More flags than a shipyard usually spells trouble, but it didn’t hamper the New Westminster Hyacks’ voyage last week to Victoria.
Despite having four touchdowns called back due to penalties, New West topped No. 4-ranked Mount Douglas 29-6 in the B.C. capital on Friday.
Quarterback Kinsale Philip connected with receivers Finn Stark and Sebastien Reid for touchdowns, on throws of 35 and 25 yards, respectively, to bookend the offence.
“Statistics-wise we didn’t have huge numbers in the game, it was kind of a collective,” said head coach Farhan Lalji. “The defence did a pretty good job, we caught three interceptions in the game. The offence was all in, but no one totally dominated with a big, 200-yard game.”
The one major force, building on his recent performances, came from Reid. Each major called back was one the Grade 12 receiver/punt returner had his hands on, including two returns.
Lalji said that, as amazing that the flags didn’t hurt them, it is an area that will catch up to them if the practise continues.
“Our discipline also needs to be better. The officials did a good job and we simply can’t give that many points back as we get deeper into the season,” said Lalji. “At some point those penalties will come back to bite you.”
Philip completed five of nine pass attempts for 100 yards.
Also scoring for New West were Lucas Sabau, with a two-yard run in the second quarter, and Broxx Comia, on a 12-yard dash early in the fourth quarter.
Enjoying a strong game was Grade 11 fullback Michael Kingsley.
“Michael has been a really big surprise with us, he’s getting a lot of touches and big touches… He’s having those types of outputs when he gets the ball you look and say ‘Yeah, you’re running pretty good.’”
So far, the opportunities and necessity of going heavy in the run has been eased by the kick- and punt-returns of Reid, who averaged 36 yards per return over three games. It's likely only a matter of time before New West's backfield takes on a larger role.
"Truthfully, we don’t feell like we’re in a rhythm with our running game," said Lalji. "We haven’t had to lean on it as much, and haven’t had a game where (Sammy has had a tonn of carries, or Broxx a ton of carries."
New West now draws Vancouver College for their second of three straight road games (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.).
The No. 5-ranked Fighting Irish lost their regular season opener 25-9 to Belmont last week.
“Defensively, (Van College) has a real plan on how they want to defend us, more so than any other team,” said Lalji. “For them, they are always very good positionally, flow to the ball very well and tackle very well. We have to sustain blocks and play good fundamental football.”
