South Delta Rams came through with a bronze medal performance in the U12 Division at the recent Football B.C. Provincial Flag Football Championships in Kelowna.
It was an amazing accomplishment for this group of seven players, competing in an age group that featured 27 teams.
The Rams opened the championships Saturday win wins over New West, North Surrey, Kelowna and finally Coquitlam. The impressive run put them through to the quarter-finals Sunday morning where they defeated New West for a second time before falling to a very strong North Surrrey squad in the semi-finals.
The boys bounced back in the bronze medal match to get past their arch-rivals, the Burnaby Chargers, in a very fast-paced and action-packed game.
One of the highlights of the tournament had to be the second game Saturday against North Surrey.
With a 5 point lead and a minute to go, Surrey scored a touchdown to pull ahead. The Rams grabbed the ball and raced to get one last play off before the final horn sounded. The ball was snapped and wide receiver Jonah Quarry streaked down the sidelines and got behind the last defender. Quarterback Hunter Norman threw a “Hail Mary” pass which Quarry juggled then secured and ran into the end zone. The Rams sideline exploded in cheers and it was a sports moment the boys and families will never forget.
Other highlights included running back Declan Dunn scoring several spectacular touchdowns as he zigged and zagged through defences when his team needed him to clutch up. Middle Linebacker Steel Bey was a beast on defence, flagging running backs behind the line of scrimmage throughout tournament and making circus type catches on offence.
Jordan Kupillas and Riley Smithhurst were high speed rushers that came up with huge pressure on opposing quarterbacks and crucial flags on defence when it was needed the most. Wide receivers Payton Hornbrook and Quarry tore apart defences, making incredible catches thrown from standout Norman who also patrolled the backfield as safety and made several interceptions.
Helping the Rams qualify for the provincials, but unable to participate in the tournament, were Cailean Ouellette and Sam Sarkissian. Both boys are great players and were missed by their teammates. The team was coached by Jon Bey and Trevor Norman.
The boys will now rest for a few weeks before their tackle season begins in mid-July. They will be suiting up for the Pee Wee Rams who are once again expected to challenge for the provincial title.
Registration for the 2014 football season is now open and new players are welcomed. If you think you have the grit, the heart, the desire and are built Ram tough, then contact the Rams at www.sdramsfootball.com and get ready for an amazing season.