The Hugh Boyd Trojans are making their ‘Friday Night Lights’ home debut in a game that is expected to have playoff implications.
Coming off an impressive 42-0 win over Nanaimo to open Western AA Conference play, the Trojans will host the Windsor Dukes at 7 p.m. in a battle of 1-0 teams.
The North Vancouver school is guided by former Boyd coach Jim Schuman and also rolled to a 40-6 victory over Frank Hurt in its regular season debut.
Only four of the seven teams in the conference will advance to the provincial playoffs. The group also features No. 1 ranked Seaquam, while No. 3 John Barsby was upset 35-34 by Ballenas.
“You know that Jim is going to be looking forward to this game and will have his team super prepared,” said Trojans head coach Bill Haddow. “It’s great to be 3-0 (overall) and off to a good start in conference play but you have to keep everything in perspective too. With only four making it, one good team is not going to be going to the playoffs. A win on Friday will go a long way towards improving our chances.”
Boyd made the most of its trip to Nanaimo last Friday, utilizing the entire roster in the lopsided win over the Islanders.
Tariq Lopez and Reace Mok, with two, scored on short touchdown runs. Zach Jackson showcased his speed on an 85-yard gallop, while quarterback Tyler Moxin ran for a 12-yard major and also teamed up with Robbie Conroy for a 24-yard strike.
It was another impressive outing for the Trojans’ talented interior line, led by Dylan Roach with a pair of quarterback sacks and four tackles. Linebacker Austin Berry chipped in with five tackles.
“You always feel fortunate coming back with a win,” added Haddow. “It’s just not a natural day for the kids and, over the years, I can’t even tell you how many times you come back wondering what happened. We once again got the opportunity to see what our young kids can do as well on both sides of the ball. We know that’s going to change with our opponents getting tougher, starting Friday.”
