The John Barsby AA varsity football team will face Robert Bateman in the provincial title game on Dec. 3. (Kelly Theresa Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Championship Game

Barsby Bulldogs look to win AA varsity championship at BC Place

Dec 3, 2022 | 6:58 AM

NANAIMO — John Barsby Secondary is looking to finish the high school football season on top.

Barsby will face Robert Bateman in the AA Varsity final at BC Place at 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 3.

Coach Rob Stevenson said the Bulldogs are looking forward to a rematch after dropping a 38-34 decision in Week 4 of the season.

“They jumped all over us early in the game and we came roaring back at half time and had the lead with two minutes left. Other than that nobody has scored more than 15 or 16 points against these guys all year.”

John Barsby will travel back to BC Place for a second week in a row after beating Vernon 36-14 in the AA semi final on Nov.26.

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Stevenson called it the players most complete outing of the season.

The coach said his players will need to have a consistent approach to win in the final and he hopes strong practice habits will carry over into the game.

“You just keep your emotions in the middle. The temptation is to think you’re going to outsmart the other team and add a couple of things late. We’re got a complete scheme and we’re going to add by subtracting this week. We’re going to focus on the things that are germain to our game plan.”

The John Barsby junior varsity team concluded their season with a loss in the provincial semi final 14-13 to Windsor Secondary on Nov. 23.

Stevenson said he was very proud of the year the JV squad put together.

“They surpassed expectations. At the beginning of the year with a roster of 25 kids, 16 had never played football before. Their work ethic at practice and their commitment was outstanding. They’re going to have a lot of sunshine ahead for sure.”

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