The Centennial Centaurs walked into New Westminster's Mercer Stadium seeking to avenge a season-opening loss. They headed home Friday night celebrating a win that extends their playoff hopes.
The Centaurs downed the New Westminster Hyacks 26-23 in the opening round of B.C. high school football playoffs.
Centennial signal-caller Nick Okamoto powered the offence, scoring on three one-yard runs and connecting with Jay Jay Jackson for a 65-yard strike through the air.
"It came down to which team would get the special team breaks and the big plays," said Centennial head coach Simon Quinto. "Jay Jay Jackson scored a huge TD for us before the second half and J.P. Kalambay got us some crucial first downs on a couple of third and longs."
Kalambay finished with 95 yards on 24 carries as well as a 24-yard reception. Okamoto connected on 7-of-10 passes for 126 yards while picking up another 41 yards on the ground. Special teams also came up big for the Centaurs, recovering a fumbled punt on the one-yard line.
Quinto also credits the play of the Centennial defence which held the Hyacks to 196 yards on the ground and only 83 yards passing.
"The defence was on fire," said Quinto. "They have come along nicely and forced the Hyacks to pass the ball more often. Linebacker Jay Broderick made some crucial tackles while defensive end Saeed Hosian Ali was all over the field."
Hosain Ali racked up seven tackles, eight assists and was credited with half a sack while Broderick notched seven tackles and five assists.
The Centaurs will now take on the No. 2-ranked Terry Fox Ravens Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Percy Perry Stadium.
In other AAA high school football playoff action W.J. Mouat downed Notre Dame 49-23, St. Thomas More toppled Belmont 43-21 and Vancouver College outlasted Mt. Boucherie 34-21.
W.J. Mouat will now meet Handsworth while Lord Tweedsmuir tackles Vancouver College and the top-ranked Mt. Douglas Rams meet up with St. Thomas More.
