The Grizzlies defence, in blue, lines up against the green-clad Colton Vikings during a preseason high school football game in Oregon. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Grizzlies defence, in blue, lines up against the green-clad Colton Vikings during a preseason high school football game in Oregon. SUBMITTED PHOTO

GW Graham Grizzlies face Colton Vikings in preseason football action

The Grizzlies made their annual trek to Oregon and fell 49-28 in a game against their American foes.

GW Graham’s football Grizzlies travelled to Oregon and suffered a 49-28 setback at the hands of the AA Colton Vikings last weekend.

The Grizzlies were led on offence by Logan Buchwitz, with four catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Colby Bessette and Grayson Frick shared quarterback duties and both threw for over 150 yards and a TD.

Jaiden Claassen carried the ball six times for 41 yards. Caleb Spanner and Andrew Locke had three and four carries respectively for 49 yards each.

Spanner, Locke and receiver Liam Dallas also scored majors while Ashton Young added four catches for 84 yards.

Locke led the defence with 14 tackles. Grade 10 outside linebacker Daniel King had nine tackles and two sacks. Claassen and Austin Forgues recovered fumbles while Buchwitz snagged the lone Grizzlies interception.

“We started slow but came back tougher in the second half,” said head coach Laurie Smith. “They seemed a bit sleepy after the six hour drive but they finished strong, scoring three of our four TDs in the second half.

“Because of the travel we were only able to bring about half of the varsity kids, and junior varsity players filled several key roles. We should be in better shape for the Holy Cross Crusaders.”

The varsity Grizzlies travel to Holy Cross (Surrey) Saturday and play their first home game Sept. 15 versus Prince George secondary (1 p.m. kickoff at Exhibition Stadium).

Chilliwack Progress