Lord Tweedsmuir running back Haydn Stomperud (with ball) tries to burst past the Abby Panthers defence on Friday in Cloverdale. On hand to help block is fellow running back Noah Anderson. (Photo by Howard Tsumura property of VarsityLetters.ca 2019. All Rights Reserved)
Feature High School Football

FINAL EDITION: Varsity Letters’ Friday Night Lights 10.04.19 B.C. High School Football Report

Welcome to the early edition of Varsity Letter’s Friday Night Lights B.C. High School Football Report for Oct. 4.

Please continue to check back on this posting throughout the evening as we update games from around the province.

FRIDAY

TRIPLE A

WESTERN CONFERNECE

NOTRE DAME 0 at MT. DOUGLAS 34

VICTORIA — Host Mt. Douglas prepped for a fast start, and when Hunter Swift hit Joe Lucas with bang-bang touchdown strikes of 28 and 99 yards for a 14-0 lead early, the tone had been set for what their coach called “a complete team victory against a very tough Notre Dame squad.

“We had outstanding play in all three facets of the game,” said Rams head coach Mark Townsend. “It was important for us to start fast, and we challenged the players to play their very best early in the game…and they did.”

Jackson Reid scored on runs of six yards and one yard in the third quarter. Jordan Clark rounded out the scoring in the fourth quarter with five-yard TD run.

For the game, Reid rushed for 77 yards and Clark for 68 yards. Swift finished 10-of-20 for 242 yards.

Lucas had a huge game with six receptions for 188 yards. Linden Williams had two catches for 37 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams came up with a huge first quarter goal-line stand to take momentum away from Notre Dame.

Cole Bunting and Peter Primeau led the defence with nine tackles apiece, and played exceedingly well through the contest.

Kai Harris had a strong game and had seven tackles and a sack. Luke Kedves had an interception and Bunting had a fumble recovery.

No. 3 VANCOUVER COLLEGE 36 at BELMONT 0

VICTORIA — The Vancouver College Fighting Irish have discovered an effective combination to open games, and although they didn’t play perfect football Friday, it was enough to give them a shutout win Friday in the provincial capital.

For the second time this season, quarterback Alex Nyvlt hooked up with receiverJason Soriano on a long touchdown strike on the game’s opening play, this time en route to shutout win over the host Belmont Bulldogs.

“It gives us an immediate spark, but we also have to maintain that spark with cleaner play,” said Irish head coach Todd Bernett. “Defensively, we kept things basically bottled up and I liked our sound play on that side of the ball.”

The opening score, Soriano’s lone catch of the game, went for 68 yards, and before the quarter was done, Daesaun Johnson would score the first of his three rushing touchdowns on the day, this one from five yards out.

Johnson finished his day with 11 carries for 117 yards.

In the second quarter, the Irish set off some fireworks in the final minute before halftime.

First, Nyvlt found Gabe Botelho for a five-yard scoring pass with 23 seconds remaining. Then, with just 10 seconds left following a fumbled kickoff return by Belmont, Johnson once again scored from five yards.

The only scoring of the second half came in the third quarter when Johnson rounded out his day with a 55-yard touchdown run.

Nyvlt went 7of-13 for 112 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Marcus Teoli tallied a team-high six tackles.

No. 1 NEW WESTMINSTER 35 at CARSON GRAHAM 12

NORTH VANCOUVER — The host Eagles have never been static with their defensive scheming every time they face the New Westminster Hyacks.

Perhaps, then, it’s about time to label the offensive backfield of B.C.’s No. 1-ranked team as something pretty special.

Michael Udoh carried 11 times for 169 yards and three touchdowns, and Greyson Planinsic carried 13 times for 159 yards and two scores as the Hyacks topped the Eagles to remain undefeated in conference play.

“Our rushing attack was very good again, which isn’t easy against Carson,” admitted Hyacks’ head coach Farhan Lalji. “They always come out with something different against us, but our line and backs executed well. Still, we do need to clean up our fumbles, especially with some big games on the horizon.”

While New West put up 440 yards of offence on the night, the Eagles put up 469.

“Carson continues to get better with their Air Raid and were able to make some plays and stay in it throughout,” said Lalji. “(Kevean) Pashandi and (Trent) Skill are very good and made their share of plays against us. But our defence was able to get stops when it mattered most.”

Pavan Kainth and Andros Dancey led the New West defence with five tackles apiece.

Udoh opened with touchdown runs of 71 and 20 yards before Planinsic rushed for a three-yard score to put the visitors on top 22-0 in the second quarter. The Eagles then scored to make it 22-6 at the break.

Udoh from a yard out, and Planinsic from 50 yards out added second-half touchdowns for the winners.

