Fighting Irish Win Defensive Battle in Abbotsford, Advance to semi-finals

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ABBOTSFORD, BC — The Vancouver College Fighting Irish earned a gritty 10–6 victory over the #3-ranked Robert Bateman Timberwolves on Friday afternoon in Abbotsford, clinching their spot in the 2025 AAA Provincial Semi-Finals. 

In a matchup defined by physicality and defensive excellence from both sides, the Irish leaned on resilience and timely execution to survive one of their toughest tests of the season. The first half set the tone for a defensive struggle. 



Neither offence found early momentum, as both teams traded stops and field position. Vancouver College broke the stalemate with a well-struck field goal, but Bateman’s defence made every yard hard to come by. 

Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Regan Oey (VC ’16) noted the quality of their opponent, saying Bateman “showed that they are one of the best programs in the province…well prepared, physical, and deserving of credit for an outstanding season."

That strength was on full display throughout the game, keeping the Irish offence in check early.  Bateman struck back in the second quarter, scoring their lone touchdown of the game. But the Irish special teams delivered one of the game’s most important plays, blocking the PAT to keep the deficit at three. 

That swing would prove crucial, as Vancouver College began to regain momentum. The offence responded with a steady, composed drive capped by Grade 10 running back Rogan Bromley powering in from seven yards out to give the Irish the lead for good.  From there, the Irish defence took over. 




Special Teams Coordinator Ben Kolb (VC ’21) highlighted the unit’s composure under pressure, noting that the “Defence played outstanding, making big stops in key moments and setting the tone throughout the game.” 

Including a massive goal-line stand earlier in the contest. Their toughness would be tested once more in the dying minutes, when Bateman converted a fourth down near midfield to keep their hopes alive. But on their second fourth-down attempt of the drive, with less than 30 seconds remaining, Grade 10 defensive back Alejandro Lando broke up a pass in tight coverage, sealing the win and allowing the Irish to kneel out the clock.  

Coach Oey emphasized that those stops were the difference in such a tight playoff game, adding that “our defence made stops on critical downs, and that was the difference in the game.” 

Kolb echoed that sentiment, calling the performance a “gritty team effort” and a strong foundation to build on heading into the next round.  

With the victory, the Fighting Irish advance to the BC AAA Semi-Finals, where they will face the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, at BC Place. Kickoff time is to be determined.