The Varsity Whalers continued their winning ways last Saturday, as they rolled out a 56-13 road win over the Carson Graham Eagles in BC High School AA Football action.
According to Whalers’ head coach Jeremy Conn the game started with pouring rain and the Eagles looked impressive taking their opening drive in for a touchdown and the early 6-0 lead.
“But then the rain stopped pouring and (we) started pouring on the points.”
Indeed, as the blue and white replied with six unanswered TDs for a 42-6 lead at the half.
Leading the way for Ballenas was quarterback Liam O’Brien who was 12-for-17 passing for 250 yards in the air and three touchdowns. O’Brien also rushed four times for 34 yards and added three tackles and an interception with a 35 yard return on defense. He also ran in a two point convert.
On the receiving end was Dallas Towle who had five catches for 130 yards including a 79 yard TD bomb. Towle also had a 86 yard kickoff return for a TD to open up the second half.
Scott Childs also had a stellar game with four catches for 71 yards, two of which were touchdowns. Childs also added two interceptions on defence, one of which he returned 36 yards for the major.
Rounding out the scoring was Tysen Hunt who pounded out 67 yards and three TDs on eight carries.
Gabriel Doretto was 6-for-6 on extra point kicks.
On defense, middle linebacker Matt Leonard led the way with five tackles, a sack, and two fumble recoveries.
“I was pretty nervous when Carson took the ball and scored on us,” Conn said after, adding “we came out flat and were not tackling well, but then our kids responded and looked brilliant at times.
“It feels awesome as a coach when your players take the game plan and the preparation and are able to execute it on offense while also being able to play good assignment defense,” said the longtime local teacher/coach.
“I am proud of how our skill players are making big plays while our line is getting it done on both sides of the ball.
That said, we still have some work to do when it comes to tackling, hustle, and football IQ.”
NEXT UP
The varsity Whalers travel to North Van Friday for a big conference clash against their rivals the Handsworth Royals.
In JV action, the Whalers came up just short in 14-13 final to the Bulldogs at John Barsby Secondary in Nanaimo last Wednesday.
The loss puts the young Whalers regular season record to 1-2 for fourth in the eight team AA Island Conference. The JV Whalers are back in Nanaimo Thursday to take on the NDSS Islanders. Kickoff is 3:15 p.m.