Image: Joanne Hewitt, used with permission / G.W. Graham player Ridley Mastin (#11) reaches for additional yards during Friday's 36-32 win vs. Carson Graham in North Vancouver. Mastin caught a touchdown and recorded eight tackles in the win.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W. Graham Football

G.W. Graham extracts a bit of payback vs. highly-ranked Carson Graham

Oct 1, 2024 | 9:17 AM

NORTH VANCOUVER — The G.W. Graham Grizzlies were eager for a bit of redemption against a squad that ended its postseason in the semifinal playoffs at B.C. Place Stadium last year.

For the current batch of seniors who witnessed last year’s 36-14 loss at the hands of Carson Graham, this game took on a whole new meaning.

Although the Grizzlies got off to an inauspicious start by trailing 20-0 in the first half at one point, G.W. Graham put on an exhilarating show by outscoring Carson Graham 22-6 in the second half en route to 36-32 comeback win Friday in North Vancouver in the Grizzlies’ first regular season contest.

The comeback marked the second time in three weeks that the Grizzlies rallied from a significant deficit, showcasing an unwavering belief in their capabilities.

“Man, I just love this team’s grit,” said G.W. Graham varsity head coach Mike Hayes. “They never give up on each other and when things aren’t going their way, they double down on what they can control: their effort.”

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The Grizzlies’ offence came alive in the second quarter, led by running back Denver Adam, who produced 162 rushing yards and scored two crucial touchdowns. By halftime, the Grizzlies had trimmed Carson Graham’s lead to 26-14. Quarterback Lincoln Boyd exhibited remarkable poise and accuracy in the pocket by completing 17-of-22 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Image: Joanne Hewitt, used with permission / G.W. Graham quarterback Lincoln Boyd (#10) releases a pass during Friday’s 36-32 win over Carson Graham in North Vancouver, surrounded by offensive linemen Erick Hauser (#50) and Jaiden Heinber (#51).

Two of those touchdowns tossed by Boyd were caught by star receiver Michael Blair and one by Ridley Mastin, propelling the Grizzlies to seize the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Image: Joanne Hewitt, used with permission / G.W. Graham receiver Ridley Mastin (#11) elevates to catch the football during Friday’s game in North Vancouver.

Coach Hayes said Mastin was dominant once again across all three phases of the game, changing plays on offence complimented by a stellar defensive effort with eight tackles. Under Mastin’s leadership, the Grizzlies’ defence settled down in the second half giving up only 6 points. Fellow Linebackers Charlie Larson and Noah Sandau, both with eight tackles of their own, delivered punishing hits on the Eagles’ ball carriers, ultimately wearing them down and getting key stops down the stretch.

Hayes said the thrilling come-from-behind victory was a testament to the players’ determination, teamwork, and never-say-die attitude, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season. He hopes the Grizzlies can avoid an early-game deficit when the Grizzlies head to Kelowna to face Mt. Boucherie at the Apple Bowl this Friday.

“We need to come out firing on all cylinders next week with a strong start to avoid putting ourselves in this position,” Hayes said.