The GW Graham Grizzlies are heading to BC Place this weekend for a football game, but it’s not a provincial final.
The Grizz will face the Holy Cross Crusaders in a quarter-final under the dome, Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
A win against the Surrey powerhouse would send them on to a semi-final against either Carson Graham or Prince George, also at BC Place on Nov. 20.
A win there would land them back in the dome Dec. 5 for the provincial final.
The Grizzlies are coming off a playoff-opening 38-21 win over the South Kamloops Titans that was closer than most people expected.
GWG hosted the Titans Saturday at Exhibition Stadium, jumping out to an early 17-0 lead.
They led 24-7 late in the first half when Kamloops pulled off two quick scores to get within three.
Trey Isaac, who used to live in Chilliwack and play for the minor football Giants, scored all three Titan majors.
Coming out of the break up 24-21, the Grizzlies locked it up in the second half, grinding down Kamloops with their punishing ground game.
Starting tailback Von Richardson ended his day with 20+ carries, 200+ rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Jordon Breuker hauled the ball in the second half, carrying eight times for 90 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Gabe Olivares also found the endzone.
Tyler Sprott caught four balls from Olivares, two of them big gainers of 50+ yards.
Emerson Smith had five catches and Spencer Breslin booted a field goal.
The Grizzlies now face a huge test in the Crusaders, who went 3-1 in regular season play with 155 points for and 39 against.
“We know a lot about them from watching all their games multiple times,” said GWG head coach Laurie Smith. “They’re a very comparable team to us, and we’re expecting a huge battle. I’m really excited about it.”
See bchighschoolfootball.com for the latest scores and schedules.