JR. Varsity: West Van 16 - Handsworth 22

In the JV Highlander's last game of the season, we set our focus on playing a complete game. That means playing four (4) quarters of complete offensive and defensive football. In prior weeks we had lacked the ability to make key tackles.

Coach Currie notes its a little unfortunate that this had to be the final game of the year, because the team came out and put together a gutsy performance in miserable conditions. Those who watched in the monsoon like downpour will understand. It was wet and very cold.

The game started as planned by Coach Currie; take the opening kickoff and wear down Handsworths defence with the JV Highlanders power run game which has been picking up steam the last few weeks. the JV Highlanders were able to move the ball downfield taking up a good chunk of the clock before ultimately stalling out and punting away.

It was time for the Highlanders defence to prove that we could make something happen and we did just that. Two (2) plays later Lucas Haldane who was playing his first game back from injury made a big hit in the backfield forcing a fumble and turnover.

The JV Highlanders proceeded to march down the field, primarily with running back Ben Mason picking up big chunks of yardage and capped it off with Jay Armitage reverse for a touchdown.

Handsworth was not ready to give up and responded with a quick touchdown and out team had a battle on our hands. Down at half Coach Currie stressed to the team that we needed to finish out our season with a strong 2nd half and that were in this game until the final whistle.

The battle continued in sloppy conditions and we found ourselves down 22-8 in the 4th quarter.

West Van held Handsworth to a couple punts and forced two (2) turnovers in a strong defensive display.

West van stuck to their original game plan continued and continued to pound the ball on the ground with Ben mason and Joey Cradock each getting a couple of big timely runs.runs from

Nolan Zen capped off and nice drive after Jay Armitage ran to get down to the one (1) yard line. Nolan Zen executed a great QB sneak for the touchdown.

West Van were down 22-16 and if they could get the ball back with under two (2) minutes to play, they had a shot to pull out a great comeback and win.

the West Van defence stepped up big and forced a three (3) and out giving West Van a chance on offense to go win this game.

Unfortunately the clock just didn't have enough seconds left and West Van came up a bit short on this and fell 22-16 to a strong Handsworth squad.

Although the score wasn't in our favour, this was a game where the team can all hold their heads high.

West Van played with pride and a ton of heart on a day when many other teams in our position may have given up. Highlanders don't give up...we just try harder.

Coach Currie has lots to be proud of this year. The West Vancouver Junior Varsity Highlanders Football Program is looking very bright