The Sounders' nearly perfect football season stirred the kind of emotion usually restricted to desperation Hail Mary passes and last-second field goal deciders.
And that passion was palpable as nearly 60 players, coaches, parents and school staff hooted and hollered through the team's awards ceremony at Howe Sound Secondary on Thursday (Jan. 7).
After years of struggling with short rosters, the Sounders put together a 39-player, six-coach team that was committed to practising as hard as they played, pulling off a perfect 6-0 regular season before losing to Burnaby's Moscrop Secondary in November's provincial semi-final.
The team is looking to build a dynasty that will change the reputation of 麻豆社国产high school football. And it all grew from a high level of commitment and a strong drive to improve, said linebacker and defensive player of the year Donovan Patar.
"This is the best commitment I've ever seen and that's what makes a team," said Patar, who led the Sounders with 22 tackles over the regular season.
"We used to have 麻豆社国产football where like 12 people, 20 people, was a lot. But now we have a new definition for 麻豆社国产football and I want everyone to keep that going starting from this year on."
With the majority of players going into Grade 11 and 12 next year, Howe Sound is in great shape to continue its dominance in the BC High School Football Association's Tier 2 Varsity division. Its triple threat offence consisting of Cory Constantin, Nolan Prevost and Anthony Wuster remains intact and all three players received awards on Thursday.
Running back Constantin, who led the league with more than 1,000 yards rushing in five games, was named offensive player of the year and most valuable player. In keeping with the Sounders' tendency of propping each other up, Constantin attributed his success to his teammates.
"All I've got to say o-linemen," he said to loud cheers.
Fellow running back Wuster received the unsung hero award and quarterback Prevost was named the most sportsmanlike player. Wuster finished fifth in the league with 506 yards rushing and Prevost finished eighth with 303 yards rushing.
Rookie of the year honours went to Ryan Marquette while Tom Harry and Dylan Marquette shared the most improved player award. Harry finished the season with 21 tackles and Dylan Marquette tied Patar for second in the league with three quarterback sacks.
Raffy Guda received the lineman of the year award.
Although eight players were singled out at the awards night, head coach Rob Ryan said every player contributed to the successful season.
"It's been a huge honour and a privilege. To me, it's like I've got another 39 kids. You've become part of my family and part of my thought process each and every day," he said.
"This team has risen and stepped ahead of any football team that has ever set foot on a field for Howe Sound, and that is something to be tremendously proud of."
Ryan also thanked his coaching staff, which consists of Jim Errington, Mario Chartrand, Cody Smith, Herc Davis and Andrew Stevens.
