Playing from behind isn’t a habit you want to repeat often.
But the New Westminster Hyacks launch the playoffs with another layer of experience as they work towards a big run.
New West topped the defending AAA football champion South Delta Sun Devils with 20 points over the final half en route to a 35-24 victory Friday.
The win clinched third place in the Western Conference and set them up against Handsworth on Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Mercer Stadium in the playoff opener.
“This is the best we’ve performed and executed our game plan since 2009,” remarked Hyacks head coach Farhan Lalji. “We have all the elements working together: the blocking, a balanced attack, we’ve rushed for over 2,400 yards and averaged 35 points per game.”
The best part was how New West stepped it up another level in the second half – a sign the coach was hoping to see before the playoffs.
“That was something we really needed. We haven’t been very good in the second half this year… We wanted to build momentum and push it, and that was the big emphasis the whole week.”
Trailing 21-15 at the half, New West honed their rally caps led by Jordan Guzman’s 24-yard touchdown that propelled the Hyacks ahead 22-21.
While the Sun Devils replied with a field goal, New West quarterback Jamie Shiho showed that his three-week sabbatical due to injury hadn’t slowed him down. He scampered in from 40 yards to put the Hyacks ahead 28-24. Shiho followed that with a 21-yard TD run.
“(Shiho) ran the ball very well and made smart decisions,” noted Lalji. “Jamie showed a lot of poise. We were able to complete the passes we needed.”
Also scoring were David Penalver, on a 10-yard run, and Jeff Lugtu, who caught a 37-yard pass.
Now comes Handsworth.
At 4-1, the North Vancouver school finished tied in the Pacific Conference for second place. That they played in a comparatively easier division shouldn’t take away from their dangerous nature, said Lalji.
“We’re familiar with what they do and they know what we do. … Handsworth throws a lot of screen plays and (receiver Jacob Ghazizadeh) is a difference maker for them."
Ghazizadeh caught 22 passes for 403 yards over five games, averaging 80.6 yards a game. He also scored eight touchdowns. Handsworth quarterback Sam Tholl, meanwhile, posted B.C.-leading 67.4 per cent completion rate with 62 of 92 attempts, and 14 majors.
While the offensive numbers are impressive, Lalji noted the North Shore squad’s defence is also a puzzle to solve.
“We will not look past Handsworth. We haven’t had enough playoff success the last few years to overlook anyone,” said Lalji.
Kickoff time is 7:30, Friday at Mercer Stadium.
• The Western Conference all-stars were announced, and six New West players were named.
Linebacker Jeff Lugtu led the way, with a team-high 42 tackles and three sacks. Safety David Penalver, offensive lineman Sunny Rishi, defensive lineman Dillon Cusker, wide receiver Michael Thind and Shiho were also selected. Earning an honourable mention was Gurvir Ghuman.
