After a promising preseason, the New Westminster Hyacks deserve a little fun in the sun.
The entire roster of varsity and junior varsity players are currently in California for a week, returning in time for the first day of classes at New Westminster Secondary.
While on tour the Hyacks will take part in daily practices, while also finding time for two days at Disneyland, another at Six Flags, the world's largest amusement park, and an NCAA Division 1 football matchup between the University of Southern California versus Minnesota on Sept. 3.
The high school kids will also play an exhibition game today (Friday) at Citrus Valley High School in Redlands.
New Westminster is looking for big things this season from linebacker/ guard Jordan Chin, who has made much improvement in the off season.
Another player who has made big strides is wingback/strong safety Kevin Sabau, who missed much of August while on vacation to his native Romania.
Sabau had a big, 40-yard interception in an exhibition scrimmage against Rick Hansen last Friday and has become a very consistent blocker.
Lineman Derek Stagner will be lost for about a month with a shoulder injury sustained in the team's first practice.
Quarterback Tommy Robertson has looked very good on the JV squad, as has Prabh Bal, who was moved from fullback to guard. Bal has also made his presence felt at the linebacker position.
Newcomer Kaeden Hnatiw has been a welcome addition on the defensive line.
The preseason rankings came out this week with the defending AAA champion Vancouver College Fighting Irish in the top spot.
Mt. Douglas from Victoria and the always tough W.J. Mouat Hawks plugged in at the second and third spots.
Coquitlam's Centennial was ranked fourth overall, while New Westminster's 10th Avenue rival, St. Thomas More Knights, hold down the fifth-place ranking.
Honourable mentions were given to the Kelowna Owls and the Terry Fox Ravens.
The Hyacks will play its home opener against South Delta at Mercer Stadium on Friday, Sept. 9. Game time is 7: 30 p.m.
The team's annual Homecoming Game is scheduled for Sept. 23 against the Mount Boucherie Bears at Mercer Stadium.
New Westminster opens its regular season schedule at home against the Carson Graham Eagles on Oct. 7.
The Hyacks will play Vancouver College away from home on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Also on the exhibition schedule is a crosstown tilt between independents STM and Notre Dame Jugglers at Burnaby Lake-West on Sept. 9. The Knights will face the visiting top-ranked Fighting Irish at STM on Saturday, Sept. 17.
