What was surely a disappointing end to a strong season for Carson Graham’s football team doesn’t come without silver linings.
While the team suffered a 21-0 defeat at the hands of Vancouver College on Saturday in the provincial AAA final at BC Place, Carson’s coach is praising his team’s dogged defence and excellent play throughout the year.
Vancouver College scored on their first possession, and made it 14-0 with three minutes left in the second quarter. The score held until 3:49 left in the game when Vancouver College scored a final touchdown.
“Our defence forced VC to earn every yard and played extremely physical,” said Carson head coach Brian Brady, adding that his team's offence wasn’t able to find any traction throughout the game.
“Vancouver College’s defence was prepared and more aggressive,” he said.
With 15 tackles, Carson’s Ryan Barber won Lineman of the Game. Breylon McCuller had eight tackles and Ethan Samuels had seven.
On offence, quarterback Liam Marshall threw for 89 yards, adding 14 carries for 73 yards.
This year, the Eagles accomplished a lot as a team, coach Brady said.
“Our conference, with traditional powers such as Vancouver College, Notre Dame, and Mt. Douglas, is widely recognized as one of the top conferences in Canada,” he said. “We finished 6-1 in this conference including a cross-over league play win against another traditional power, St. Thomas More.”
Playoff wins against South Delta and GW Graham were also “tremendous” team moments, Brady said.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s team. We had an absolutely phenomenal group of seniors, and our younger players took great strides toward being impact players,” he said. “I’m most proud of the ownership players took for our culture in their selflessness, effort and attitude.”
At the season’s end, four Carson players were recognized as AAA Provincial All-Stars: wide receiver Fin Nemeth, flex/wide receiver Eric Town, linebacker Breylon McCuller, and Marshall, who was named offensive MVP. Offensive lineman Oscar Lopez, defensive lineman Ryan Barber and defensive back Andrew Macintosh were also recognized as all-stars in the Western Conference.
