Varsity.  Treasure these final practices and game experiences fellas! GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 18

Saturday

Vernon @ Clarence Fulton: Well, this is for first place in the Interior and it is a cross-town rivarlry to boot!  The atmosphere and lead-up to this game is going to be electric!!  Vernon seems unstoppable to me looking at the scores to date, but every now and then Fulton shows flashes of greatness.  I will take consistency over flashes in this one however. GI's Pick: Vernon by 21

Carson Graham @ Ballenas: Well hec, here is another math problem!  If Ballenas wins this game, which is a very real possibility, then there ought to be a three way tie for second place out West.  The Whalers lost to Windsor 28-0 and Carson beat Windsor by 1.  If the Whalers win by a Margin of 18 I think they place third in the tie breaker and Carson 4th.  If Carson wins, they are 2nd and Ballenas is 4th.  Someone get me the advil please.  Back to football.  Carson wins the speed match-up, the Whalers the push factor and the Whalers the home field advantage (game is in Parksville not at Merle Logan!).  Passing game draw, physicality, draw, running game, edge Carson.  Special teams, edge Ballenas.  GI's Pick: I don't think the Whaler defensive front is quick enough to smother the screens/counters and option game to Carson's outstanding RB.  Carson by 9

Frank Hurt @ Holy Cross: Well folks, here is yet another decisive game in terms of the playoff picture.  The upstart Frank Hurt Hornest vs the surging Holy Cross Crusaders.  I think the HC crew has has better outings against quality divisional opponents this year and that Frank Hurt is still a bit young in several key positions.  If HC can dominate the LOS against Hurt's zone blocking schemes this thing is a lock.  I think they can. GI's Pick: Crusaders by 14

Abbottsford @ Rick Hansen: Swan song for the Panther Sr.'s and neighborhood pride on the line both ways.  The Hurricanes will be licking their wounds and scheming for round 1 in the playoff tournament.  Hansen will do what it takes to win while conducting a bit of risk management health wise. GI's Pick: Hurricanes by 18

Spectrum @ Seaquam: A Huge Kudo's to the Spectrum Thunder team one and all as they finish their pioneer year as a program.  Every week these guys have come to practice and play!  The net result is going to be a battle tested, veteren bunch of players with a deep and lasting hunger for improvement the next four seasons.  Look for great leaders to emerge from this game and keep an eye on this program folks, they will be in the mix a lot sooner than most would think.  Seaquam, dang guys, your equipment left on the boat at BC Ferries last week?  Well, try to finish this one out with a bunch of positives.  The Seahawk program has laid a good foundation for future seasons and is headed in the right direction overall. GI's Pick: Seaquam by 36

Week 8

AA Varsity Week Eight

Scores

THURSDAY

Hugh Boyd 49 at Spectrum 12
Correlieu at Prince George ???

FRIDAY

John Barsby 28 Windsor 14
Mission 55 G.W. Graham 27
Carson Graham 59 Argyle 7
Langley 21 Abbotsford 20
Robert Bateman 41 Pitt Meadows 25
Nanaimo District 19 Sentinel 0
Duchess Park 57 Kelly Road 18
Valleyview 30 Westsyde 0
Nechako Valley at College Heights

SATURDAY

South Delta 37 Seaquam 6
Rick Hansen 49 Samuel Robertson 6
Ballenas 48 Frank Hurt 19

Gridiron's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Mission Roadrunners
4. Carson Graham Eagles
5. Rick Hansen Hurricanes




AA Varsity Game Of The Week

 

               vs

 

              vs



 



GI's Picks

Thursday

Correlieu @ College Heights: Looks like College Heights is playing the second best football in the Northern Division.  Correlieu is not of the same calibre.  GI's Pick: College Heights by 27

Friday

Carson Graham @ John Barsby: Friday begins with a huge game out West between undefeated Carson and once bitten Barsby.  The Eagles have been scoring in bunches on the ground with their province leading rusher and via the air with a talented qb/set of receivers.  Up front they are tough and athletic.  They will be looking at themselves in the mirror when Barsby lines up across from them as the rosters are very similar.  Barsby's defense is a tough nut to crack so this one will likely be close throughout.  Special teams, turnovers and penalties will weigh heavily on the outcome of this tilt.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 6

Ballenas @ Argyle: Ballenas laid a big score on visiting Frank Hurt this Saturday.  Argyle got pummelled by Carson Graham.  Look for more of the same from both teams. GI's Pick: Ballenas by 31

Holy Cross @ Sprectrum: Spectrum is making strides but not big enough to tangle with Holy Cross and their zaney jet sweep run game.  The HC defense has also been playing some statement games of late. GI's Pick: Crusaders by 39

Langley @ Robert Bateman: Langley is much improved over last year's version.  Unfortunately for the Saints, Bateman is having a similar improved year and is really running the ball hard. GI's Pick: Bateman by 22

Sentinel @ Windsor: This used to be one of the great rivalries on the North Shore.  Windsor is presently better than the Spartans in every phase of the game.  Look for a big score in this one for Windsor and a goose egg on the board for Sentinel. GI's Pick: Dukes by 40

Vernon @ Valleyview: Great match-up here!  These are clearly the two best teams in the interior with the underdog betwixt the two hosting.  I think Valleyview will score some points in this one for sure with their pistol offense.  Vernon hasn't broken a sweat yet this season.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 11

Nechako Valley @ Kelley Road: This will be entertaining.  The Roadrunners possess the size and speed in this contest and this will add up to a W for the Northenders.  GI's Pick: Kelley Road by 14

Mt. Baker @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm needs this game bad and will milk the contest for all it is worth.  GI's Pick: Golds by 28

South Delta @ Hugh Boyd: Well, Hugh Boyd laid a pretty good smacking on Spectrum this past Thursday.  Now the role will be reversed as the Sundevils will be flat out overpowering defensively and will score points a plenty when they have the ball in their hands. GI's Pick: South Delta by 31

