The Pitt Meadows Marauders needed a comeback against Spectrum to win their way into BC Place Stadium for the senior boys football provincial championships.
There were two Pitt Meadows students at the beginning of the game, holding a paper banner with slogans like “Marauder power,” “bleed green” and a tombstone that said RIP Spectrum. The Pitt boys ran through the banner and onto the field to start the game, but it wasn’t until the second half that they were able to finally bury the Saanich squad by a 38-13 score.
It was a bright, sunny afternoon on Saturday, but there was a cloud over Pitt Secondary as the Marauders trailed 13-6. Spectrum was airing it out, and took the lead with scores on two big passing plays.
It was a rare bit of adversity for Pitt, who have had their way with the Tier II Varsity circuit this season, and went undefeated in league play.
“It was the first time we had been down at the half in a game this year,” said head coach Matt Todd. “I challenged the team at half time, and they came through with probably the best half they have played all year.
On offence, Pitt struggled through the first half, unable to put the ball in the end zone. The second half was a different story, as the Marauders scored 32 unanswered points.
Unstoppable running back Brandon Hunt rushed for 185 yards and had three touchdowns. Reece Hansford had a 75 receiving touchdown from quarterback Tato Ferreyro, and the QB also had a rushing touchdown.
“We give up some big passing plays in the first half, but our defensive backs stepped up and picked off Spectrum’s quarterback four times in the half.”
He added that Pitt’s interior defence of players were strong all game, holding the Thunder to under 50 yards rushing. That effort was led by Cody Driver, Giovanni Manu, Hayden Barton and William Bartolo.
“I am proud of how our team came out and played in the second half. They have showed improvement each game and again this week we have gotten better,” said Todd.
The Marauders play Saturday at The Dome, at 9:30 a.m. Facing Eric Hamber in the finals. It’s the second time a Marauders team has been in the finals. The last time was the second year of the program in 2008.
“We have two coaches on our coaching staff who were part of that JV (junior) team that lost. They want to make sure they are the winning side this time.”