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Linemen to bring the noise for Hyacks in 2017

When Yanni Angelopolous and Isaiah James take their positions on the field, there is a ripple effect that usually involves dynamic physics.
NewWest linemen
New West’s game plan begins with a strong line, featuring seniors Yanni Angelopolous, left, and Isaiah James.

When Yanni Angelopolous and Isaiah James take their positions on the field, there is a ripple effect that usually involves dynamic physics.
It ends up with a new space getting created and some others being plugged, with the opposition falling into a black hole. As part of the New Westminster Hyacks offensive line, the pair are a big reason why the club’s offence was such a handful for the competition last year.
Now, as seniors gearing up for one last season of B.C. High School AAA football, the pair – who dominate on the D-line as well – is projecting a big finish.
“My expectation for my team is just to put everything you have on the field – no hesitations, no regrets,” said Angelopolous. “It’s my final year so I want to go out with a bang, go undefeated, no points scored (against) – crazy high expectations for our team.”
It’s that kind of teenage enthusiasm, when coupled with dedication and hard work, that makes big things happen.
As they prepare to launch a new season – which sees New West hosting Mission on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Mercer Stadium in the annual Homecoming game – the duo talked about this year’s goals and the journey that led them to be leaders on a team deep in alpha dogs.
Surrounded by tremendous talents and strong personalities, Angelopolous and James are eager to stand on guard with their teammates in pursuit of the big prize, one win at a time.
In their minds, the goals and work that add up to accomplishments are part and parcel of what it takes to be a Hyack.
“We have our quiet linemen and then we have us,” smiled Angelopolous. “We want everyone to know who we are, basically. We’re captains of the team and we like to show everyone how it should be done, to be like family with our team. We just want everyone to be comfortable.”
“Speed and power is what I really like to use against people,” added James. “I don’t get scared when I go up against people bigger than me, because I know I’m probably coached better than them, that’s what I think of right away. … I think I’m pretty strong and feel I can play with anybody.”
Medallists on the wrestling mat last winter – Angelopolous a silver in 110-kilograms, while James a bronze in 130kg – they have a knack for winning physical battles.
As Grade 11s, they were also in their second season on the senior front, after doing double duty as Grade 10s with the varsity and junior varsity in 2015.
That year, they were key players as the New West juniors went on to capture the program’s first provincial crown. It gave the tough playoff losses in B.C. Place, with the seniors the past two seasons, deeper resonance. That’s something that both are eager to convert into a winning lesson with their teammates in pursuit of the big prize, one win at a time.
There won’t be any chance to take rivals by surprise, after the Hyacks were ranked No. 2 in B.C. via the varsityletters.ca poll.
New West head coach Farhan Lalji said the pair has made impressive strides as kids en route to becoming young men over the years with the program. They provide the gamut of skills and intangibles that are huge assets when the game’s on the line.
“They’ve got a certain amount of edge to them, both, in terms of how they play, how they hit and how they practise,” said Lalji. “That’s an important thing to have, because you can’t play football with a whole bunch of choir boys. But they’ve also come to understand their roles as leaders in the program and what that means, in terms of how we try to structure our program in the community.”
When it comes to supporting the offence, the pair are intimidating building blocks as New West shifts to phase in more air play into the game plan.
Last year, nearly 80 per cent of the offensive plays were on the ground, but Lalji has gone on record on how he hopes to get it closer to a 60-40 split.
But that’s a hard equation to reach when the quality of rushers includes Sammy Sidhu, who averaged nearly 10 yards per carry in 2016, Broxx Comia, Lucas Sabau and newcomer Sebastian Reid.
Quarterback Kinsale Philip, who took over the starting pivot role as a Grade 10 a year ago, gained invaluable experience and is expected to take a huge step this season.
Helping make it all possible will be those guardians of the gridiron galaxy like Angelopolous and James, who eagerly anticipate each block and stop like a kid on Christmas morning.
James, when asked which superhero he could relate to, picked a perfect lineman-esque character.
“The Hulk for sure. Because the Hulk is just a super sweet guy, but when he gets mad – watch out,” he said with a laugh.
For Angelopolous, his choice would be a unique addition to any football line.
“Spiderman – I love Spiderman. The web, you get to fly, you’re strong and fast,” replied Angelopolous. “Everyone loves Spiderman.”
They also bring the noise – whether it’s in pregame prep music or just vocal outbursts in support of their teammates. Lalji said it’s a characteristic that, while often seen from flashy offensive players and demonstrative defensive backs, the two linemen wear well.
“As people, they are a lot of fun to be around, they really are,” he said. “They are very energetic, they’ve got good personalities and I appreciate just having conversations with them, even if it’s not me instructing them.”
New West wrapped up its two-game series with U.S. competition last week, falling 51-14 to Scappoose, Oregon. The squad rested many regulars in preparation for tomorrow’s Homecoming Game.