Duchess Park @ Prince George: Good night PG.  Better times are ahead in 2014.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 36

Abbottsford @ Samuel Roberts Technical: Abbottsford will get another quality win this week when they tangle with SRT.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 22

Clarence Fulton @ Westsyde: The Maroons ought to place third in their division this year.  Westsyde will be another step in that ascent. GI's Pick: Fulton by 28

Saturday

Rick Hansen @ Mission: We've all been waiting for this one!  I am picking an upset.  Mission got gassed and wound up in a tough scrape with GW Graham last Friday night.  Now the Roadrunners play a balanced offense, a defense that can match up in the trenches and a team with a deeper bench.  GI's Pick: Hansen by 7

Week 7

AA Varsity Week Seven

Week Six Wrap-Up

Big games and great games!  South Delta ran up against one of BC'sall time great high school players in Marcus Davis in full form and the scoreboard got lit-up pretty good.  The Sundevil offense  showed its firepower however amassing 20 pts during the game and moving the ball quite well through the air against the #1 ranked AAA Mt. Douglas squad.  Elsewhere, Holy Cross and Hugh Boyd played and epic, doubl overtime game with the Crusaders winning by 2 hard earned points.  Looks like HC and Frank Hurt will be playing for the #2 seed out of the south.  The Dukes of Windsor gave Carson Graham fits and a big scare in the North Shore tilt last Friday and Nanaimo District came close to an upset over Ballenas but for a couple of key turnovers.  Langley found a gear that no one has seen from them before against GW Graham in a homecoming spoiler and Duchess continued to roll up North.  Frank Hurt has quietly been putting together and excellent season and they tuned up Seaquam pretty good to press the point.  Overall, week six 2013 has set the stage for a high stakes final third of the season!

Scores

THURSDAY

Nechako Valley 39 Prince George 0

FRIDAY

John Barsby 68 Spectrum 0
Carson Graham 20 Windsor 19
Frank Hurt 36 Seaquam 13
Ballenas 33 Nanaimo District 18
Argyle 37 Sentinel 0
Robert Bateman 20 Abbotsford 6
Langley 60 G.W. Graham Langley 34
College Heights 13 vs. Kelly Road 6
Duchess Park 50 Correlieu 0

SATURDAY

Mt. Douglas 55 South Delta 20
Rick Hansen 23 Pitt Meadows 7
Holy Cross 14 Hugh Boyd 12 (2OT)

The Plus Minus

+ The offensive fireworks at the Carson-Windsor Game...Wow!
+Langley's Big Performance!
+A good first win for Argyle!
+Frank Hurt...Hornets Rising!
+Double Overtime and Alka Seltzer Sales at the HC-Boyd Game!
- No referees at the Mission-SRT Game...Come on guys, the season is so precious and preparation so intense to play these games.  Only 2 BCFC games this weekend too!  What gives?

Gridiron's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Mission Roadrunners
4. Carson Graham Eagles
5. Rick Hansen Hurricanes



AA Varsity Game Of The Week

            

           VS

GI's Picks

Thursday

Correlieu @ Prince George: PGSS, while struggling this year at varsity has surely played a better brand of ball than their Quesnel opponents.  Look for the Polars to get a win out of this one. GI's Pick: Polars by 8

Friday

Windsor @ John Barsby: Game of the week here folks.  At stake, nothing less than a lock on 2nd place in the division.  Windsor is playing its best ball of the season right now and will be coming off of a great effort vs red hot Carson that they very nearly won!  The Dukes run a maddeningly confusing offense that counters, options and screens as good as anyone in BC.  The big play off of the passing game is always a threat as well.  Defensively, these guys are smart and rarely if ever out of position.  Barsby won by a big score again on Friday vs visiting Spectrum.  Carson was in the same boat the week before.  The Dawgs got cut down to size a week ago vs a Ballenas team that Windsor beat 28-0.  Barsby can score in bushells and its defense is flat out nasty.  Look for the Dukes to play defense by hanging on to that ball first and foremost while taking advantage of aggressive Dawg D with screens, counter etc.  Special teams are a tie for both teams, but will be critical.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 8

Abbottsford @ Langley: A week ago, I'd have picked Abbey by at least one score.  Not now.  I think Langley has found something and if they can put together a solid final three games, they might sneak into the playoff dance and become a spoiler!  GI's Pick: Langley by 16

GW Graham @ Mission: This game will be all the more meaningful over the next two or three years with Mission not necessarily being the favorite.  This year however, the Roadrunners will barely break a sweat vs the Grizzlies.  The Roadrunners are faster, play tougher defense and critically, run the ball extremely well.  GI's Pick: Mission by 38

Nanaimo District @ Sentinel: Nanaimo District is a decent squad getting better.  Against Sentinel, their team speed and running game are going to make for some big points if the Spartans aren't playing their best defense of the year.  GI's Pick: Islanders by 28

Argyle @ Carson Graham: Argyle is coming off of a big win and now face the divisional co-leader Carson Graham.  Carson will be keeping its cards close to the vest in preparation for a big road game the following week.  This said, they are oozing with experience and have the top back in BC amongst their ranks.  The Eagles can finesse the Pipers easily and can run power ball at will.  GI's Pick: Carson by 36

Valleyview @ Westsyde: Valleyview has played the tough schedule this year and challenged themselves to get better.  They are playing football on a completely different level than their cross-town foes.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 35

Kelley Road @ Duchess Park: Duchess brings too many offensive and defensive weapons to the dance for their foes to handle.  The only thing that might slow down the Condors would be a foot and a half of snow on the field.  Better check that weather forcast Roadrunners! GI's Pick: Duchess Park by 28

Nechako Valley @ College Heights: Very interesting game.  The Cougars got the best Vanderhoof's finest the last time round.  The question now is, have they youthful Vikings gotten better? GI's Pick: College Heights by a hard earned 3 pts.

