Rams, Hyacks peaking at right time with provincial football title on the line

Neither the Mount Douglas Rams nor New Westminster Hyacks were expecting an invite to the ball. But the glass slipper fit, so the Rams and Hyacks will play tonight in the provincial high school Triple-A football championship game at B.C. Place Stadium.

“After a couple of early-season losses, our team remained focused, and has worked hard and steadily improved,” said Mount Douglas head coach Mark Townsend.

Western Conference secondplace Mount Douglas was 5-2 and fourth-place New Westminster 4-3 in league play and have made charmed runs through the postseason.

“I do believe at playoff time there is an increased focus,” said Townsend.

“During the regular season, it can be a bit of a grind for the players. Playoffs is literally a new season, with a sense of urgency, being that it becomes a singlegame knockout.”

Not that these finalists have not tasted success before. The Hyacks, coached by TSN broadcaster Farhan Lalji, are the holders after having won their first championship last season. Townsend’s Rams won the B.C. championship four times in five seasons from 2011 through 2015 while producing several U Sports and BCFC junior players and a few CFL pros.

Mount Douglas won the season meeting, beating New Westminster 34-28 on Nov. 2 to close out the regular campaign. But Townsend says the Hyacks have been the best team in B.C. since then: “New Westminster has been playing the best football of any team in the province. You only have to look as far as their semifinal game and shutout against an excellent Terry Fox team last Saturday [33-0]. Clearly, New West presents the biggest challenge of the year for us.”

As one would expect in a championship game.

“Kinsale Philip of New Westminster is back from a mid-season injury and is the undisputed leader on their team, playing quarterback and linebacker. He is tremendous on both sides of the ball,” said Townsend.

“Broxx Comia is a dynamic running back for the Hyacks, and one tough player to bring down. And what can you say about Evan Noli, whether he is playing defensive end or linebacker?”

The Rams got a game-winning field goal at the death from Grade 10 kicker Jackson Reid in their 31-28 semifinal victory over Vancouver College Fighting Irish.

Mount Douglas quarterback Gideone Kremler has overcome injuries to find his form at the right time. Rams named to the Western Conference all-star team are Aiden Bertuzzi, Sebastian Hansen, Zairech Kremler and Sam Mosky.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Belmont Bulldogs take on the Kelowna Owls this afternoon in the provincial junior high school championship final at B.C. Place.