St. Thomas More’s Rickey Parsons (left) is thwarted near the goal line by Kelowna’s Nicholas Tonogal on Friday at Burnaby Lakes. (Photo by Howard Tsumura property of VarsityLetters.ca 2019. All Rights Reserved)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 5 KELOWNA 13 at ST. THOMAS MORE 16

BURNABY — The Kelowna Owls, fresh off a dramatic win last week over former-No. 1 Lord Tweedsmuir, looked like they were ready to pick up right where they left off.

Nolan Ulm turned a hitch screen from quarterback Isaac Athans into a 62 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead on the Owls’ first offensive series.

Hometown St. Thomas More, however, never wavered and the long drive the Knights would cap with quarterback Anthony De Lazzari’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Nacario set a tone for the evening. STM battled to take a 14-13 halftime lead, then hunkered down the rest of the way to take a 16-13 decision.

“Kelowna is an extremely well-coached football team and their scheme and pressure fronts on the defensive side of the ball were difficult to handle at times,” said STM head coach Steve De Lazzari. “On the offensive side of the ball they have so much speed and athleticism, so our defence holding them to just the two touchdowns was a great effort.”

Athans hit Caeleb Schlachter with a 25-yard pass to put Kelowna ahead 13-7, but Anthony De Lazzari went 42 yards to Alex Cordeiro for the 14-13 halftime lead.

Kelowna conceded a safety in the second half.

The Owls were threatening to score in the fourth quarter, but STM’s Rickey Parsons made an end zone interception on fourth-and-goal.

“We hurt ourselves with costly penalties and plays that we didn’t make, but should have,” said Owls’ head coach Chris Cartwright. “Our offensive line had a difficult day today. We made some strides on offence, but not consistent enough to win.”

Running back Nick Osho had 22 carries for 105 yards in the victory, while De Lazzari was 7-of-10 for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kaishaun Carter shone with six tackles along with three sacks. Cordeiro was also a force with seven tackles and two sacks. Jack Wagner played a strong game from his inside linebacker position with six tackles, while Parsons was once again a game changer with six tackles in addition to his game-saving interception.

The Owls’ Athans went down with an injury in the second quarter, and thus Nate Beauchemin finished the game in the pivot.

Athans passed for 141 yards and Beauchemin 64 yards.

The Kelowna defense was led by Everett Schmuland with nine tackles and a sack.

CENTENNIAL 14 at MISSION 30

MISSION — Matt Roadhouse had a career day at the Mission Sports Park, rushing for 196 yards and three touchdowns, all a part of the host Roadrunners’ 30-14 win over Coquitlam’s Centennial Centaurs.

Mission took the opening kick-off, and on a drive which lasted over a quarter, it culminated with Roadhouse’s first touchdown.

“Its nice to set the tone of the game with a super long drive and a score,” said Mission head coach Danny Jakobs.

At the end of the second half, with Centennial knocking on Mission’s goal line, Cody McMahon came up with a big sack, jarring the ball loose for a Roadrunners’ recovery.

Five plays later, Roadhouse exploded with a 60-yard scoring run to put Mission in front for good.

In addition to Roadhouse, fellow running back Saxon Kernahan gained 128 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Jaden Desrosiers led the way with six tackles and also chipped in with a three-yard rushing major. Cody McMahon had four tackles and a sack. 

No. 5 ABBOTSFORD 6 at No. 4 LORD TWEEDSMUIR 28

SURREY — Knocked off their perch as B.C.’s No. 1-ranked team last week, the Panthers put their past behind themselves in authoritative fashion on Friday.

Quarterback Terrel Jones capped drives with short touchdown runs of three yards and one yard, while Haydn Stomperud and Noah Anderson, on respective scoring runs of four and 30 yards, added the other Panthers’ majors.

Afterwards, head coach Kurt Thornton’s words all centred around disciplined play and ball protection.

“I was really proud of our kids today,” said Thornton. “We knew the keys were to not turn the ball over and limit penalties. We played the first 22 minutes penalty free and didn’t turn the ball over once. We forced four turnovers and in the end that was the biggest difference in the game. Abbotsford played hard and we feel fortunate to have won the turnover battle and the game today.”

The Panthers fell behind by a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, and then their road back was made all the more tougher after top running back Jalem Catlin was forced to the sidelines before the half with an injury.

Jones was tremendous on both sides of the ball for the winners.

He went 4-for-4 for 70 yards, and on defence had four tackles and an interception, the latter a 70-yard pick-six that was wiped off the board after officials flagged the home team for a block in the back.

Anderson rushed eight time for 76 yards, scoring his touchdown late in the third quarter. Stomperud had 15 carries for 94 yards and a score.

