Game of the week PREVIEW (BC): CFC50 New Westminster Hyacks take on Mission Roadrunners for Homecoming

The CFC50 New Westminster Hyacks will meet the Mission Roadrunners in a non-conference matchup this Friday, Sept. 8th at 7:30pm at Mercer Stadium.

As this is the Hyacks Homecoming game, you can expect there to be lots of fun activities – and distractions. The Hyacks have two games under their belt so far, the first they won 21-9 against Lindfield Christian Academy in California and the second they lost against Scappoose (Ore.) at home last weekend, 51-4.

“We had a number of kids that we sat down last week and all of those will be very excited to play on Friday night,” head coach Farhan Lalji explained. “Not just because they haven’t played for two weeks but also because we have a bye next week, so this will essentially be their only game during a month stretch. In addition, it’s Homecoming, which is a pretty big deal in our community, and for the seniors it will be their last chance to experience it.”

Coming off a 55-0 loss to Calpolytechnical school down south, the Mission Roadrunners will have to deal with the perennial powerhouse this weekend. With a record of 1-6 last season in the Eastern conference, don’t expect this game to be a wash as this team returns 11 12th graders and 9 11th graders.

“The Mission Roadrunners are going into their second season as a AAA football school after district reconfiguration. It has been a challenging move and we are continuing to develop players that can play at the AAA level,” explained head coach of the Roadrunners, Dan Jakobs. “The New West program is at the top of their game with an excellent team and a lot of depth. New West has the capabilities to create big plays at any time so limiting them is crucial. Film is at a premium early in the year so we focused on the basics such as tackling and blocking.”

This veteran leadership for the Roadrunners begins with their 6’1, 165lbs quarterback and captain, Hamen Gill.

“QB Hamen Gill is ready to have a great year so giving him time to throw the ball is crucial,” said Coach Jakobs. He added, “Linemen Robert Moore, AJ Kala and Eli Young worked hard in the off season and now have a chance to use their gains on the field”.

Gill says he is looking forward to playing in front of a great atmosphere and playing under the lights with his team again. He goes on to say, “we’re going to need a full team effort this game against a very talented New West team, we need to stay aggressive and play smart throughout the whole game”.

Also look for offensive weapons, Pavan Kalair and Josh Guitard to get points on the board. Lineman, Josh Aitken will provide leadership for his team on the defensive side of the ball.

“Mission is a well coached team with a very athletic QB and they are very capable of winning any game they play. We’re going to need to execute at a high level and get our game where it needs to be going into league play,” said Coach Lalji.

As for the Hyacks, lineman CFC100 Isaiah James will anchor the line along with teammate, Yanni Angelopoulos, and RB/LB CFC100 Sammy Sidhu and FB/LB Luca Sabau will be the main targets for quarterback Kinsale Philip.

“We’re starting to develop a very good rotation along both the offensive and defensive lines and that should serve us well this week and down the road. There is good competition and it’s keeping everyone fresh and hungry,” commented Coach Lalji.

In order for Mission to come out on top of this one, they will have to limit the big plays, give their quarterback time to throw and limit the turnovers.

Come early and experience the pre-game party and Alumni reception. Kickoff is at 7:30pm!

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