The Barsby Bulldogs know that this is the point in football season where they have to play their best to win.
John Barsby Community Secondary School’s AA varsity football team will face the Pitt Meadows Marauders on Saturday (Nov. 17) in B.C. High School Football’s quarterfinals at the University of British Columbia.
"Physically a really good matchup between the two teams," said Rob Stevenson, Barsby coach. "We have similar rosters in terms of athleticism."
Pitt, he said, can move the ball on the ground or through the air, with one tall receiver in particular whom the 'Dawgs will have to cover closely. Barsby, too, has a multi-faceted game, though they will be without their No. 1 running back Brandon Parker, injured last game.
"Our defence is peaking at the right time, our offence is doing good things and we've been hammering away at our special teams," Stevenson said.
Barsby will also try to use its playoff experience to its advantage.
“We’ve been there before so we kind of know what to expect…” said Dexter Shea, Barsby wingback. “We take the mentality that this could be our last play. That could be our last play. There’s injuries and you never know what happens, so you’ve just got to give out your best.”
Stevenson said Saturday's game might be a little bit of a grudge match.
"We beat them in the quarterfinal in 2010 and I think they're champing at the bit for another crack at us," he said. "We like that."
GAME ON … The teams kick off at 3 p.m. on Saturday at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium. There are still $8 tickets available at the John Barsby Community Secondary School office whereas gate prices on Saturday will be $10 for students and $15 for adults … To read about Barsby's junior varsity team's playoff victory Wednesday, please click here.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com