Vernon High School Football Teams Dominate in Prince George

Two high school football teams from Vernon, British Columbia, delivered impressive performances on September 26, 2023, during exhibition matches in Prince George. The Vernon Panthers and the Fulton Maroons collectively outscored their opponents by a remarkable 95-7, showcasing their dominance on the field.

The top-ranked Vernon Panthers, competing in the B.C. AA league, faced the College Heights Cougars and secured a decisive 48-7 victory. Despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, the Panthers quickly established their offensive presence. On the very first play of the game, running back Owen West sprinted for 52 yards, setting the stage for a one-yard touchdown just three plays later. West’s performance was stellar, as he went on to score three touchdowns throughout the match.

Quarterback Ayden McDonald contributed significantly, adding a 19-yard touchdown run to push the score to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Cougars managed to respond midway through the second quarter with a touchdown by Troy Weatherly, narrowing the gap to 14-7. Nevertheless, the Panthers quickly regained control, with West scoring again before halftime, leaving the score at 20-7.

The second half proved to be a showcase of Vernon’s superior gameplay. The Panthers scored on all four of their drives, with McDonald adding two more touchdowns—one rushing and another on a punt return. Backup quarterback Nash Steele connected with Ben Butler for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, further extending the lead.

Head coach Sean Smith praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We were shorthanded, and it took us a while to gel with some new players in the lineup. But I was really happy with how we performed in the second half and they responded to my challenge.” McDonald finished the game with 139 rushing yards on 10 carries, alongside 118 passing yards from 18 attempts. Rookie receiver Hunter Shalaby earned recognition with five receptions for 106 yards.

On the defensive side, West excelled with 10 tackles, and defensive lineman Josh Vandenberg made a notable impact upon his return from injury, finishing with nine tackles. German exchange student Johann Wolter also made his debut, contributing five tackles in his first football game.

In the earlier match at Masich Place Stadium, the Fulton Maroons faced the Shas Ti Kelly Road Grizzlies, achieving a commanding 47-0 win. The Maroons led 35-0 at halftime, reflecting their overall control of the game. Head coach Mike Scheller expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “This was a good win for our team. We played well in all three phases of the game and are happy with the result.”

The Maroons’ scoring included rushing touchdowns from quarterbacks Ryder Altwasser and Brandon Gotro, as well as running backs Caden O’Dwyer and Fin Holliday. Altwasser led the rushing attack with 67 yards on just two carries. The defence was equally formidable, with Chayton Kossowan leading with five tackles and two quarterback sacks.

Despite the comprehensive victories, Scheller noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding penalties that could hinder future performances. “We took way too many penalties and this will hurt us in the season,” he remarked.

Both Vernon and Fulton finished their pre-season with a perfect 3-0 record, while the Seaton/Kalamalka Sonics, also from Vernon-Coldstream, fell to the Blue Wave in Kamloops, ending with a 54-0 loss. The Panthers are set to begin their regular season at home against the Westsyde Secondary School on October 1, 2023, at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park. The Maroons will also host their home opener against the South Kamloops Titans on October 4, 2023.

The upcoming matchups promise excitement, with the Panthers and Maroons facing each other on October 24, 2023, at 19:00, further igniting local rivalries. Junior Varsity action is also scheduled at GVAP on October 1, with Seaton/Kal hosting the Salmon Arm Golds and Fulton taking on Westsyde.