“Gritality.”
It may not be a real word, but it’s what’s driving the Centennial Centaurs varsity football team.
Centaurs coach Dino Geremia said his players made the word up to describe their style of playing with grit and ability.
So far, it seems to be reaping results.
Centennial won a pair of pre-season games against AA opponents, sandwiched between a 26-14 setback to W.J. Mouat in August and a 41-14 loss to the Mt. Baker Mountaineers on Sept. 20.
Geremia said the taste of early successes have bolstered his team’s confidence while still showing them there’s room for improvement.
“The players can take away some positive performances and at the end of it we all walk away knowing they can do better.”
That self-awareness is particularly admirable for a lineup consisting mostly of juniors and sophomores.
Most prominent of them is Grade 11 quarterback Jacob Cusker, who's exhibited poise and maturity guiding the Centaurs’ offence.
“He has a high football IQ,” said Geremia. “Most importantly, he has a high ceiling and is willing to work.”
Running back Jaspar Baron, another junior, has a steely determination to move the ball upfield as well as a lead-by-example mentality, said Geremia.
“Younger players just watch and do what he does.”
Paired with senior Harry Lobay, Centennial’s backfield could be among the most potent in the Central conference, if not the province.
Other seniors providing the leadership to help the young Centaurs fulfill their potential include tight end/defensive end Adam Teglasi, whom Geremia said “brings energy and effort every play,” as well as kicker Noah Russell and kicker/punter/receiver Doran Geremia.
“We have some great players that need to grow and work together to achieve any success,” Geremia said.
“‘Gritality’ will be our focus.”
Centennial’s schedule (home games at Centennial turf field)
- Sept. 27 4:00 p.m. Belmont @ Centennial
- Oct. 4. 7:30 p.m. Centennial @ New West
- Oct. 11. 7:00 p.m. Seaquam @ Centennial
- Oct. 18. 7:30 p.m. Centennial @ STM
- Oct. 25. 3:00 p.m. Centennial @ Lord Tweedsmuir
- Nov. 1. 7:00 p.m. Terry Fox @ Centennial
Ravens' prospects looking up after winless 2023
After going winless last season, things are already looking up for the Terry Fox Ravens.
A 26-14 win over Langley preceded a trio of losses to South Delta, Carson Graham and WJ Mouat. But it showed the players a glimpse of what they are capable of, said Ravens coach Tom Kudaba.
Building on that will require minimizing errors and continuing to work hard in improving their game every week, he added.
Leading that effort will be seniors like quarterback Zac Golab, along with running back Lachlen Bruce and receivers Tristan App and Russel Arinaza. Another senior, Brandon Ferreira, will be a stalwart on the offensive and defensive lines.
“We expect to be a better team this year,” said Kudaba.
Terry Fox schedule (home games at Percy Perry Stadium)
- Sept. 27 4:00 p.m. Terry Fox @ Mt. Boucherie
- Oct. 4. 7:00 p.m. Lord Tweedsmuir @ Terry Fox
- Oct. 11. 6:30 p.m. New West @ Terry Fox (Rotary Sport Field in Maple Ridge)
- Oct. 18. 7:00 p.m. Terry Fox @ Seaquam
- Oct. 25. 7:00 p.m. STM @ Terry Fox
- Nov. 1. 7:00 p.m. Terry Fox @ Centennial