Robert Bateman @ Pitt Meadows: OK gang, number three and four seed coming out of the East will be largely decided at this game.  Both teams have gotten a whole lot better over the course of the season and this one will be close if the Bateman running game gets slowed down.  IFF TTHHEE Bateman running game gets slowed down. Not likely. GI's Pick: Bateman by 13

Saturday

Vernon @ Mt. Baker: Vernon is the class of the Interior this year.  Mt. Baker is getting better but is not nearly there yet against a squad such as the Panthers.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 41

Salmon Arm @ Clarence Fulton: Should be a pretty good game.  Fulton has had a full two weeks to figure out how to get some bounce after their drubbing at the hands of Valleyview. GI's Pick: Maroons by 8

Frank Hurt @ Ballenas: This game will be exceptionally close.  I think that there are a few more "athletes" on the Hornet squad than there is going to be on the hosts.  This said, the Whalers will be superbly prepared as usual and will be well rested.  If the Whalers can put the breaks on Frank Hurt's excellent zone running game, this will be close.  If not, look for a frustrating day in Parksville.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 6

Samuel Roberts Technical @ Rick Hansen: Rick Hansen has a date with divisional destiny upcoming when they play Mission for all the Eastern marbles.  In the mean time it is polish and tune-up the squad for that day.  SRT will be a great opportunity to play the bench and look at a few wrinkles.  GI's Pick: Hurricanes by 29

Seaquam @ South Delta: At the start of the season, I honestly thought this could be a game that was a bit of a coin toss.  Not anymore.  Frank Hurt mauled the Seahawks and South Delta is in a snotty mood after last week.  Look for the Sundevil offense to go wild on Saturday. GI's Pick: Sundevils by 30

 

Week 6

AA Varsity Week Six



Week Five Wrap

South Delta survived a scare from the ever improving Holy Cross Crusaders in divisional action and John Barsby found themselve in another hotly contested Border Battle football game with the Ballenas Whalers of Parksville.  Mission, Carson Graham and Rick Hansen posted very impressive wins to round out the top five.   Elsewhere, Bateman, Vernon and Windsor played statement games against divisional competition as did the Frank Hurt Hornets.  Seaquam rebounded from last week outgunning the Hugh Boyd Trojans late in the game.  The playoff picture seems to be becoming a bit clearer with huge divisional contests occuring in the final few weeks of the season/



Mission kicked-it into high gear on Saturday!



Scores

THURSDAY

College Heights 27 Prince George 7

FRIDAY

John Barsby 22 Ballenas 7
Carson Graham 70 Sentinel 0
Rick Hansen 54 Langley 13
Duchess Park 32 Nechako Valley 0
Windsor 40 Nanaimo District 7
Moscrop 35 Argyle 7
Robert Bateman 47 G.W. Graham 16
Frank Hurt 45 Spectrum 7
Kelly Road 32 Correlieu 7

SATURDAY

South Delta 13 Holy Cross 6
Mission 34 Abbotsford 6
Vernon 37 Salmon Arm 0
Valleyview 40 Clarence Fulton 6



Gridiron's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Mission Roadrunners
4. Carson Graham Eagles
5. Rick Hansen Hurricanes

Plus-Minus

+ Carson Graham: The Eagles are becoming an offensive machine at the right time of the year scoring 70 pts this past Friday.
+ Holy Cross continues to improve giving South Delta all they can handle in a 12-6 loss.
+Valleyview looks to challenge for top seed in the interior after pummelling Clarence Fulton.
+ Another solid win for the Duchess Park Condors up North.

+The huge crowd at the Border Battle on the Island

 

 

 

AA Game Of The Week

             

              VS

 

 

AA #1 South-Delta hosts AAA #1 Mt. Douglas at 2:00 PM Saturday, 13 October on South Delta HS Field. 

Gridiron's Picks

Thursday

Nechako Valley @ Prince George:

Friday

 

 



Friday Night Homecoming For the GW Graham Grizzlies



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ballenas @ Nanaimo District: The Islanders host a Whaler team that played out of its skin this past Friday vs Barsby.  ND gave up 40 pts to the red hot Windsor Dukes in the early game on Merle Logan Field.  Here is the question: Can Ballenas bring a similar effort to the field this week and will Nanaimo District come in healthy with a great week of practice under their belts?  If the answer for one of these teams is yes and the the other team no, then you guessed this week's winner.  If we have positives all round, this will go down to the wire.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 14 by way of the Fade Route

Argyle @ Sentinel: Two North-Shore teams that endured consecutive lop-sided losses face off on Sentinel's field this Friday.  This week's practice will be interesting as there has to be hope in the hearts of both rosters.  I think Argyle has the stronger roster in terms of speed and size. GI's Pick: Pipers by 7

Seaquam @ Frank Hurt: This is going to be a very, very good football game.  Frank Hurt is playing some very quality football and has their zone run game really churning out the yards.  Seaquam is gelling at the right time in all areas of their game.  I think that the score will be in the high twenties, perhaps higher for each team come Friday.  GI's Pick: Frank Hurt by 2

Carson Graham @ Windsor: Another big game this week and it is oozing playoff implications.  The difference here is going to be depth.  Carson has a much deeper, larger and more skilled roster (depth wise) than the Dukes. Windsor will cause the Eagles problems with their passing game and option. The game may be kept closer if short kicks and turnovers bounce the Duke way.   Carson however, should be able to respond over and over again running the football.  The second half will be a rough one for the home team as they tire and get tenderized. GI's Pick: Eagles by 18

College Heights @ Kelley Road: College Heights is quietly putting together another quality season up in PG.  This tells me that there is a rational, methodical approach to the game at the coaching end.  Kelley Road has been hit and miss all year.  GI's Pick: College Heights by 2

Correlieu @ Duchess Park: The Condors must continue to work hard against their inner opponent.  Correlieu got beaten by a lopsided score at the hands of the Condors in early September and not much is going to be different except the uniform colours. GI's Pick: Duchess by 42

