Who needs a training camp or even a pre-season for that matter?
A late start to the 2014 high school football campaign has hardly slowed down the Hugh Boyd Trojans who needed just three weeks to clinch first place in the Southern AA Conference. Boyd cruised to a dominating 41-0 victory over the Frank Hurt Hornets on Friday night to improve to 3-0.
Richmond’s only high school football program got off to a late start due to the recent B.C. teachers' labour dispute. A two-week training camp was scrapped, as was the team’s exhibition schedule. When schools re-opened Sept. 22, the coaching staff had about 10 practices to prepare the team for its season-opener — a 22-7 road win over the Seaquam Seahawks. Boyd then defeated Moscrop before swiftly taking care of Frank Hurt, opening up a 24-0 halftime lead and easily avenging a tough defeat a year ago.
Longtime head coach Bill Haddow was cautiously optimistic heading into the season thanks to a small but talented roster that has a number of impact players. Now he is already assured the team’s first provincial playoff berth since 2011.
“We just weren’t sure what to expect with the quirky start to the season,” said Haddow. “It’s gone about as good as we could have hoped for but we need to keep getting better each week and make sure we are playing our best football going into the playoffs.”
A 24-player roster features seven seniors and even Grade 10 players that can make an impact at the senior level — so much so that program put the junior team on hold this season to allow the young talent age up.
Versatile Grade 11 quarterback Tyler Moxin has the ability to throw or run the ball. He was a receiver for Team B.C. at the International Bowl in Arlington, Texas last winter. His weapons include Grade 11 running back Gabe Saklofski who broke loose for 60-yard major against the Hornets, and 5-foot-9 220-pound Jacob Tubajon who thrives at H-back and linebacker. Austin Do is Moxin’s favourite target who hauled in a pair of touchdown passes in the win over Moscrop.
What allows the skill players to thrive is an outstanding line that intimidates with its size and ability.
Grade 11s Darby Kwan (6-2, 220 lbs) and Mark Hayduk (6-3, 310 lbs) are joined by senior Max Grenzberg (6-2, 250 lbs) and Grade 10 Dylan Roach (6-3, 275 lbs). The foursome dominated the line of scrimmage against the Hornets and will have a major say in just how far the Trojans go this season.
“These guys are always in the gym and love to lift weights,” said Haddow. “Dylan is actually a lean 275 who moves pretty well and has a good future ahead of him. We have a different philosophy at this school where we want the kids to stay in junior and have success at their own age level but this group can help the senior team now. What makes it impressive is they are also playing Bantam community ball too.”
Haddow warns his team shouldn’t get too caught up in its conference play dominance, noting the South matches up with the East in the playoffs this year.
“I can tell you right now, the fourth place (Eastern) finisher will be the toughest team we have faced all season. That’s where not having a pre-season worked against us. We had some excellent opponents lined up.”
Haddow is part of an impressive coaching staff that includes his brother Bruce as defensive coordinator, former SFU head coach and longtime Richmond resident Chris Beaton and former BC Lion Sean Graham.
The Trojans play their only exhibition game of the season Friday when the Burnaby Central Wildcats visit at 7 p.m.
