A last-second field goal lifted the Centennial Centaurs to a 28-27 win over the Seaquam Seahawks Friday night in Coquitlam, leaving the Seahawks coaching staff ecstatic.
The coaching staff at the North Delta school scheduled a preseason game against the Centaurs, who play at the Senior AAA level of the BC High School Football Association, as a test for the Senior AA Seahawks. And the 'Hawks, coaches say, passed that test.
"Some people may look at a 28-27 loss and say it was heartbreaking. Far from it," said Seahawks head coach Jerry Mullis. "Whenever we play AAA competition we know we are going to physically undersized so it all comes down to heart and execution. We’ve got the heart and we are improving our execution."
Seaquam trailed 19-6 at halftime, but outscored the Centaurs 21-6 after the break to take a two-point lead into the final minute.
Joss Yanciw threw to Grade 11 running back Austin Blum for the first Seaquam major in the opening quarter. Blum added another touchdown in the second half, while Yanciw scored two more majors and finished the game with 212 yards passing.
Rob Hodgins with 19 tackles and Fil Demcak with seven led the defense.
The game was the second of four preseason contests for Seaquam, and the last again Senior AAA opposition.
"We always like to start the season playing AAA competition," said Mulliss. "We believe that we need to test our players against strong competition early in the year. So far we have played four AAA teams in the last three weeks – two in controlled scrimmage situations and two in full game conditions. I am really pleased with our progress."
The Seahawks will be home against the Windsor Dukes Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Seaquam Secondary. The Dukes, members of the Senior AA Western Conference, will be playing their first game of the exhibition season.
Seaquam begins their Southern Conference schedule on Oct. 4.