Mission @ Samuel Roberts Technical:  SRT is hosting their toughest game of the year this weekend.  The good news for them is that after Friday, things get better. GI's Pick: Mission by 38

Spectrum @ John Barsby: Spectrum has played by far, the toughest schedule in AA football.  These guys are an example of never quit.  They are getting better and they are building a foundation for years of football to follow.  The game Friday night will be the beginning of a new Island rivalry between the two squads.  Barsby is getting healthy and will be fired up for another Friday night game in front of the home fans.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 28 plus

Robert Bateman @ Abbottsford: The Timberwolves are really surging of late and will be in top form as they visit their neighbor, the Abbottsford Panthers.  Look for the Bateman running game to explode for big yards early and often in this game. GI's Pick: Bateman by 27

Langley @ GW Graham: This game will be very, very close.  If the weather cooperates, I'd hand it via the air to the Grizzlies.  Langley has some very good athletes on the roster this year so I would expect some big plays from the Saints as well.  The Homecoming crowd for the Grizzlies should make for some great atmospherics to say the least. GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 6

Saturday

Pitt Meadows @ Rick Hansen: This one is going to decide who is going to be 2nd or 4th in the conference standings when all is said and done.  Thats how important it is.  Pitt has really been coming on of late and is in good enough form to upset the Hurricanes.  If they don't overlook Pitt, Hansen has enough going for them to win this game outright.  If they don't have a letdown game. GI's Pick: Hansen by 11

Hugh Boyd @ Holy Cross: Out of the frying pan and into the fire Trojans.  Holy Cross shook up number one South Delta pretty good last week and have got to be licking their chops for a crack at Boyd.  This is make or break for the Richmond squad as a loss will jeopardize making the playoffs.  GI's Pick: Crusaders by 10

Mt. Douglas @ South Delta: And here we have it.  Last year Barsby took the Rams to the matt with the AAA champs squeaking out a W.  This year's AA number 1 vs the AAA number 1 could be equally close.  I predicted in the pre-season a South Delta win.  Am sticking with it. GI's Pick: SD by 2

 

Week 5

AA Varsity Week Five

 




Grizzly Home Opener Was "All That!"

 

Week Four Wrap-Up



The top five took care of business again this week with Hansen coming closest to trouble in a game vs GW Graham that was tighter than many would expect or that the score did indeed reflect.  That said, Carson's score over Holy Cross by a wide margin definitely raised some eyebrows.  Windsor's 28 - 0 blanking of Ballenas and Frank Hurt's divisional win over Hugh Boyd were surely the two biggest surprises of the week. 

Elsewhere, Pitt, Valleyview and Nanaimo District had quality wins that move them closer to playoff contention and up North, College Heights pulled off the upset vs Kelly Road. 

Scores

THURSDAY

Nechako Valley 33 Correlieu 0

FRIDAY

Robert Bateman 35 Samuel Robertson 0
Mission 36 Langley 12
Valleyview 14 Salmon Arm 0
Rick Hansen 23 G.W. Graham 0
John Barsby 51 Sentinel 0
Carson Graham 35 Holy Cross 7
Clarence Fulton 36 Mt. Baker 6
Windsor 28 Ballenas 0
College Heights 18 Kelly Road 6
Duchess Park 46 Prince George 0
Pitt Meadows 28 Abbottsford 0
Nanaimo District 30 Argyle 7

SATURDAY

Squalicum (Wash.) 48 Seaquam 6
South Delta 46 Spectrum 0
Vernon 49 Westsyde 6
Frank Hurt 20 Hugh Boyd 7




GI's Top Five

1. South Delta
2. John Barsby
3. Mission
4. Carson Graham
5. Rick Hansen

Plus-Minus

+ Windsor: Another convincing victory, this time over a good Ballenas squad! The Dukes are for real folks.
+ Frank Hurt: Served notice they are competing for number 2 in their division by downing a Hugh Boyd squad that has been playing tough ball of late.
+ Duchess Park: Steam rolls another Interior Opponent.
+ Clarence Fulton: Wins by a lopsided score.
+ Vernon: Dismatles divisional foe Westsyde
- The onset of Winter Rains in September!  Not cool and time to go away.

AA Game of the Week

 

2014 Border Battle

 

@

 

Friday, 4 October 6:01 PM Merle Logan Field Nanaimo

GI's Picks

Thursday, 3 October

College Heights @ Prince George:  The Cougars upset a powerful Kelly Road squad last week and are going to be taking that momentum into the game vs a PG squad reeling from a Duchess Park clobbering.  Look for ball control and tough D to rule the day.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 16

Friday, 4 October

Mt. Baker @ Westsyde:  This will be close.  I think that the Wild are going to get a W out of this game. Westsyde is the home team and the long travel day for the visitors will figure in the game.  GI's Pick: Wild by 4

Langley @ Rick Hansen: Langley is for sure better than last year.  This said, they are not playing up to Hansen's level of ball just yet.  The Hurricanes will score by air and ground come Friday and the score could get big if the defense produces a few turnovers.  GI's Pick: Hansen by 17

Windsor @ Nanaimo: The Dukes are the most improved team in AA ball since the beginning of the season and their QB one of the best in the land.  The Islanders are in a pickle because they have to defend the deep ball and the run while keeping their defense balanced.  The key to this game will be the Nanaimo District offense.  If they can score more than 21 points this game gets close.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 16

Abbottsford @ Mission: Mission gets a bit of a free pass divisionally with this game.  The Panthers have been taking it on the chin as of late and this will be the final act of pummelling before the schedule lightens up a bit.  The Roadrunners for their part have shown some mortality allowing points on the board from last week's opponent.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 23

Argyle @ Moscrop (Tier 2): Argyle sure needs this game in their search for a W this year.  Moscrop has been playing some pretty good ball themselves so nothing will come easily for the Pipers.  I think that if Argyle can limit their turnovers and find the smashmouth plays within their scheme, they can prevail.  They certainly have the size and athleticism.  GI's Pick: Argyle by 7

