Image: Joanne Hewitt / G.W. Graham player Ridley Mastin (#11) runs with the ball during Friday's remarkable 45-34 win over Notre Dame. Mastin had seven tackles and two crucial sacks in the win.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W. Graham Grizzlies

G.W. Graham engineers amazing comeback with 39-point 2nd half

Sep 16, 2024 | 10:44 AM

CHILLIWACK — It wasn’t just the pouring rain that threatened to derail G.W. Graham’s homecoming game Friday.

In a game marked by turnovers and big plays, the Grizzlies fell behind 20-6 in the first half due to a fumbled snap that Notre Dame returned for a TD, but G.W. Graham saved its very best for the second half by scoring 39 points in the second half en route to a remarkable 45-34 win Friday night at Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack.

Despite challenging conditions, the rain-soaked pitch set the stage for an unforgettable battle. The Grizzlies were initially on their back foot by spotting ND a 14-point lead at halftime. However, the second half saw a spectacular reversal of fortunes as G.W. Graham’s offense ignited, scoring an incredible 39 points. Running back Denver Adam was instrumental in the resurgence with 200 rushing yards, while Michael Blair proved to be a dynamic and versatile weapon by contributing crucial plays from multiple positions. The offensive line, anchored by standout Jayden Heibner, dominated in the trenches and overwhelmed the Notre Dame defense in the second half.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / G.W. Graham running back Denver Adam had 200 rushing yards in the Grizzlies’ 45-34 win against Notre Dame Friday night in Chilliwack, despite pouring rain and a soggy field.

Defensively, the Grizzlies found their rhythm, inspired by defensive leader Ridley Mastin. Mastin recorded seven tackles and two crucial sacks. He was ably supported by Zach Corrigan, who added four tackles and two sacks of his own. The Grizzlies’ defence capitalized on timely turnovers, with interceptions from Lucas Guard and Isreal Muteba tilting the momentum further in favour of G.W. Graham. Both turnovers led to scores that helped the Grizzlies rally from a 21-point deficit with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.

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The game reached its climax in a dramatic fashion in the second half. A sack fumble forced by Mastin and recovered by Corrigan sealed the victory for the Grizzlies, sending the home crowd into a frenzied celebration.

Reflecting on the come-from-behind victory, G.W. Graham head coach Mike Hayes expressed immense pride: “You can’t duplicate the feeling of that kind of win. I couldn’t be more proud of how the boys battled, and more importantly how they believed in themselves no matter the circumstances,” he said. “We have a lot to clean up defensively and are looking forward to the next challenge. In the end, it was a game to remember, with G.W. Graham showcasing resilience and teamwork to secure a hard-fought victory against a formidable opponent.”