Image: Evan Tiessen / With Ben McKay (#76) blocking, Ridley Mastin (#11) of G.W. Graham carries the football during Friday night's incredible 31-30 victory over Carson Graham of North Vancouver.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W. Graham Football

G.W. Graham gears up for quarterfinals after thrilling comeback to win wild card playoff

Nov 13, 2024 | 12:04 PM

CHILLIWACK — In a nail-biting battle of the Grahams, the G.W. Graham senior varsity football team delivered an improbable comeback at home that completely defied the odds.

Grade 10 quarterback Lincoln Boyd threw for 144 yards, and Ridley Mastin bulldozed his way for 152 rushing yards, as the Grizzlies came back from a two-touchdown second half deficit to narrowly defeat North Vancouver’s Carson Graham 31-30 in a wild card playoff game Friday night at Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack.

Leading the Grizzlies’ offence, Boyd showed poise beyond his years by completing 15 of 25 passes. Boyd’s reliable arm and decision-making helped the Grizzlies inch closer to victory, but it was the powerful ground game that truly opened things up.

Image: Joanne Hewitt / G.W. Graham quarterback Lincoln Boyd takes a snap Friday night at Exhibition Stadium in Chilliwack. Boyd, a grade 10 student, went 15-of-25 passing for 144 yards.

Anchored by a strong offensive line, Ridley Mastin bulldozed his way to an impressive 152 rushing yards, including a pivotal fake punt touchdown that shifted the game’s momentum. Mastin also came through with a crucial two-point conversion, which ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in the one-point victory.

Damage to downtown public restroom

Public restroom in downtown Chilliwack repeatedly damaged, 'abused': Mayor Popove

1h ago

Voice of Hope for Kenya

Voice of Hope for Kenya to hold Christmas craft sale this weekend in Chilliwack

2h ago

Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove

Mayor Popove challenges B.C. govt. over housing targets when it can't seem to finish its own project

2h ago

In the receiving corps, Carson Raine was a reliable target, hauling in four catches, two of which secured critical first downs in clutch moments. Raine was also a defensive powerhouse, racking up nine tackles, with several key stops during the game’s tense final stands. The Grizzlies showed determination and teamwork throughout the game, battling back to earn this hard-fought victory and keeping their winning spirit alive.

The Grizzlies gear up for a quarterfinal showdown this Friday, Nov. 15 against Lord Tweedsmuir of Surrey. Game time is 1:30 p.m. at Cloverdale Athletic Park.