GW Graham @ Robert Bateman: Word out of the Valley is that GW Graham played Hansen much closer than the score would indicate having their chances inside of the red zone on multiple occasions.  If this is the case, the upcoming tilt vs Bateman is darn near a toss-up.  Keys to the game are going to be Bateman's ability or inability to run the football around the edge and defend the big play vs Graham.  Graham has to limit its turnovers and decide whether or not its backfield is tough enought to dance with teams that like to hit.  Turnovers of course will figure prominently either way.  The way the Grizzlies practice and play ball this week will determine how the rest of their season goes.  If they get physical and play with the temperment of their namesake, they may even make the playoffs and do some damage.  If they hit like cupcakes, well there is always next year.  Bateman has proven they like the tough games and can compete in them.  This will springboard the Timberwolves into playoff form GI's Pick: Bateman by 10

Spectrum @ Frank Hurt: The Thunder begin a bit of a road stint against the red hot and improving Frank Hurt Hornets.  Size, speed and home field go to Frank Hurt.  Courage and a plucky attitude to the 1st year Thunder.  The Polish Cavalry charging into the German Panzers in 39 were courageous and plucky.  GI's Pick: Hornets by 24

Sentinel @ Carson Graham: Sentinel's coaches rightly challenged their players outright to practice better and grow as a team right after the Barsby game.  This week is the gut check for the Spartan Varsity.  Either they respond and find their better selves inside or they travel down the road for a rough couple of hours.  The Spartans certainly are physically capeable of playing most of the AA squads in the province.  They just have to put together all the pieces mentally.  Carson for their part is playing some devastating offense in terms of balance and their defense is a physical reflection of their offensive selves.  GI's Pick: Carson by 31

John Barsby @ Ballenas: The 2013 Border Battle is again played on a neutral field in Central Nanaimo.  The Whalers coming off of a stinging loss vs Carson got caught looking a week ahead and can now focus on their opponent and nemisis, the John Barsby Bulldogs.  Year to year since 2000, this game has always been played with great passion and pride by both teams.  Win-Loss records go out the window at kick-off and a hec of a football game breaks out.  Until last week, Ballenas has been scoring big points and really pressuring their opponents.  Barsby for their part has been playing some of the best overall defense in program history.  Special teams for both programs are points of pride.  At mid-season, both teams are going to be a bit chewed up.  How this is mitigated/handled will be an important factor come game day.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 16

Nechako Valley @ Duchess Park: Duchess has pulled away from the rest of the conference in dramatic fashion.  Right now their biggest opponent is themselves.  They have to challenge one another to play a cleaner, tighter and more polished game each week and to build on each practice.  This is essential if they are going to make more than a first round appearance in the provincial playoffs a month from now.  The Vikings are getting better each week.  They are in tough, but could cause a few problems in the game if the Condors overlook them.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 21

Saturday, 5 October

South Delta @ Holy Cross: I will be mildly surprised if HC scores a touchdown and shocked if they score two or more vs the Sundevil juggernaut.  South-Delta can do it all and dominates every category on the physical scale in this contest.  GI's Pick: South Delta by 28

Seaquam @ Hugh Boyd: Two divisional foes coming off of a loss.  This one is for playoff seeding folks.  Based on what I have seen this year, we are looking at a virtual toss-up.  Seaquam has a bit of a roster advantage physically, but Boyd is playing cleaner, more polished football.  I give this one to the Trojans based on their defense.  GI's Pick: Hugh Boyd by 2

Valleyview @ Clarence Fulton: Very good game here.  Both teams have been playing good ball and the Vikings have gone out and found very good competition to hone their play.  I think Fulton comes into the game with more momentum than their foes, but having played in less big games.  It will be tight.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 1

Vernon @ Salmon Arm: Vernon is the beast up in the Interior and will play like it on Saturday.  Salmon Arm is a bit of a Jekyl and Hide team this year.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 22


2013 JV Mid-Season Rankings



1. Mt. Douglas
2. St. Thomas Moore
3. Vancouver College
4. Notre Dame
5. GW Graham

Honorable Mention: Lord Tweedsmuir, Prince George, Ballenas, Terry Fox, Carson Graham, New Westminster






 

Week Four

AA Varsity Week 4

Piper D Got Stingy In Second Half vs #2 Barsby 

Week 3 Wrap-Up

South Delta is again the league monster as Frank Hurt found out up close and personal.  Barsby is playing smothering defense this year and Mission found itself in a game vs upstart Pitt Meadows that could only be described as being tested.  The East schedule for the Roadrunners is going to get tougher week to week.  Carson Graham laid down the hammer on Nanaimo District signalling to everyone out West that the Eagles are hell bent on the conference title!  Don't get too dang comfortable Barsby!!  Rick Hansen served notice that it is not going to get shoved aside for top rail in the East either.

Elsewhere, Ballenas was again convincing in AA play scoring a bushell of points against a talented, but raw Sentinel Spartans squad.  Holy Cross has been making some eye catching strides the past several weeks and has strung together three in a row since their opening week game vs STM.  Keep an eye on the Crusaders in the South Folks.  Fulton is probably the most improved team in the Interior over the past four weeks, notching up another win vs Salmon Arm.  Vernon however, looms as the dominant bull in the Interior corral.  Last but not least, Duchess Park hammered their way to a big win over cross-town rial College Heights.




Scores

THURSDAY

Prince George ? Correlieu ?  (Of note: If the North wants to get taken seriously, they ought to get all scores and game summaries/hudl trades done on time and complete.)

