FOOTBALL

Haddow hopes Trojans reflect team moniker

By the time the November rain arrives, Hugh Boyd Trojans expect to be pouring it on in the hunt for the provincial AA high school football championship.
But between now and then, coach Bruce Haddow has a more immediate objective: molding the Trojans into a team that reflects its moniker - a hard-working unit that battles courageously.
"Quite honestly we're a little behind where we'd like to be," he says. "One of the reasons is because of other commitments many of the kids had such as work."
That being said, the Trojans still displayed enough grit in last Friday's season-opener on the North Shore to lose by just three points to highly-rated Windsor Dukes, 21-18.
"It was a conscious decision to schedule Windsor last week. They're the best program in AA and a gauge for the rest of the province. We needed to find out where we're at and where we have to get to."
Trojans have a bye this week and will use it to stage a mini training camp, Haddow says.
"We'll concentrate on fundamentals because in the end that's what wins football games."
The Trojans unexpectedly kicked off last season with six straight wins, but then their play leveled off resulting in an early playoff exit. This year, being a veteran squad with strong senior leadership, the Trojans are again considered serious contenders by the pundits. But it's smarts that Haddow feels will enable his team to take a run at the B.C. title.
"It's probably more important than being physical. I think we've got a lot of upside."
Consistency from the offensive and defensive lines, led by tackles Jimmy Sdrakas and Curtis Ureta, will be vital in the team's success, Haddow says. "Jimmy has worked really hard in the weight room and is the most dominant player we've had here in a long time. Curtis is right up there with Jimmy as a physical presence."
Linebacker Jon Knowles spent much of the off-season in the weight room dedicating himself to becoming a better player, as did defensive back Gerald Chu and offensive lineman Gabriel Sang. Along with Grade 11 centre John Robson, they're also being counted on to be consistent performers.
Offensively, the Trojans' fortunes are pretty much in the hands of rifle-armed quarterback Josh Neilson.
"We're looking for big things from him," admits Haddow. "He's a good one but he's an even better leader so that tells you something."
Look for wide receiver Naeem Datoo and tight end Oscar Bonilla to haul in quite a few passes this year, while talented tailback Mark Miyashita has
already established himself as one of the province's best.

R.C. puts the Rebels out front

Tailback R.C. Estaban ran for a 65-yard major on the first play from scrimmage Sunday, and the Richmond Rebels went on to blank North Delta Panthers 25-0 in their junior bantam football opener.
Estaban had an outstanding all-around game scoring another offensive touchdown as well as returning an interception for his third major of the game.
Fullback Tyler Cameron scored the other Rebels touchdown on a 15-yard drive up the middle. Quarterback Nathan Kishi passed to Richard Ho for the lone conversion.
The offensive line of Jake Mullen, Jarrod Nagai, Tim Taylor, James Hatch, Campbell McLeod, Ho, Cormack Brennan and Scott Hackenbruch controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game, said head coach Glenn Kishi, who is being assisted this year by a committee of Bob and Terry Mensing, Steve Evans, Earl Gelz, and Jim McLeod.
Richmond's defence dominated the Panthers allowing only three first downs. Safety Jeremy Epp and outside linebacker Estaban had interceptions and Ho a quarterback sack. A caused fumble by Ryan Bourne and Brennan was recovered by Tyler Laird.
Also shining on defence were McLeod, Hatch, Devon Atwell and Reece Mensing.
Rebels play in Cloverdale tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Raider line dominant

The offensive line of Arjan Bhullar, Kurtis Krumenacker, Michael White, Chris Bruchet, Ryan Fiddler and Jeff Franklin dominated the North Delta defence Sunday, clearing the path for the backs to score five touchdowns as Richmond Raiders opened the peewee season with a 34-0 win over North Delta. Game MVP Marcus Mullen scored two touchdowns and Warren Jacobs, Kevin Charach and Jordan Knowles added one each. Jacobs also scored two converts. Special teams played a big part in recovering three kickoffs providing the locals with excellent field position. Michael Stewart led a strong Raider defence which did not allow North Delta to gain a first down.

Bombers even with Colts

Tyson Still came up with two interceptions and Harry Sandhu and Chad Brown both recovered North Delta fumbles as Richmond Bombers gained a 6-6 tie in junior bantam play. Tailback Matthew Donovan turned in the most dazzling offensive play of the day scoring a 76-yard touchdown with less than a minute remaining. J.D. Boyle punted the ball extremely well all day, while other Bomber standouts included Nick Barnes, Kevin and Trevor Mackie, Hobi Santini and Kris Semple.

Spartans spoil Bears' debut

Richmond Bears came up with a stellar defensive effort, but still fell a few points short in their peewee division opener Sunday at McNair Park. North Delta Spartans, last year's Vancouver Mainland league champions, held on for a 6-2 victory on the strength of a a fourth-quarter stand. With the Bears third and goal on the Spartans' one yard line, QB Laurence Nixon attempted a quarterback sneak behind guard Jacob Dueckman but fell just inches short turning the ball over on downs. On the next play, defensive end Nebojsa Aleksic snared a Spartan running back in the end zone to capture the two-point safety touch. Aleksic was the defensive star of the game recovering two fumbles and making several tackles. Other standouts included Sean Davies, Nolan Bergsma, David Taylor, Kevin Lidemark and Devon Balderson. Offensively, Nixon was presented the player-of-the-game award for solid execution and some fine running. Other Bear standouts were running back Spencer Scheideman, Drew Still and Sam Dougherty. Lineman Dueckman was injured late in the game with what turned out to be a broken ankle. He joins San Francisco 49er Jerry Rice on the sidelines for the season.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

Jacques' hat lifts Sonics to victory

Richmond Sonics kicked off the 1997/98 Metro Women's Soccer League season in style Sunday, posting an impressive 5-2 victory over Ladner WACS.
Donna Jacques notched three goals while Vicky Brkich and Christine Pinder each tallied singles for the locals in the Second Division match. Sonics led 3-1 at the half and played a solid defensive game led by Rana Normand to preserve their lead.
Playing shorthanded, Richmond Rockets ran out of gas in the late going and were grounded 4-2 by M and J Selects in their opener at China Creek.
After falling behind early, Christine Wozny evened the score when she converted a fine pass from Elin James. Five minutes later though, M and J was back in front. Richmond again even the score shortly before halftime when Liane Cahens' shot found the range.
The Selects took control with a goal late in the second half, and an own-goal further dashed any hopes of a Rockets' comeback.
Richmond Raiders dropped a 2-0 decision to visiting Delta Dynamo in another Division 2A match.