The Ballenas Whalers Junior Varsity squad tamed the John Barsby Bulldogs, scoring a 36-0 win in the B.C. High School Football’s AA quarter-finals at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw in Nanaimo on Wednesday (Nov. 15).
The Whalers now advance to the semifinals of the playoffs where they will take on Holy Cross Crusaders, who beat the Argyle Pipers in a close game, 14-12.
Ballenas head coach Scott Childs said the Whalers prepared well for the Bulldogs who had had to earn their spot in the playoffs by first beating Windsor Dukes in a wild-card game.
“Our kids came to play. They were super hungry and excited to come out here,” said Childs. “We didn’t have a game last week so we’re a little bit worried they might come out a little bit off the wall but they came out firing on all cyclinders.”
The Whalers were led by quarterback Riley Wilson, who made some key passes for 110 yards resulting in a touchdown and a two-point conversion. His top receiver was Jaden Dussome who nabbed two long passes — 21 yards and 20 yards — he turned into touchdowns.
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Defence was also key to the Whalers shutout win as they made key stops to deny the Bulldogs offence any shot of reaching the end zone. The Bulldogs were able to advance the ball to the red zone a couple of times but ran into a brick wall they couldn’t break down.
Tyler Robinson and Spencer Jordan had six tackles each and both also scored touchdowns. Bennett Switzer and Dylan Crosson had five tackles apiece.
Childs will now get the Whalers to prepare their semifinal clash against the Crusaders that will take place again at the Q’unq’inuqwstuxw, which is the Nanaimo District Secondary School football field on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 3:45 p.m. He hopes to keep everyone healthy and ready to play.
This will be the first time both teams will play against each other this season as the Crusaders play in a different hybrid division. The winner will advance to the provincial championship against winners of the other semifinal clash between Vernon Secondary and South Kamloops.