When it comes to playing against the provincial elite gridiron programs this season, the New Westminster Hyacks have showed they are contenders.
It’s just contending for a full 48-minute game that is the issue.
The Hyacks ran up against the powerhouse Vancouver College Fighting Irish on Friday and came away with a deceiving 49-21 loss in senior AAA football.
Although the final score was of the lopsided variety, New Westminster coach Farhan Lalji said the game really hinged on a handful of minutes just before halftime when the No. 5-rated Hyacks saw their 21-14 lead evaporate.
“It was a frustrating game (considering) where we were going in the first half,” said Lalji. “In a span of five minutes, we had one kid get hurt, gave up a long run and an interception.”
Vancouver College’s Jasper Schiedel tore down field for a 72-yard major, and Regan Oey pulled down quarterback Jamie Shiho’s pass for a 31-yard score.
There were few sunny ways for New West after that.
Although the two quick strikes put the Hyacks on their heels at the half, they responded and set out to remedy the deficit with a long march that lasted more than six minutes. However the drive fell short of the goalline, and VC proceeded to pile up the points.
“We put together a great march but just couldn’t punch it over, they came back and scored and the wind just went out of our sails,” said the New West coach.
Scoring for the Hyacks were Josh Olango, on a five-yard run in the first quarter, while Justin Swartz caught a seven-yard TD pass from Shiho. In the second quarter, Michael Thind caught a six-yard pass to give New West the lead – ever so briefly.
Shiho completed 11 of 21 passes for 82 yards, with Thind catching eight passes for 54 yards and Swartz grabbing three for 42 yards.
On defence, Jeff Lugtu wrapped his arms around eight tackles and added two assists, with Kevin Osea collecting seven tackles. Picking up five tackles each were Rochan Bhattacharya and Marcel Wang.
It doesn’t get easier for the 1-1 Hyacks. They now turn their focus to the Island for Friday’s game against the No. 1-ranked Mount Douglas Rams.
“Mount Doug has an outstanding talent, Gavin Cobb, and he’s going to get his (yards),” said Lalji of the versatile standout who has 13 majors on the year. “The key is how we respond to it.
“I think there are areas we match up well with (Mount Doug) and we need to play to our strengths. I truly believe there isn’t a team we can’t beat, we just need to play a full 48 (minutes).”
