Image: Joanne Hewitt, used with permission / G.W. Graham Grizzlies safety Carter Dallas looks over his back to check on any opponents during his pick-6 interception return for a touchdown to give the Grizzlies a two-touchdown lead Saturday in Kelowna against the Rutland Voodoo. The Grizzlies improved to 3-1 on the year with a 42-21 win.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

GW Graham Grizzlies

Defence powers GW Graham to a 42-21 win over the Voodoo in Kelowna

Oct 21, 2023 | 5:58 PM

KELOWNA — The 2-1 G.W. Graham Grizzlies might have had the same record as their host opponent in the Rutland Voodoo, but everything about their defence distinguished them mightily from their opponent Saturday.

GW Graham set the tone defensively with two defensive interceptions that were returned for a score in the first half Saturday as the Grizzlies rolled to a 28-0 halftime lead and finished the job in a 42-21 win.

The Grizzlies, now 3-1, had a 50-yard interception return from defensive back Christian Beck for a score, followed by a a 35-yard pick-6 from safety Carter Dallas. With two successful PATs from kicker Josh Seo, GW went up 14-0.

On the ensuing kickoff, gunner Tyson Jones recovered a fumble on the 15-yard line, scooped it up and scored for another 6 points for the Grizzlies.

Special teams coordinator Jeff Fraser said, “Special teams has been consistent all year, and coming up with big plays when the team needs it.”

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The offence started to click, and after a solid drive, wide receiver Grady Andrea caught the ball on the 1-yard line, and quarterback Aiden Hewitt punched it in for a major, as the Grizzlies built an insurmountable lead of 28-0 by halftime.

Defence continued to take the ball away with interceptions by linebacker Riley Ashley (35-yard return) and linebacker Owen Lal (10-yard return), while linebacker Noah Sandau had a fumble recovery, for 6 takeaways total, including 5 on defence and one on special teams.

Wide receiver Carter Dallas hauled in a 45-yard pass for a touchdown, thrown by Hewitt, and running back Grady Andrea ran another in for a 42-7 lead going into the 4th quarter. Offensive Coordinator Matt Paisley was pleased with his balanced attack, getting 9 receivers the ball, and 4 running backs.

Defensive coordinator Mike Hayes says he was happy with the “next man up” on defence due to a couple key mid-season injuries, and how his defence responded to the task at hand.

The Grizzlies take on the W.J. Mouat Hawks on Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m. at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Defence powers GW Graham to a 42-21 win over the Voodoo in Kelowna

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