FRIDAY

G.W. Graham 28 Abbotsford 7
Clarence Fulton 27 Salmon Arm 14
Duchess Park 44 College Heights 12
Langley 21 Samuel Robertson 18
Vernon 39 Westsyde 6
Mission 20 Pitt Meadows 6
Ballenas 41 Sentinel 12
Carson Graham 41 Nanaimo District 0
John Barsby 34 Argyle 0
Rick Hansen 16 Robert Bateman 0
Windsor 33 Valleyview 8
Kelly Road 14 Nechako Valley 12
Notre Dame (AAA) 36 Hugh Boyd 13

SATURDAY

South Delta 42 Frank Hurt 14
Holy Cross 20 Seaquam 6



GI's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils
2. John Barsby Bulldogs
3. Mission Roadrunners
4. Carson Graham Eagles
5. Rick Hansen Hurricanes

The Plus Minus

+ Holy Cross Crusaders: Big conference win.  Crusaders starting to put something together!
+ Windsor Dukes: Another decisive W for the Dukes.
+  Duchess Park Condors: Been running in knee deep muck for weeks, now they are on a fast track.  Condors "Got Better" the hard-way...The Right Way!  Payday folks.
+ GW Graham Grizzlies: Graham and Duchess read from the same cook book.  Look out East Division!
+ Seaquam Hosting Squalicum (WA): Good move Coach Mullis!  Great for the game having these guys coming up for a home tilt!!
- Coaches not providing timely, detailed game reports to Howard at The Province Blog:  "Make the big time where you are" fellas!  The game is the sum of its parts.   What you do is important to everyone.  Give a little of yourselves and you will benefit from the collective effort exponentially.  The season is too short and precious to be too tired and overburdened to spend five or ten minutes to help out.  If you don't like typing, phone em in.  Need a reminder?  Build yourself a little post-game check list.

AA Varsity Game Of The Week

You gotta like this one folks.  Regional rivalry game, new stadium turf and ATMOSPHERE! The Chilliwack community is pulling out all the stops to support their Grizzly program!  Look for a thousand plus in the bleachers as the HS game takes off in the Valley!  Oh yeah, and there are two very good football teams on the field as well!

New Turf At Graham's Home Field Will Witness Packed House For Electric Game!





GI's Week Four Picks

Thursday

Correlieu @ Nechako Valley:  This one will be high scoring from the perspective of the host squad.  NVSS looks like it has greatly improved having taken a physically superior Kelley Road to the mat last week.  GI's Pick: Vikings by 21

Friday

John Barsby @ Sentinel: Sentinel finally got on the field this past weekend and impressed with their size and athleticism.  The thing that hurt the Spartans was having no games week 1 and 2.  They now have some playing time under their collective belts and will need to maximize on that experience as they host the #2 ranked Bulldogs.  The field at Sentinel borders on muskeg and rain this week will make this a good ol fashioned dirty, nasty slobberknocker.  Ought to be kind of fun.   Getting down to ball, the Barsby Defense has shut out opponents three times in four weeks.  The slow track means there will be some tough sledding for offenses.  Look for a lower score than some might expect.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 18

Nanaimo District @ Argyle:  Call this a playoff game for both teams.  A win means that the victor is in the running for divisional third or fourth seed by the looks of things this year.  A loss is not a mathematical elimination but there surely is a steeper road to get back in contention.  Argyle wins the size match-up here and Nanaimo District the edge in speed.  Home field to the Pipers.  NDSS needs to be hyper focused in practice and to travel a lot better than last week where they showed up and literally laid an egg getting blanked out by the Carson Graham Eagles.  GI's Pick: Nanaimo District by 2

Hugh Boyd @ Frank Hurt:  This will be a good game.  The Hornet coach was not pleased with his team's effort or guts vs South Delta.   This time round, I think the crew from Hurt will lay the smack down on their home field.  This team has a lot of talent!  Hugh Boyd is playing much better ball themselves than they have the past couple of years.  The Trojan attack is pretty varied offensively so they ought to get their shots in come game-day.  This game will be decided by defense and field position.  Edge to Hugh Boyd.  GI's Pick: Trojans by 8

Mission @ Langley: Great job Langley on your first win of the year last week vs SRT.  Now the Roadrunners come to visit.  Strap on your headgear and put on your track shoes cus these guys are fast and physical.  This said, Mission looked mortal in their game vs Pitt this past Friday and this is a home game for the Saints.  In the end however, Mission will outscore the hosts by land and air.  GI's Pick: Mission by 26

Holy Cross @ Carson Graham: Ok, this is exhibition, but it counts for a lot.  I am going to officially christen this tilt as the week 4 Litmus Bowl.   These two teams are making a lot of positive noise and HC is really beginning to show up on the provinciall AA Varsity Radar.  Their jet sweep from gun and the mis-direction accompanying it are starting to get some real rhythm and mesh.  Lord knows that the wiley OC Coach Higgins is grinning like a butcher's dog as he mulls all the trick play opportunities that are sprouting like weeds from this zaney offensive attack.  On the flip side there are the Eagles who have been dismantling their opponents week in and week out this year.  I like their continuity and old school feel in terms of their kinetic game.  Kicking goes to Carson as well as defense.  GI's Pick: Carson by 16

Ballenas @ Windsor:  The GIA (Gridiron's Intelligence Agency) recently hacked into an undisclosed imaging satellite in near earth orbit.  I can give you a preview of what it will reveal when it focuses on the Ballenas Whaler practice field this week.  There will be these little dots running up and down the field this week covering other dots that are having balls thrown at em via a repeating howitzer type device designed to simulate the outstanding Windsor quarterback.  Windsor is chucking the ball very well folks and the Whalers are going to have to play their A game.  In particular, they have to keep Marshall in the pocket and get him out of rhythm.  For their part, the Dukes are going to have to play rock-solid versus the run and jam the Whaler TE back into the stone ages.  Lastly and not least, nobody can short kick the ball like Ballenas.  If the Whalers can be balanced and keep the score down, they win.  GI's Pick: Ballenas by 11

Kelley Road @ College Heights: The Roadrunners have the size-speed advantage and as the weather worsens, the ability to pound the football.  The cougars are still reeling from the Duchess Park game and had better show up to practice looking ahead as opposed to behind them.  GI's Pick: Kelley Road by 9

