The Ballenas Whalers saw their senior varsity football season come to an end.
The Whalers were unable to stop the John Barsby Bulldogs in the first round of provincial playoff action at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw field on Friday, Nov. 11.
It was a tough loss for the Whalers, who scored two touchdowns and had a 20-6 advantage at halftime. But the Bulldogs rallied in the second and shut out the Whalers offence to eventually earn a 32-20 decision. The Bulldogs advance to the next round of the B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association AA varsity playoffs to face the Langley Thunderbirds on Nov. 18.
Whalers head coach Jeremy Conn, who took over the position this year from Dan Smith, said he was proud of the way the team battled against one of the top football schools in the province.
“In the end, we had too many penalties and just couldn’t stop their passing game in key situations,” said Conn. “It was bittersweet as they played well and had a great chance to win. We played pretty good and Barsby is just so talented it’s hard to shut them down.”
Running back Kooper Chambers keyed the Whalers offence, rushing 19 times for 92 yards. He also had seven tackles defensively, a sack and fumble recovery.
Quarterback Brayden Jupe had a two-yard touchdown run and was 11-of-24 for 147 yards through the air. That included a 25-yard pass to Carter Brett, who ended the day with seven catches for 83 yards and also a two-point conversion catch from Jupe.
Linebacker Rohan Barlow scored the other touchdown for the Whalers. He intercepted a pass and sprinted 17 yards into the end zone. He also had six tackles and a sack.
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The defence was led by Will Dubesky who disrupted the Bulldogs’ offence all game, posting 15 tackles. Damon Stone added eight tackles.
“We had a good season in spite of all the obstacles that are more present now than ever, by that I mean COVID and other viruses, weird weather and ferry cancellations,” said Conn.
He indicated he is also proud of his Grade 12 players who stayed in football since they started as wee lads for Oceanside Football Assocation.
“They really did well,” said Conn.
The Whalers had four players who earned Coastal Conference All-Stars honours. They are Jupe, linemen Dubesky and Mason Muelleder and running back Chambers.
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