G.W. Graham Grizzlies vs Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers

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They say offense wins games, but defenses win championships. Well, the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers must feel like they've struck gold because not only can their offense score at will, but their defense is able to stifle opponents. Both Panthers units survived an uncharacteristic, inconsistent first half to dominate the G.W. Graham Grizzlies in the final two quarters on their way to a 43-14 victory.

Let's start with the Panthers defense. Their versatile 4-3 quarters system challenges opposing offenses by offering the Panthers flexibility within their coverage and front structures to allow them to defend both the run and the pass with a multitude of answers. 

Their scheme is great, but better yet, the players within it are immensely talented. The Panther's four linemen explode off the ball and get into the backfield with ferocity. Their Linebackers fly downhill against the run but also show fluid hips in coverage. The Panther's defensive backs can play any type of coverage asked of them and play it with precise technique seldom seen at the high school level.

That Defense made the first big play of the game. On a third and long just past midfield, the Panthers showed a pressure look. With Seven players on the line of scrimmage, they brought the house.

As the Grizzlies dropped back to pass, immediate pressure affected the throw, and Panthers defensive back Tristan Ford read the Graham route concept perfectly and stepped in front of the ball for an interception.

That brings us to the Panthers offense. The three-headed monster of quarterback Chase Thurston, his favorite receiver in Jack Roberts, and  Powerful running back  Peyton Mansfield perfectly complement each other.

The Panther's offense scored three plays after that Ford interception with a Chase Thurston pass to Logan Wager from 10 yards out, and it was 7-0 LT.

The Grizzlies answered with a long drive and punched in a quarterback sneak from the one-yard line to tie the game at seven.

Later in the second quarter, Logan Wager intercepted another pass for the Panthers. This time, though, LT gave it right back to the Grizzlies after a fumble. Graham capitalized on their fumble recovery and, after a lengthy drive, punched the ball in again to take the lead into halftime, 14-7.

Down to start the second half with their season on the line, the Panthers didn't panic. The team adjusted on both sides of the ball, and the Grizzlies, who played incredibly well in the first half, had no answers in the final two quarters. 

First, Jerin Harinen ran the ball in from 10 yards out and tied the game for the Panthers. After a stop, the Panthers got the ball back, and it was time for their stars to showcase their talents. 

Thurston would find his favorite target, Roberts, from 26 and 20 yards out on consecutive drives, and in the Blink of an eye, the Panthers were up 29-14 thanks to their defense and their star players on offense. 

After a slow start to the game, Thurston would finish 15/20 for 167 yards and three touchdowns, while Roberts would grab seven receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns and add nine tackles on defense. 

With a two-score lead, it was Peyton Mansfield's time. The stud back bludgeoned his way to 120 yards on 13 carries and bled the clock out for the Panthers. Along the way, he'd find the endzone from 10 yards out and explode through the line of scrimmage for a 35-yard score, and the game was all but over 43-14 Panthers.

Finn Meberg and Tyler Jones had strong showings for the Panthers on defense, with 7 tackles a piece. Panthers Head Coach Michael Carter was impressed not just with his defense but also with all aspects of his team's second-half comeback.

"A tale of two halves, I'm proud of the way our players responded to a tough start," said Carter.

"All three phases contributed heavily in this win. We are thrilled at the opportunity to still be playing football late into November."

The Panthers will now play the winner of VC and Kelowna in the semi-finals with a championship berth on the line.