Key’shaun Dorsey led a hard-hitting defence with seven tackles, while also returning a pick 30 yards and recovering a fumble.

Reggie Ellie had eight tackles and Tremel States-Jones continued his stellar defensive play with seven tackles.

PACIFIC DIVISION

NANAIMO DISTRICT 28 at W.J. MOUAT 44

ABBOTSFORD — Tyran Duval was ready to lead his Mouat Hawks to victory, but having teammate Seth Young step up with the biggest game of his career did nothing but help the cause.

Quarterback Duval went 14-of-25 for 253 yards and four touchdowns, while Young not only made six catches for 101 yards and a score, he also found the end zone off a pick-six and a fumble recovery.

“That was a tough game for us but Tyran had a great game, and Seth had a breakout game,” said Mouat head coach Andrew Harder. “Nanaimo does something no one else in our conference does on offence (double-wing). Congrats to them for a scrappy hard-fought game. They fought us tooth and nail the entire time.”

Duval also threw touchdown passes to Dylan Kang and Dhag Mora. Anthony Jaruchik had seven tackles for the Hawks while Issac Whitmey had six tackles and two sacks.

Nanaimo District quarterback Andrew Mattes threw for a 105 yards and touchdowns to Daniel Hall and Aidan Kozubal.

Sal Raap-Kopiyka carried 13 times for 109 yards in the loss. He also had six tackles and a fumble recovery.

All manner of delays led to the Isles arriving at the field just 10 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time.

“We got to the field late and hit it sleep walking,” said head coach Steve Koehler. “We fumbled away the ball several times early on which got us in a big hole to try to dig out from. Mouat was polished and prepared for us and it showed. A poor week of practice led to this. We can’t expect to win and then not work for it.”

WEST VANCOUVER 0 at EARL MARRIOTT 42

SURREY — The host Mariners were ready to play from the outset, and it showed in a big early lead that led to a shutout victory over the visiting Highlanders.

EMS quarterback Sam LaRoue, who finished with 331 yards of combined passing and rushing, threw three touchdown passes on the day, including a pair — from 35 and 60 yards — in the first quarter to Dean Meurrens.

The latter also rushed for a 15-yard major to give the Mariners a 21-0 lead after the first quarter.

“We found some soft spots in their coverage and took advantage of what they gave us,” said wining coach Michael Mackay-Dunn.

LaRoue then went 80-yards to Curtis Fenwick for a second quarter score. Marriott wrapped up the first half scoring when Rohan Purewal picked off a pass and returned it 44 yards to the end zone.

Cole Parker, who went six-of-six on PATs, caught a 40-yard TD pass from LaRoue in the third quarter.

Defensively, Dante Peters, Meurrens and Byron Ruvalcaba shone with 10, eight and seven tackles respectively.

“Earl Marriott came right of the gate with an impressive passing offence,” said West Van head coach David Hollinshead. “Even when our guys were in the right place, their receivers made plays over them. On defence they smothered us, we fought for every inch we gained. They proved why they’re at the top of our conference. As a team we’re at a crossroads. We still have a winning record available to us, it’s time to dig deep and pull ourselves out of this hole.”

DOUBLE A

EASTERN CONFERENCE

HOLY CROSS 6 at NO. 2 LANGLEY 46

LANGLEY — An offensive line that has dominated all season continued to lift the fortunes of the host Saints.

“They were physical all game long and you really saw them wearing on the defensive line in the later parts of the game,” admitted head coach Ryk Piche, who watched his core of backs once again thrive behind the hogs up front as conference play resumed at McLeod Stadium.

Kai Thomas led the way again, this time with 18 carries for 228 and four touchdowns.

Harshaad Jouhaul had 10 for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Grade 11 Jordan Bowes also scooped up a fumble and carried it 40 yards for a touchdown.

“We need to clean up some of our mental errors but other than that, I am extremely proud of these young men,” added Piche.

Holy Cross’ only score came on a 63-yard run by Uyi Ologhola.

“Despite the score I thought we played well,” said Crusaders’ head coach Conrad Deugau, whose team trailed 20-6 with two minutes left in the third quarter. “We lost some linemen during the game against a team you can’t afford to have that happen to. I was really proud of our overall effort.”

INTERIOR CONFERENCE

SALMON ARM 7 at NO. 1 VERNON 49

The Vernon Panthers opened league play with a convincing 49-7 win over the visiting Salmon Arm Golds as Zack Smith continued to light up opposing defences, accounting for seven total touchdowns.

Through the air, Smith completed passes to six different receivers, going 20-of-24 for 235 yards and five touchdowns.

Smith’s favourite target, Caden Danbrook, was on the receiving end of two of the touchdowns (40 and 21 yards) and registered six catches for 107 yards.

