After missing the 2020 campaign BC high school football is back on the field at NDSS and John Barsby. (NNN/DanMarshall)

By Dan Marshall

High School Football

High school football returns to Nanaimo

Oct 2, 2021 | 8:40 AM

NANAIMO — High school football is back on the field after COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 season.

There’s extra excitement among players, coaches, parents and fans to see the game back on the field.

John Barsby coach Rob Stevenson said the start of the season has gone well for the AA varsity and junior varsity squads.

“We have a lot of new guys this year because it’s been two years since we last played football. Everybody’s got to learn how to think like football players again and tighten up our mental game at practice.”

The varsity squad is 1-2 to start the season while the junior varsity team is 4-0.

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Stevenson knows the success Barsby has enjoyed over the years means other teams will mean they see the best from every opponent.

“We want to play in the big game and win it but I don’t want to hear guys talking about it. Functionally if you want to get there you have to up your game every day on and off the field.”

Stevenson’s brother Nate is the head coach at Nanaimo District Secondary where the AAA varsity team is off to an 0-3 start.

The NDSS coaching staff expected 2021 would be a learning year.

“I’m sure for most teams coming off the COVID environment it’s kind of a mystery what players are going to come and what kind of a team you’re going to have.”

Stevenson said his team has been coming together and improving but he’s more concerned out seeing his team develop than wins and losses with the group.

“Our goal setting would be how well we understand our offensive and defensive systems by the end of the year. Every rep we get on it this year just improves us for next year. We’re putting the foundation down and then we’re going to build from there.”

The high school season is very short with the schedule wrapping up by November 12 and the playoffs finishing no later than the first weekend in December.

Complete details and scores from on the high school season are available online at bchighschoolfootball.com.

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