The start of the season may still be over a week away but the Terry Fox Ravens and Centennial Centaurs varsity football squads already look to be in mid-season form.
The Ravens easily handled the West Vancouver Highlanders 42-7 in an exhibition match Friday at the Fox Oval.
Quarterback Connor McKee picked up right where he left off last year when he guided the junior Ravens to a perfect 12-0 record and provincial championship. McKee connected with receiver Jason Shamatutu for touchdown strikes on Terry Fox's first three possessions, with Shamatutu hauling in passes of 47, 42 and 22 yards. Jericho Mendez rambled in for a 30-yard score to give the Ravens a 27-0 lead before the end of the first quarter.
Many of the Ravens' starters began to come out of the game in the second quarter, giving coaches a chance to evaluate some of the team's depth. Kyle Deugau carried it in from seven yards out to help the Ravens to a 35-7 halftime lead. McKee connected with Adrial Sellers for the only scoring of a sloppy and penalty-filled second half.
McKee finished the day completing seven of nine attempts for 142 yards and four touchdowns, while picking up 28 yards on the ground. Keishon Ross led the Ravens' rushing attack, gaining 111 yards on 10 carries.
Deugau led the defence with seven tackles and two assists, while Brad Peters and Jordan Seney each recorded a sack. Nick Agnoletto picked off a Highlanders pass, with Pedro Vasquez and Mike Beck each recovering a fumble.
In other exhibition varsity action, the Centennial Centaurs blanked the Seaquam Seahawks 38-0 in Delta.
J.P. Kalambay converted an eight-yard pass from Nick Okamoto into a touchdown while rushing another one into the end zone from 55 yards out. J.J. Jackson also scored on a 45-yard reception and J.P. Bridge on a 35-yard run. Okamoto finished the game with 115 yards rushing, while Isaiah Stewart reeled in four passes for 106 yards.
Middle linebacker Aaron Borg made nine solo tackles to lead the Centaurs defence that caused numerous turnovers and gave up only four first downs.
The Ravens, ranked No. 2 in B.C. AAA football, head to the island this weekend for their final exhibition tune up. Terry Fox will take on the two-time defending B.C. champion Mt. Douglas Rams Saturday, with the juniors also seeing action. The Centaurs are scheduled to head to New Westminster Friday night to meet the Hyacks.
