Even a driving rain couldn't slow down the Terry Fox Ravens.
The Ravens conquered both the weather and the Centennial Centaurs with a 45-0 win in the B.C. high school football quarterfinals last Friday night at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam.
"It was ugly, the rain was coming sideways," said Ravens co-coach Martin McDonnell. "Neither team could throw the ball. I think there were more picks than completions. The ball weighed as much as a bowling ball."
But neither the rain, wind nor Centaur defence could slow down Mike West, who ran for 249 yards and five touchdowns on 16 carries. West rambled for 68 yards to open the scoring and followed that up with a 17-yard effort. Kyle Deugau scored in the third quarter from seven yards out to put the Ravens up 21-0.
Deugau finished with 90 yards on 12 carries while Jericho Mendez rushed seven times for 67 yards. Jason Shamatutu and Nick Agnoletto each reeled in an interception, with Jordon Seney getting two sacks and West picking up a pair of sacks as well as a tackle for a safety.
"With the type of game we play, Friday night was just not our best environment to play in," said Centaurs head coach Simon Quinto. "We only attempted three passes all game and they were able to focus in on J.P. [Kalambay] and the running game."
He said the strong Ravens' running game took its toll on the Centaurs defence by the fourth quarter.
But Quinto was full of praise for the Centennial players, saying he was impressed with the dedication they showed for each other and the game.
"There was a buy-in to the system and a huge turnaround in commitment levels," said Quinto, who inherited a 1-5 team when he took over varsity coaching duties at the beginning of the season.
The Ravens now move on to the semifinals where they will face the W.J. Mouat Hawks at 7:30 Saturday at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium.
"They have an outstanding back who has just been killing everybody," said McDonnell.
Maleek Irons has been rewriting the record books in the province, rushing for 491 yards against the B.C. champion Mt. Douglas Rams last year and torching Centennial earlier this season for 462 yards and six touchdowns.
"We need to slow him down. Our defence has been stellar so hopefully that gives us a chance," said McDonnell.
The Ravens were able to contain Irons and the Hawks earlier this season in a 17-7 win Oct. 4.
Mt. Douglas will take on Lord Tweedsmuir in the other semifinal.
