Tommy Robertson was nervous on Friday night, but that certainly didn't show as the Grade 10 quarterback led the New Westminster Hyacks to a 27-9 Homecoming win over the visiting Mt. Boucherie Bears of Kelowna.
Robertson, in his first varsity start for the Hyacks after splitting time last week in a loss against Terry Fox Secondary, had a mistake-free eight-of-12 for 101 yards passing and 16 carries for 67 yards, including a one-yard quarterback sneak in the second quarter, on his way to player of the game honours.
"It was really awesome," said the lanky passer who may have another two opportunities for Homecoming glory. "We had a great first drive that settled our nerves, and that was a good win for us."
That first drive was a nine-play, 74yard march down the field highlighted by the shifty running of Grade 11 back Aldrin Asuncion, who broke a 35-yard-run down the right sideline that should have been a touchdown if he hadn't stepped out of bounds. Asuncion made up for it several plays later with a three-yard TD run to give the Hyacks a lead they would never relinquish.
Asuncion would score again in the second quarter, from 11 yards out and would finish with 142 yards on nine carries.
"I expect to make big plays every time I get the ball," said Asuncion. "The win means a lot to us because after last week, we needed to play a better game. . And to win at Homecoming, that makes it even more special."
The Hyacks' final touchdown came in the third quarter, when Robertson hit Kevin Sabau from 13 yards out to cap a seven-play, 70-yard drive.
The Bears got their scores in the most unconventional manner.
Punting from deep in their own zone in the third quarter, Peter Briker took a botched snap and managed to elude the Hyack rush and scampered 90 yards up the right sideline to cut the New Westminster lead to 14-7.
The final two Bears points came in the fourth quarter after the Bears were stopped inside the Hyacks ten-yard-line.
The Hyacks took over on downs, but the Bears stuffed the Hyacks and forced a safety for the final score of the game.
Asuncion said head coach Farhan Lalji challenged his players during practice.
"We know we have to work even harder and we have to continue stepping up our game," said Asuncion.
And the 5-4, 150-yard running back had even kinder words for his quarterback.
"Tommy's a great QB," he said. "He was so cool today, and he started over a Grade 12 quarterback."
Lalji said it wasn't as simple as that, simply because all of the injuries his team has endured.
"After Jonathan Lopez got hurt, we had to move (backup quarterback) Serafino Gentile out to receiver," said Lalji. "The great thing about having Serafino out there is that he can help Tommy with the calls in the huddle."
Lalji was quite complimentary about the play of his young quarterback.
"Tommy is progressing well. He keeps his eyes downfield and throws completions," said Lalji. "He shows a lot of poise for a sophomore, and I think he is going to be a great one down the road."
Defensively Robertson also showed a lot of presence, with three tackles and one bone-jarring hit on a pass up the middle of the field.
Lalji said he was pleased with Asuncion's explosive runs.
"Aldrin's a really good athlete," said Lalji. "He's got vision, and he's the explosive edge guy on our team."
Other notable performances came from Gentile, who finished with three receptions for 45 yards and Tristan Sands, who also had three receptions for a total of 31 yards.
Defensively, Jordan Chin had nine tackles and two sacks.
"It was a good win for us against a team with a very good offence. I'm very pleased with the way our defence played, especially the secondary," said Lalji. "Eric Teng and Thomas Tse really stepped up at corner and were very disciplined in their assignments, and if they can continue that, we will be in good shape back there.
"There was another great crowd for Homecoming, and it was nice for our players to get a win in front of all of our alumni and fans. They'll always remember it."
Now with two home wins under their belt, the Hyacks hope to make it three on Friday at 2 p.m. when the visiting Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers come across the river.
"We will be playing a very big and physical Lord Tweedsmuir team, so we need to match a completely different level of physicality," said Lalji, who added that the early start will allow people to catch both the high school game and the first game at the new B.C. Place that night.
In the junior varsity game played earlier Friday night, the Hyacks lost to Mt. Boucherie 39-21.
Also during the senior game, a streaker ran halfway across the field as the Hyacks were trying to convert their final touchdown. The streaker managed to climb over a fence and was last seen running toward the Moody Park Arena.
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