The Robert Bateman Timberwolves were hoping for an upset Friday against the Abby Senior Panthers (an honourable mention in this week’s provincial AA rankings), especially after exiting the first half with a 22-10 lead. Unfortunately for the Wolves, that lead crumpled like the Hindenburg in the second as the Panthers scored 34 straight points on the way to a 44-28 victory.
“It was the big mistakes by us, and the big explosion plays from them,” said Bateman coach Dan Village.
The Timberwolves opened the scoring on the opening kick-off thanks to a perfect return from Trevor VanBugnem, and quarterback Josh Friskie connected twice with receiver Jay Lee to put Bateman ahead early. Unfortunately, VanBugnem almost immediately went out with a game-ending injury.
Panthers coach Jay Fujimura said his team came out slow and flat, but had the experience and confidence to pull things together for the rebound.
“At halftime we just regrouped. I talked to the guys about some adjustments we needed to make, and that we just had to pick up our level of play,” Fujimura said. “They’re never really out of the game. They know to stay the course and go with the game plan, and at the end of the day good things will happen.”
Panthers’ quarterback Jordan Fox was involved in six touchdowns, rushing for two and throwing four to match his total from last week’s 40-24 victory over G.W. Graham. Jordan Goheen and Chase Claypool caught two TD passes apiece.
Goheen is a two-way player who leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, while Claypool is a rookie whose athleticism has allowed him to excel on the gridiron.
Hawks’ woes continue in loss to Knights
The W. J. Mouat Hawks may have lost 50-14 on Friday to the St. Thomas More Knights (ranked third), but they still maintain possession of the sixth and final playoff spot in the eastern conference.
The Hawks contained the Knights in the first half, only allowing them to build a 14-6 lead, but were blown out in the second by opposing quarterback Terrell Jana and his 420 rushing yards.
In other football action, the Rick Hansen Hurricanes lost to the Pitt Meadows Marauders 50-0 on Friday.