It may have only been an exhibition game, but it was a good finish to the preseason for the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers.
The senior varsity team hosted the Centennial Centaurs in Cloverdale Sept. 22 and pounded in 7 TDs on the Coquitlam squad, winning the game 49-0.
The game opened quickly for Tweedy when they struck on the first play of the game. Quarterback Chase Thurston unleashed a quick 10-yard laser to wide receiver Logan Wager who then darted another 50 yards to paydirt.
Nick Kawaza, senior varsity head coach, said the opening play really set the tone for the game. Kawaza added that he was “very impressed” by Thurston’s play. The Grade 10er was “a dual threat as both a runner and a passer against the Centaurs.”
Defensive coaches Michael Carter and Kyle Miller agreed safety Eli Melnyk, defensive end Kal Basra, and Grade-10 linebacker Peyton Mansfield all played exceptionally well in the game.
Their defensive play helped lead to the lopsided, shutout win, the two men confirmed.
Tweedy’s strong performance on the defensive side of the ball allowed their offense to stay on the field. As such, the offense completely wore down Centennial’s D with a ground-and-pound assault that wracked up hundreds of yards from scrimmage.
Tailback Jaxon Allan and fullback Eddie Aimiose each ran in two touchdowns.
The senior rushing duo raced through Centaur defenders “as easily as a politician goes through other people’s money,” added a jubilant Walter van Halst after the game. “(Allan’s) probably the best running back in the entire province.”
Van Halst is a teacher at Tweedy and a teacher-sponsor for the football program.
Tyson Galye—a receiver, DB, and placekicker—also scored a touchdown on a short pass from Thurston. And Galye converted all seven Panther TDs.
Brody Muller scored the final touchdown for LT on a hard ramble into the endzone.
SEE ALSO: Lord Tweedsmuir plays first ever night game on the high school’s football field
Friday Night Lights
Lord Tweedsmuir will host its second annual night game at the school Sept. 29 after hosting its inaugural event Oct. 14, 2022.
Last year’s game attracted a large crowd and was a big hit with the players on both teams, the school community, and the surrounding community.
“This match is a true celebration of the Cloverdale and Tweedsmuir football community,” said van Halst.
The football game with feature portable lights set up all around the gridiron. The school will have father-and-son DJ combo Randy and Canyon Lebedow running the music. There will also be a half-time dance performance.
“Many football alumni come back to support their program” at this game, added van Halst. “Fans are encouraged to wear orange T-shirts to support National Truth and Reconciliation Day and anything in green, black and white, the Tweedsmuir Panther colours.”
This year’s Friday Night Lights game will kickoff at 7 p.m. at Lord Tweedsmuir. The Panthers will face North Delta’s Seaquam Seahawks in both team’s first regular season game. The Panthers went 2-1 in exhibition play. The Seahawks also went 2-1 in the preseason with their only loss coming on the road in Bellingham to a Washington State team.
