GW Graham’s Grade 8 football Grizzlies concluded their regular season with a fourth consecutive win, claiming top spot in the AA conference.
GWG downed Abbotsford 24-12, and they now advance to the AAA playoffs.
The Grizzlies face Vancouver College on Tuesday, night, pitting themselves against the top seed from the AAA bracket. The game will be played at the Burnaby Lakes Sports Complex.
“What a huge accomplishment for our kids and a first year program,” said head coach Laurie Smith. “We wanted to play against the best in the province and now we get to do just that.”
The Grizzlies, who finished 8-1-1 overall and 5--1 within their conference, shook up the Grade 8 football standings this year. Very few expected a new team to compete, never mind win the division and jump to the AAA playoffs.
In the victory over Abbotsford, running back Emilio Pineda led the way with 156 yards on 17 carries with two twouchdowns and three two point conversions.
Quarterback Wyatt Uzick and receiver Noah Dubosoff connected for over 100 yards and a major to complete the Grizzlies scoring.
On defense, the Grizzlies were led by Michael Lengert and Jaimey Bessette with two sacks each. The defensive line applied relentless pressure on Abbotsford’s QB, with Jake Troyan adding several tackles.
Outside linebackers Ethan Mastin and Miguel Wood contained the normally explosive Abbotsford running game and knocked down several passes.