Robert Bateman @ Samuel Roberts Technical: SRT is playing its second varsity game ever.  Bateman, coming off of a tough loss vs local rival Rick Hansen is going to be playing with a sense of urgency as they don't want to slip down the playoff seeding ladder.  The Timberwolves measure up in every category on Friday: size, speed, experience and physical play.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 23

Rick Hansen @ GW Graham: Double A Game Of The Week right here.  It gets this billing as much for the spectacle as for the game itself.  Would love to be a part of the huge Friday Night Crowd that is going to show up for this one.   Look for an airshow punctuated by some big runs.  Both teams can chuck the ball for sure.  I give the edge on the ground and the edge in terms of tough physical defense to Hansen however.  The kicking game is even.  I think that the Hurricanes will come at Graham hard on the ground and sit the fun and gun, pass-happy Grizzly offense on the bench for much of the game.  GI's Pick: Hurricanes by 17

Mt. Baker @ Valleyview:  Valleyview is one of the better teams in the Interior.  Mt. Baker has been making strides however and this will be a good lil tilt up in Kamloops.  Valleyview's pistol offense is tough to play against defensively as they don't make a tonne of mistakes and run downhill pretty effectively.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 19

Prince George @ Duchess Park:  Of all the high schools in town, these two represent the oldest and most intense rivalry across all sports in Prince George.  Now it is football's turn to add to the history.  The Polars have been surprisingly better than most thought they would be this year.  Duchess however is the power squad in the North.  Look for big points on the board from Matters and crew.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 23

Pitt Meadows @ Abbottsford: Both of these teams have really stepped up their game in recent weeks.  Pitt I believe is the stronger of the two squads based on recent game results and opponents played.  Give this one to the Marauders.  GI's Pick: Pitt by 16

Clarence Fulton @ Westsyde:  Fulton is headed towards the top of the Interior heap.  Vernon will have a say of course, but these guys are playoff bound.  Westsyde, well they have work to do.  The Fulton defense is their strength righ now and the offense will benefit from the field position and take aways.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 25

Saturday

Salmon Arm @ Vernon: The Golds got shocked by the Maroons and now play a Vernon team that has outshone all comers this year.  Look for the Panthers to methodically build up their total on the scoreboard as the game progresses.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 19

Squalicum WA @ Seaquam: Seaquam is in tough for this game.  They will emerge better for the experience however and a cross-border opponent making the trip to BC is great for the game and prings notoriety to the Seahawk program.  GI's Pick: Squalicum by 34

South Delta @ Spectrum: South Delta will be in its element playing on the fast track in Victoria.  Spectrum continues to make positive strides on the field and has had a two week stint to prepare for the visiting BC Champs.  The Sundevils will have the opportunity this week to get valuable playing time for their twos and threes by the start of the second quarter.  GI's Pick: South Delta by 40

Seaquam's Week 4 Foe Squalicum Playing This Past Week (below)

Question: Can we get this going on here in BC?!!





Help!  Please send in your team's hi-lite videos and game pics!!  Would love to post em!!!!  boomsha@yahoo.com

AA Varsity Week 3

Week Three AA Varsity

Nanaimo District And Spectrum Tangle Under The Friday Night Lights!

 

Week Two Wrap

Well Gang, the pre-season has come to an end in a flurry with several good and very telling games having been played on the weekend.  South Delta chewed up AAA Kelowna as did Carson Graham who worked AAA West Vancouver by three scores.  Mission played pretty close with AAA powerhouse Mouat and the Whalers of Ballenas gave AAA Belmont a close game as well.  Boyd had a statement loss vs Rick Hansen signalling to all that they are going to contend for and in the playoffs this year.  Barsby's defense scored twic en route to a second shutout this season as well. Lastly, it would seem that Holy Cross, Windsor, Nanaimo District, Robert Bateman, Frank Hurt, Abbey and Clarence Fulton are beginning to find their feet. It would seem that the pre-season has provided a good springboard for league play to come.



Scores

Islander Air Show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY

College Heights 16 Nechako Valley 7

FRIDAY

Nanaimo District 39 Spectrum 14
Rick Hansen 20 Hugh Boyd 14
W.J. Mouat (AAA) 42 Mission 24
Carson Graham 31 West Vancouver (AAA) 12
John Barsby 61 GW Graham 0
Clarence Fulton 14 Rutland (AAA)14
South Delta 39 Kelowna (AAA) 13
Seaquam 20 Windsor 20
Frank Hurt 34 Langley 8
Abbotsford 48 Howe Sound (Tier 2) 6

SATURDAY



Belmont RB's Had Way Too Much Fun On The Way To The Whaler End-Zone Saturday



Belmont (AAA) 48 Ballenas 35
Robert Bateman 43 Duchess Park 6
Holy Cross 42 Argyle 20

 

GI's Top Five

1. South Delta Sundevils (2-1)
2. John Barsby Bulldogs (2-1)
3. Mission (1-2)
4. Carson Graham  (3-0)
5. Rick Hansen (2-1)

The Rest Of The Pack



Flying To The Football...Literally!



 

Climbing: Frank Hurt, Fulton, Bateman, Nanaimo District, Ballenas, Holy Cross, Hugh Boyd

Falling: No-One Just Yet

 

 

GI's Week 3 Picks



Whaler Defense Awaits Sentinel!



