Offences for both the Robert Bateman Timberwolves and the John Barsby Bulldogs started off hotter than the September sun, but the Wolves defence locked down in the second half to earn a 35-21 win in Friday’s (Sept. 22) regular season opener.
The game was a rematch of the 2022 AA provincial title game, which saw Bateman capture its first-ever championship banner.
Timberwolves quarterback Luke Hall tossed an opening drive touchdown to Keaton McLachlan to give Bateman an early lead. That drive was powered by a big run from running back Isaac Lynn, who had an excellent game on the ground.
The 2023 @BCHSFB regular season has officially kicked off for @BatemanFootball.
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) September 22, 2023
They host the Barsby Bulldogs in a re-match from last years AA title game pic.twitter.com/Zbxr3uIMxf
Bateman recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, but shortly after that turnover Hall threw an interception. Barsby tied the game up on that drive. Another costly turnover by Bateman on a punt gave the Bulldogs great field position and they made it 14-7 late in the first quarter.
Sam Laspa scored on a fourth and goal situation for Bateman, catching a quick pass from Hall to tie the game up early in the second. Then it was Barsby’s time to turn the ball over, as they fumbled on the next drive. Another long run by Lynn led to another touchdown by Laspa. Halftime saw Bateman lead 21-14.
Bateman converts on fourth and goal when Hall finds Sam Laspa. 14-14 early in 2Q pic.twitter.com/NjF6YDNJcS
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) September 22, 2023
Barsby committed another turnover to open the second half, as Laspa snagged an interception. Colby Johnson and Hall connected on a 25-yard pass after that turnover and then Lynn marched to the end zone with a 35-yard touchdown early in the fourth to make it 35-14. The Bulldogs added a late touchdown in the fourth.
Bateman collected 400 yards of offence in the win, with Hall completing 20 of 28 passes for 190 yards. He added four touchdowns but also threw two picks. Lynn had a monster game with 177 yards rushing, while
The win puts Bateman at 1-0 and they next take on the Abbotsford Panthers on Friday (Sept. 29). Kick-off is set for 4 p.m.
Over at Panther Field, Abbotsford hosted the Langley Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. in both team’s openers.
The Panthers came out strong, but narrowly lost 21-14 to Langley. More details from that game will be shared when they are made available.
The W.J. Mouat Hawks hosted Notre Dame at Rotary Stadium for the final preseason game for both clubs.
The Hawks got on the board first when quarterback Jackson Di Giustini threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Treyson Luesley. Notre Dame quickly replied and the game was tied 7-7 at halftime.
Notre Dame took the 14-7 lead in the third quarter and Di Giustini came up clutch in the fourth quarter, finding Joel Mueller to send the game to overtime.
Notre Dame scored to open the overtime, but the Hawks could not match and fell 21-14.
Varsity Football
— W.J. Mouat Hawks Football (@mouatfootball) September 23, 2023
#5 Notre Dame - 21
#7 Mouat - 14
Great Friday night AAA action at Rotary Stadium.
Notre Dame takes a tightly contested win in OT. @BCHSFB @AbbyNews @BenLypka
Luesely collected 100 yards on offence, while Mueller had 79. Di Giustini threw for 111 yards. Defensively the Hawks were led by Eddie Goelhead (six tackles and two sacks) and Nico Pancubit (seven tackles). Gabe Currie added one sack to go with four tackles.
The Hawks open the AAA season on Friday (Sept. 29) when they host Mt. Douglas at Rotary Stadium. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.
For more information, visit bchighschoolfootball.com.