W.J. Mouat Hawks Fall Short in 3A Provincial Final Against Tweedsmuir

The W.J. Mouat Hawks senior varsity football team was unable to secure victory in the 3A provincial final, losing to the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers 26-21 at BC Place on November 30, 2025. Despite a dominant season, the Hawks faced a formidable opponent that managed to stifle their high-scoring offense.

Throughout the 2025 season, the Hawks showcased an impressive offensive strategy, with quarterback Elijah Black and wide receiver Max Pratt leading the charge. The team set a provincial playoff record by scoring 76 points in the quarter-finals on November 15, demonstrating their ability to score at will. However, the Panthers proved to be a different challenge altogether.

In the first half of the final, the Hawks struggled against the Panthers’ defense, trailing 17-7 at halftime. The Panthers struck first with a rushing touchdown from Jerin Harinen, followed by a swift response from Mouat as Black connected with Santiago Llarena for a touchdown early in the second quarter.

Despite a blocked field goal attempt and several challenging third and fourth down situations, the Hawks were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Harinen’s second touchdown just before halftime extended the Panthers’ lead to ten points.

Second Half Surge and Narrow Defeat

The Hawks came out strong in the second half, with Black tossing a touchdown pass to Petrayus Lollar, narrowing the gap to 17-14. A significant defensive stand followed, allowing the Hawks to regain possession. Black then executed a spectacular run for a touchdown, putting Mouat ahead 21-17.

However, the Panthers responded with a field goal late in the third quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With less than two minutes remaining, the Panthers executed a time-consuming drive culminating in a touchdown pass, reclaiming the lead at 26-21. An interception on the Hawks’ final drive sealed their fate, marking their first loss of the season.

Black finished the game with an unofficial record of 20 completions on 30 attempts for 267 yards and two touchdowns, along with 58 rushing yards. Pratt led all receivers with 83 yards, while Llarena contributed 57 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, both Pratt and Blessed Simango recorded a team-high of eight tackles.

Head coach Andrew Harder expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. “I don’t think anyone else saw the adversity we faced all year, but our boys all faced it,” he stated. He acknowledged the Panthers’ effective game plan while emphasizing his trust in the offense during critical moments.

The Panthers’ head coach Michael Carter celebrated this victory as the school’s first senior varsity football provincial title. Reflecting on the significance of the win, he remarked, “This is massive. These kids work so hard, and the community has really been behind them the last few years.”

Carter noted the importance of containing Black, acknowledging his skill and the multiple strategies deployed to limit his effectiveness on the field. With this victory, the Panthers advanced from previous semifinal appearances in 2013 to securing their first championship title.

The Hawks’ journey to the final was commendable, marking their first appearance in the provincial final since 2011. Despite the heartbreak of defeat, Harder remains optimistic about the future of the program, highlighting the resilience and dedication of his players throughout the season. For further details about the game, visit bchighschoolfootball.com.