Tanner Friesen is carrying the Robert Bateman Timberwolves these days, and it's a matter of necessity.
With star running backs John Beckerleg and Ben Cummings sidelined due to injury, Friesen led the T-Wolves to a 42-14 victory over crosstown rival Abbotsford Senior on Friday afternoon in AA high school football action.
The quarterback/linebacker accounted for five touchdowns, rushing for a trio of majors and throwing two scoring passes to Riley Davis. He also racked up six tackles on defence.
"He's doing an excellent job picking up the slack from the other guys," Bateman coach Alfred Brathwaite enthused. "He's really stepping it up, there's no other way to describe it. He's doing everything he can do to help the team."
Panthers QB Carter Williams had a big game in the losing effort – he threw for 237 yards, including a scoring pass to Devin Brar, and also rushed for a seven-yard major.
MOUAT 33, TERRY FOX 13
With the Ravens gearing their defence to stop star running back Maleek Irons, the Hawks demonstrated that they've got explosive potential in the passing game, as well.
QB Mario Narte completed 9-of-13 passes for 126 yards and a trio of touchdowns – two to Keenan Godden, one to Brandon Praud – and rushed for a major of his own.
Irons, despite the defensive attention, still managed an impressive stat line: 212 rush yards and one TD on 30 carries.
"They were playing everybody up near the line of scrimmage to stop Maleek," noted Hawks coach Denis Kelly, whose team is ranked No. 1 in AAA. "It was an important thing, to keep them off-balance with our passing game.
"It shows we've got versatility in our offence."
Defensively, the Hawks came up with four interceptions, including two by Hunter Struthers.
PITT MEADOWS 21, HANSEN 8
The Hurricanes, ranked No. 5 in AA, struggled with ball security in an upset loss to the Marauders.
Hansen's first four offensive possessions of the game ended in turnovers, but they actually had a chance to salvage the victory, driving down near the Pitt goal line trailing 14-8 late in the fourth quarter.
Tailback Jasnoor Dhaliwal plunged into the end zone for an apparent game-tying TD (the extra point would have given the 'Canes the lead) but the play was nullified by a holding penalty. The Marauders would stop Hansen on fourth down, then score a late TD to clinch the win.
"It comes down to basic football," said Hansen coach Paul Gill. "You've got to protect the ball.
"It's a game where if we take care of our turnovers and cut down the undisciplined penalties, we win."
Dhaliwal racked up 292 rush yards on 29 carries, and QB Alex Ho supplied Hansen's lone major on a one-yard sneak.