Grade 11 tailback Ethan Greenan also hauled in two TDs while Trent Charlton had one.

On the ground, Smith had six rushes for 64 yards, including a touchdown. He was outdone, however, by Greenan who totalled 85 yards filling in for starting tailback Matthew Reich.

“We moved the ball pretty well today and we were very accurate in our passing game,” said Panthers head coach Sean Smith. “Zack was on fire and our receivers were able to get separation today. I was really happy for Greenan. It was his birthday and he was able to get two touchdowns and a pick.”

The Panthers continued to limit opposing offences despite giving up a late touchdown. Smith led the defence with two interceptions including a 90-yard pick-six while Liam Reid, Johnathan Bielski and Reich tied for the lead in tackles with three apiece.

SOUTH KAMLOOPS 28 at CLARENCE FULTON 6

VERNON — The Titans running tandem of Mike MacDonald and Kayden Crawford helped engineer South Kam’s second-half push with 14 unanswered points en route to a 28-6 victory over the host Maroons.

Crawford was the workhorse finding the end zone twice with 115 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Eric Crawford ran for a 19-yard score and threw another to receiver Cohen Freeze who finished with four catches for 74 yards.

“Tonight was another classic Fulton-South Kam tilt,” said Titans’ head coach JP Lancaster. “As per usual, it was old school football at its finest. Hard-hitting and physical. Offensively we had a bit of a lull in the second quarter when Fulton brought pressure, but we were able to make some adjustments at the half and get things moving in the second.”

WESTERN CONFERENCE

JOHN BARSBY 14 at No. 3 BALLENAS 26

PARKSVILLE — Bruce McCabe made a statement on defence then added another on offence, coutning a pair of touchdowns scored to help the host Whalers (2-0) win the annual Border Battle with Nanaimo’s John Barsby Bulldogs (0-1) as the two rivals met in Western Conference league play.

After Barsby opened the scoring, the Whalers’ defence hemmed them deep, and McCabe intercepted a pass from his linebacking spot and returned it two yards for a touchdown.

Later in the contest, lined up as a tight end, he caught a 12-yard strike from quarterback Ben Chomolok to round out the scoring.

Chomolok also went 55 yards to Nathan Robinson for a catch-and-run major, and Adrian Friesen also found the end zone on a 15-yard run.

Friesen led the Ballenas defence with eight tackles.

NON-CONFERENCE

NON-CONFERENCE

SARDIS 53 at OKANAGAN MISSION 21

KELOWNA — Josh Janssen could do no wrong.

The Sardis Falcons quarterback passed for 384 yards and seven touchdowns Friday at the Apple Bowl, leading Chilliwack’s Falcons to a decisive win over the host Huskies.

“They took away our run early so we leaned on Josh Janssen and he never disappointed,” said Sardis head coach Adam Smith.”He was in a zone tonight and had some unreal throws over two defenders at times. He works harder than anyone at the quarterback position.”

Noah Saunders hauled in five passes for 136 yard and a score, DJ Stephens’ four receptions went for 111 yards and three majors, tight end Zach Wilson had six catches 70 yards and two touchdowns, while Yanik Vargas’ one catch was a 67-yard score. Davies Mitchell had other touchdown on a 75-yard kickoff return.

No. 5 ROBERT BATEMAN 42 at ARGYLE 14

NORTH VANCOUVER — Phoenix Moller helped key a third-quarter wake-up call, helping the visiting Wolves kick-start their offence en route to a convincing win over the host Pipers.

Trailing 14-13 at halftime, the Timberwolves scored three third-quarter touchdowns.

Moller scored from a yard out after an intercepotion by teammate Ty Martens, then added another on a 40-yard run before Martens connected for a 45-yard major with receiver Jordan Fayant.

Moller, who also rushed for an eight-yard touchdown in the first half, finished with 15 carries for 102 yards and three scores.

Martens went 6-of-11 for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including a 47-yard strike to Brandon Halsey.

Fayant, from his linebacking spot on defence, registered six tackles and a sack.

“Argyle came out hard in the first half and we were not dialled in,” said Bateman head coach David Mills. “In the third quarter the kids flipped a switch and we were able to get three quick TDs set up by our defence. I’m pleased we were able to come out strong in the second but we cannot afford to do that next week vs a very strong Langley team.”

If you’re reading this story or viewing these photos on any website other than one belonging to a university athletic department, it has been taken without appropriate permission. In these challenging times, true journalism will survive only through your dedicated support and loyalty. VarsityLetters.ca and all of its exclusive content has been created to serve B.C.’s high school and university sports community with hard work, integrity and respect. Feel free to drop us a line any time at howardtsumura@gmail.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *