Image: Joanne Hewitt / The highly competitive G.W. Graham football program in Chilliwack recognized its most valuable contributors on offence, defence and special teams during a Sunday night banquet and awards ceremony this past weekend. Carter Dallas received the Most Valuable Player accolade from Coach Ryk Piche. Dallas, a wide receiver and safety who has a 3.75 grade point average, tallied four touchdowns, four interceptions and seven pass breakups this past season.
G.W. Graham football program

G.W. Graham football recognizes its best and brightest at awards banquet ceremony

Feb 28, 2024 | 6:23 AM

CHILLIWACK — The highly competitive G.W. Graham football program in Chilliwack recognized its most valuable contributors on offence, defence and special teams during a Sunday night banquet and awards ceremony this past weekend.

First-year G.W. Graham varsity coach Ryk Piché characterized the 2023 season as an amazing season of growth.

“I can’t say enough about this group of men,” Coach Piché said. “I’ve seen boys become young men. I’m super proud of you guys. I’m super excited for the years to come. As your head coach, I’m proud of what you guys accomplished. I know several of you are going on to continue to play at university or junior level. Keep making yourselves, your families and your communities proud. Thank you for the season that we had.”

The evening festivities featured a video appearance from Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace, and guest speaker Nehemie Kankalongo touched on the values of hard work, perseverance and faith during his remarks.

Following a season in which the Grizzlies advanced to the postseason playoffs, Carter Dallas took home the Most Valuable Player accolade Sunday night. Dallas, a wide receiver and safety who has a 3.75 grade point average, tallied four touchdowns, four interceptions and seven pass breakups this past season.

“He struck fear in a lot of receivers and QBs when anything had to come across the middle of the field,” Piché said of Carter Dallas. “I got compliments from coaches across the league, and I heard from two coaches that he was the best defensive player they had seen in the last several years.”

University of Manitoba-bound linebacker/defensive end Riley Ashley received the Defensive MVP honours. Ashley had 83 tackles, 10 sacks and 4 interceptions through 11 games last year.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / Riley Ashley received the Defensive MVP award from Coach Ryk Piché.

Quarterback Aiden Hewitt took home the Offensive MVP award.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / Aiden Hewitt, standing with Coach Matt Paisley, received the Offensive MVP award.

Place kicker Josh Seo garnered the Special Teams MVP honours.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / Josh Seo received the Special Teams MVP award from Coach Jeff Fraser.

Yapo Conteh, who will play for the University of Manitoba Bisons this fall, earned the Best Running Back/Linebacker award for his two-way efforts. Conteh averaged 9.25 yards a carry as part of a season in which he scored eight touchdowns and had 32 tackles on defence.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / Yapo Conteh, who will play football at the University of Manitoba this fall, received the Best RB/LB award.

Billy Hunter received the Best Defensive Back/Linebacker award.

Rounding out the varsity awards:

Inspirational – Grady Andrea

Coaches Choice – Christian Beck

Most Improved – Brayden Fraser

Most Heart – Logan Murphy

Best O-Line – Brady Munro/Jack Bowman

Best D-Line – D’Lynn Bardwell

Best Grade 11 – Carson Raine

The junior varsity team recognized the following athletes for their exemplary efforts:

MVP – Ridley Mastin

Defensive MVP – Jack Ekland

Offensive MVP – Denver Adam

Special Teams MVP – Malachi Gillespie

Inspirational – Jacob Stoneson

Coaches Choice – QB Rylan Parks

Most Improved – Lincoln Glenn

Most Heart – Lucas Guard

Best RB/WR – Noah Spaner

Best O-Lineman – Zack Corrigan

Best DB/LB – Wyatt Carstsensen

Best D-Line – Quinton McMillan

Best Grade 9 – Royce MacCormack