The Hugh Boyd Trojans would like nothing more than to earn another home game for their retiring coaches. They can take a big step towards doing that on Friday afternoon.
Richmond’s only high school football team will take on the John Barsby Bulldogs at 2 p.m. in what is the final scheduled game on the Boyd turf for Bill and Bruce Haddow (see page 24). However, a win over the Nanaimo school could very well mean another home playoff game sometime next month.
The Trojans (1-1) control their own destiny for at least a second place finish in the Western AA Conference after a big 30-20 win over the Ballenas Whalers last Friday. Now, they will look to pull even with the Bulldogs (2-0) and hold the tiebreaker with a victory.
Last Friday’s result was somewhat of a breakthrough performance against an opponent that has provided plenty of trouble in the past.
Boyd showed promise in losses to top ranked teams Windsor (25-14) and Vernon (30-13) but still only had a 1-3 overall record. The Whalers were looking for their third straight win in Richmond, including a stunning 68-42 romp a year ago that knocked the Trojans from the unbeaten ranks.
The Parksville school surprised them with an onside kick recovery and took advantage of a major penalty to extend a fourth quarter drive that would eventually tie the game at 14-14. With the result very much up in the air, Boyd took over with 16 unanswered points — led by Grade 10 quarterback Byron Ruvalcaba.
He hooked-up with Isaiah Daniels for a pair of key completions, then found Zach Jackson for his second major of the night from 13-yards out. The Whalers provided some breathing room when a pair of bad snaps in shot gun formation resulted in a safety to make it 23-14.
Senior tailback Reace Mok then iced the win when he burst through a big hole for a 29-yard touchdown. Ballenas closed out the scoring on the game’s final play.
“This is a nice feeling,” said Bill Haddow. “We have been struggling offensively for sure and our defence has been hanging us in there. We have been trying to find some rhythm. We really couldn’t run the ball until today. We’ve been pushing the offensive line a lot (at practice) and they are getting better.”
The early season struggles producing yardage and points weren’t a surprise given the Trojans lost four very good offensive lineman to graduation, along with a veteran quarterback. However, they still have some game-breaking weapons in Jackson, Mok and receiver Shakur Lopez.
Ruvalcaba is already playing beyond his years and showed terrific touch on a deep ball to Jackson for his team’s opening score. He finished with three touchdown passes, also connecting with Lopez.
“I’ve been hard on Byron because I see his potential. I want him to grow, take charge out there and be an elite quarterback. In a couple of years, I won’t get to enjoy the fruits of those labours, I guess, but that’s okay. “He has a really strong arm and understands the game. He just needs to slow it down and make those reads,” added Bill.
The Trojans also kept the Whalers off balance by using the wildcat formation in several situations with Mok replacing Ruvalcaba under centre.
“Reace has been frustrated at times this season but he also demands so much respect from his teammates,” added Bruce. “When he is at quarterback in wildcat it is basically two running threats with him and (Austin) Berry.
“I was worried so much about this game given what happened last year. But I know we can compete with anyone, especially if our offence keeps progressing. I’m very proud of these guys. “