Thursday, 19 September

PGSS @ Correlieu: Though Correlieu is listed as the home team, they are playing this game under the lights at Massich in the Polars back yard.  PGSS is a bit stronger than some had thought this year and will continue to build in the success it has encountered thus far.  GI's Pick: Polars by 14

Friday, 20 September

Rick Hansen @ Robert Bateman: Lets call this the AA Varsity Game Of The Week.  This tilt will affect playoff seeding out of the East.  Hansen has a definite edge in roster size and a much more balanced offense than their hosts.  I give speed to Bateman however.  The Hurricane coaching staff is well aware of standout running back Ben Cummings and will be dialed in on him defensively and when he returns the ball in the kicking game.  This begs the question, is Bateman balanced enough offensively to take the pressure off of their RB?  I think not.  GI's Pick: Hansen by 8

John Barsby @ Argyle: Argyle showed some offensive life in their loss to Holy Cross.  They are still giving up points by the bushell however and Barsby has been scoring em aplenty over the first three weeks.  This game has turned into a bit of a rivalry between the two schools, especially coming off of last year's thrilling JV quarter-final game.  Make no mistake, the Pipers want this one and will be hosting it in their own back yard.  Getting down to brass tacks, the Barsby Defense has scored two TD's in three weeks and Dawg specials have encountered the end-zone three times as well.  Offensively, they will be starting in good field position all day.  There will be too much pressure on the Arglyle defense Friday afternoon.   GI's Pick: Barsby by 20

Nanaimo District @ Carson Graham: This game was a hard hitting, closely fought affair when it was played in Nanaimo last year.  The 2013 edition on the North Shore could very well be similar.  I think that Carson has the edge in roster size and depth however.  Look for the Eagles to pound the ball and throw with enough balance to keep the Islander defense on its heels.  For their part, the Islanders are capeable of long sustained drives offensively punctuated by the big play via the air.  The kicking game figures to be featured prominently come Friday.  GI's Pick: Carson Graham by 16

Sentinel @ Ballenas: Wow Sentinel, travelling to play Ballenas at their home field is a tough way to play your first game of AA Varsity ball since 2004.  The Whalers will be licking their chops for this one and will rain deep passes on the Spartans from start to finish.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 40 plus.

Valleyview @ Windsor: Kudo's to Valleyview for travelling down to the Lower Mainland for consecutive weeks in search of competition.  This group could very well be the only squad that will be able to challenge Vernon for first place in the Interior.  The Dukes looked a lot better vs Seaquam than they did the week before for sure.  Tough thing for Windsor is that they may be playing without their #1 QB.  This changes the dynamics of the game dramatically.  Look for Coach Schuman to call a more conservative game that features the run much more prominently than it did a week a go.  Practices this week will be all about defense and special teams.  GI's Pick: Windsor by 8

Duchess Park @ College Heights: Duchess has been playing better competition than College Heights this Fall and the speed of their game will be evident when they tangle with cross-town rival College Heights.  Look for the Condors to use their size advantage to lean on their opponents and for big plays via the air to result from a packed box.  GI's Pick: Duchess Park by 19

Vernon @ Westsyde: Vernon has been on a rampage the past three weeks and will amp up their game another notch when they face the Blue Wave.  Look for stifling defense and plenty of combined run-pass yards en route to a convincing victory for the Panthers.  GI's Pick: Vernon by 28

Clarence Fulton @ Salmon Arm:  This will be a very, very close game who's outcome will be determined by the ability of the Maroon defense to stop the run.  It is also just about time for Fulton to get some offensive traction that results in a few more points on the scoreboard.  Salmon Arm has the bigger, more athletic roster in this contest.  If the Golds can pound the rock they win.  Home field advantage also counts.  GI's Pick: Salmon Arm by 1

Kelley Road @ Nechako Valley:  Though a bunch of plucky gamers, Nechako Valley is rebuilding and they simply do not win any of the physical match-ups in this game.  The Roadrunners will be healthy and should run the ball effectively throughout the contest.  The rest is all commentary.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 21

G.W. Graham @ Abbottsford: I like this one as it is a divisional match-up that could very well determine who the last seed entering the playoffs is come November.  Yes, it is that important.   Solid roster match-ups in most positions.  Both teams have been working towards finding their personality and style of play that will carry them into the season henceforth.  Graham has challenged itself with a mix of US, AAA and solid AA competition in an attempt to forge itself upon that crucible.  Abbey has taken a lesser road.  I think that the Graham offense will score plenty of points come Friday and the defense will clean-up its linebacker play enough to tangle with the Abbey backfield.  GI's Pick: Graham by 11

Hugh Boyd @ Notre Dame (AAA): One team I have been watching with a growing sense of interest this year is the Hugh Boyd Trojans.  To be honest, I did not think they were very tough at the start of the year.  Watching them play however, I have to admit that I was mistaken.  This game vs Notre Dame will go miles towards preparing the Trojans for the divisional contests ahead.  Notre Dame is coming off of a frustrating loss to Mt. Boucherie and is looking for some redemption.  Playing an AA squad and not losing is also foremost in this program's collective mind.  I think the game will be close but Boyd is not ready yet to win this type of contest.  GI's Pick: Notre Dame by 11

Mission @ Pitt Meadows: The Roadrunners are primed for the AA season and kick-off league play on the road vs Pitt.  This game will be over by mid 2nd quarter at the latest and on running time early in the second half.  It is not that Pitt is a bad team or poorly coached.  Mission is just that fast and polished.  Also, why would the short benched Roadrunners want to prolong the chance of injury by letting the game stay relatively close?  They will score fast, score early and score often.   GI's Pick: Mission by 36

Saturday, 21 September

Holy Cross @ Seaquam: Big divisional fight here folks!  Three weeks ago, I'd have given this game to Seaquam in a relative cake walk.  No more.  It is easy to see that HC is improving by leaps and bounds week to week.  Seaquam has also gotten better, but not as dramatically.  If this one gets close, and I think it will be close, the Crusaders will win.  GI's Pick: HC by 3

Frank Hurt @ South Delta:  "The last thing that goes through a bug's mind when he hits a car windshield on the highway is his hind-parts" or so the story goes.  This is what I thought about this game three or four weeks ago looking at the schedule.  Well, I don't think now that it will be nearly as bad for the Hornets when they tee-up against the number one ranked Sundevils.  What I do think we will see however, is a very organized and well oiled Sundevil machine methodically going about its business against a scrappy, but less cohesive Hornet squad. Also, I predict lots of flags in the air and on the field as well.  GI's Pick: Sundevils by 26