Five GW Graham football players helped Team BC win its first ever U-16 inter-provincial tournament with a win at the Red River Cup tournament.
The tourney was held July 6-13 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The local lads captured the title with a thrilling 34-21 win over Winnipeg West. Linebacker Jordon Breuker, offensive lineman Braydon Winger, defensive lineman Elijah Schellenberg, running back Billy Hanson and receiver Emerson Smith played key roles for Team BC.
Their crew struggled to find consistency through four round-robin games.
They lost 21-16 to Winnipeg West in their opener, then blanked Saskatchewan North 21-0 in game two.
They beat Winnipeg East 21-14 in game three, then lost 14-0 to Saskatchewan South to finish 2-2.
In the final, Team BC built up a 27 point first half lead, then hung on for the win.
“GW Graham was the second best represented program in the province after Mt. Douglas (Victoria) with seven, and we are very proud of our kids for making this highly competitive team and bringing home gold,” said GW Graham head coach Laurie Smith. “It sends a message to the other western provinces that the talent in BC is top notch. For us to have five players in that group is outstanding.”
Smith’s Grizzlies start fall camp Aug. 19, with over 100 Grade 8, junior varsity and varsity players suiting up.
The team’s next live action will be an exhibition game in Colton, Oregon on Aug. 31.
Get more information at grahamfootball.ca
