White flag! Final week of regular season

Despite being 5-0, many would have figured it wasn’t going to be an easy game for Moncton High to face Tantramar (1-4) who had won their first game the previous week. Moncton High responded by improving to 6-0, winning 49-18. Matt Clements led the way with three touchdowns, while Brett Power, Andrew Ryder, Matt Dickinson, and Brett MacPhee each had won. Jesse LeBlanc was successful on all seven point after touchdown kicks.

 With just one game left before the playoffs, Moncton High recognizes that even a perfect regular season may result in quarter-final elimination. Head Coach John Allanach said “We have to learn from the mistakes we made, work on them, and focus on getting ready for the quarter-final game.”

This game was on Friday evening. Tantramar then had to hope Harrison Trimble could defeat Riverview High on Saturday. Harrison Trimble was 4-1 heading into Saturday’s game, already assured a playoff birth. Riverview High, 2-3, could clinch the final playoff birth with a tie. That would spoil Tantramar’s playoff hopes.

Things looked good for Riverview High at halftime, leading 8-0. Harrison Trimble responded in the second half, winning 28-8. Head Coach Mark Teed credits his defence for the victory. He added “Our offensive line made some changes in the way they were blocking.” Quarterback Kris Brine had a five-yard touchdown run, adding a 17-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Pavlovic. Brett Robart ran 193 yards, and scored a six-yard touchdown, while Jessie McKay scored the other touchdown, this on a one-yard run. Jessie was also successful on all four point after touchdown kicks. Luc Poirier made an interception at Riverview High’s goal line. Riverview also fumbled twice in the red zone.

Grade 12 running back Yuya Agati had a six-yard rush touchdown for Riverview High. Stephen Daley was successful on the point after touchdown kick, while adding another point on a failed field goal.

Riverview High’s Head Coach Guy Messervier said “We’re young, but we can’t use that as an excuse all year long. We just have to put a full game together and we’ll be successful. We’ve got to protect the ball and play smarter.

Riverview High (2-4) hosts Tantramar (1-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverview High. The winner will clinch the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and attempt to knock off Moncton High in the quarter-final, as Moncton High has already clinched first place in their conference. The loser is done for the year. I disagree with those that say there are no losers in high school football. When one team wins a game, the other team is nothing but the loser.

MacNaughton attempted to improve to 4-2 as they visited Saint John (4-1.) It was MacNaughton’s first trip to the port city in seven years. To be exact, MacNaughton last played in Saint John on October 14, 2005. It was against Saint John High, with Saint John winning 29-26. This past Friday’s game was October 12, very close to seven years to the day. The game was close at halftime, with MacNaughton leading 7-2. They latter put it away, winning 27-2. Quarterback Greg Burdett ran for two touchdowns, while throwing a 30-yard pass-and-run touchdown to Zachery Thorne. Allan Carroll also scored a 50-yard touchdown, with Chris Stevenson being successful on three point after touchdown kicks.

Greg is no natural leader. A grade 11 student, he also punts and credits veteran teammates for good leadership roles. “We learn something new every game. This is only my second year in football so I’ve still got a lot to learn. Overall, we’ve got a young team so we’re learning together. We are getting better every game. We are even getting better from our losses.”

Coach Ed Wasson added “It was a good game for our guys. For the first time this season, we put together a solid four quarters of football.”
MacNaughton (4-2) meets Harrison Trimble (5-1) on Friday at 4 p.m. (Rocky Stone Memorial Field, Moncton.) The two teams meet again the following week in the quarter-final. Harrison Trimble can clinch second in the conference with a win or tie. A victory for MacNaughton would see them finish second and Harrison Trimble third.

Fredericton High (5-1) has first place in the Western Conference locked up. They defeated Simonds (1-5) 64-6.

Kennebecasis improved to 3-3, defeating Oromocto High 57-28. Oromocto High fell to 3-3 with the loss. Kennebecasis can assure themselves a playoff birth with a win or tie against Leo Hayes (2-4.) Game time is 7 p.m. Friday at Scotia North, Fredericton. Leo Hayes kept their playoff hopes alive on the weekend, hammering St. Malachy’s 64-0. Oromocto High can also assure themselves a playoff birth with a win or tie when they face Saint John High (4-2) at 7 p.m. Friday in Oromocto.

St. Malachy’s (0-6) have been outscored 241-18. It won’t be easy for them to win their season finale as they visit Fredericton High at 7 p.m. Friday (Scotia South, Fredericton.)

Meanwhile, Simonds (1-5) host Moncton High (6-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Saint John. Simonds is eliminated from playoff contention.

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