By Hilary Angus, North Shore News
An Argyle Pipers player wraps up a runner during a recent playoff victory. The Argyle senior and junior football teams have both qualified for the provincial championship finals. | @meyrickj
North Vancouver’s Argyle Secondary is sending two football teams to provincial finals this weekend, capping off an undefeated season for both the junior and senior squads.
The senior team won a hard-fought game against the South Kamloops Titans on Sunday night, walking away with a 29-22 win in the AA provincial semifinal matchup, which was played at BC Place.
“This was an epic battle” said Pipers assistant coach Stuart Thomson, adding that it was a repeat matchup from last year’s quarter finals, where South Kamloops beat Argyle in a “double overtime thriller.”
After the Pipers maintained a lead for the second half in Sunday’s game, Thomson said the Titans got the ball back with 1:44 left to play and were able to score with 11 seconds left on the clock, bringing a 29-14 lead for the Pipers up to the final score of 29-22.
“All the Pipers were cheering their teammates on,” Thomson said, adding that their defensive co-ordinator ensured all his players had a chance to get on the field at Metro Vancouver’s biggest stadium.
Thomson said playing in BC Place was “an awe-inspiring moment for all the players on both sides.”
The undefeated Pipers head to this upcoming weekend’s AA provincial finals to take on the Vernon Panthers, taking place Sunday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m. at BC Place.
Ben Blewman (No. 55) of the Argyle Pipers senior team lays a big hit on an opponent during a recent playoff victory. The Argyle seniors and juniors will both play in provincial championship finals this weekend. | @meyrickj
Argyle’s junior team is also heading to the finals this weekend after a home field 16-6 semifinal victory over the Vernon Panther’s junior team this past Wednesday.
Thomson said the younger Pipers played a tough defensive game, locked in at 0-0 until halftime. Argyle took over with a couple of key plays in the third quarter, led by running back Nigel Clark and receiver Travis Lemanski.
“Junior head coach Milan Buljuncic always preached teamwork to his players and how most football games are determined through five or six critical plays,” Thomson said.
The players and coaches are excited about the upcoming finals against Nanaimo’s John Barsby Secondary, Thomson said.
“The teams have a strong rivalry and mutual respect for one another’s programs, as they were previous division rivals,” he said. “The Barsby Bulldogs offer a big challenge for the Pipers in the finals. They are a big, powerful team.”
The junior varsity finals will be played on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park Stadium at 4 p.m.
“This has been a landmark year for Argyle Football,” Thomson said. “Parents and coaches couldn’t be prouder of these young men. We are hoping for an even larger contingent from the North Shore, supporting their own, next weekend in the finals.”
The Argyle Pipers senior football team celebrates a playoff win on their home field. They’ll play for provincial gold at BC Place stadium Sunday, Nov. 30. | @meyrickj
Hilary Angus is a Vancouver-based journalist writing for the North Shore News. She can be reached at info@hilaryangus.com.
