Image: Supplied by Joanne Hewitt / The Grizzlies will need a big game from defensive lineman and running back Yapo Conteh (#32), who is shown pressuring a Mount Boucherie quarterback in a game earlier this year, as the Grizzlies take on South Delta Sun Devils in a showdown this Friday. Conteh is an AAA Eastern Conference All-Star defensive lineman.
G.W. Graham Football

G.W. Graham gears up for playoff home opener Friday against South Delta Sun Devils

Nov 16, 2022 | 12:46 PM

CHILLIWACK — Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack will be a madhouse for all the right reasons come Friday night.

Not only is it the home playoff opener for G.W. Graham, but the Grizzlies have a formidable opponent in the South Delta Sun Devils, whose 8-3 record and big, beefy linemen will give the host Grizzlies a run for their money.

Kick-off is 7 p.m. in what will be the final senior home game.

“They are big and strong on the line,” defensive coordinator Ian Parks said in describing South Delta. “They have an incredibly talented roster and an experienced coaching staff. They’ve scored 221 points and allowed 183 points in a strong division (AAA West) this year.”

The Sun Devils have momentum thanks to a three-game win streak and a win in the first round of the playoffs.

“This will be the Grizzlies’ toughest opponent since their 28-23 loss against Vancouver College in the first week of the season,” Parks pointed out.

The Grizzlies haven’t played in nearly three weeks by virtue of Sardis Secondary forfeiting in the final week of the regular season, and a first-round playoff bye, but Parks is confident the extended rest won’t impact the Grizzlies once kick-off arrives.

If anything, South Delta’s balanced attack gives the Grizzlies all the more reason to work hard and prepare for what should be a thrilling environment and challenge.

“We are doing our best to stay game-ready,” Parks said. “Defensively, this is one of our biggest tests of the year. South Delta has a balanced attack and are well-coached on the offensive side of the ball.

Head coach Luke Acheson knows his players are up for the challenge and won’t overlook them as the Grizzlies have their sights set on provincials.

“The Sun Devils are a dangerous opponent,” Acheson said. “They’ve been playing really well against very good teams. Our players are looking forward to the challenge this Friday in this much anticipated, high-stakes, playoff matchup in front of our home fans.”