The Sports Corner

New West, Centennial, primed for rematch in semis

Centennial vs. New Westminster - McLeod Stadium - Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m.

These two teams played an all-timer of a game back in September.  It was a back and forth display of offensive might that ended 35-33 New Westminster. But much has changed since then. For one, the quarterback situation at Centennial went from the careful hands of Luke Williams to the electricity of Lemar Durant.

“Centennial is a completely different team with Lemar at quarterback,” noted New Westminster’s head coach Farhan Lalji. “He is an exceptional athlete that will require everyone to focus on.”

Durant has shown his ability to break off amazing runs during the playoffs, the word elusive doesn’t begin to describe it. Lining up next to him in the shotgun, running back Nehemie Kankolongo has been every bit as productive, giving the Centaurs a one-two punch that is unparalleled in B.C.

“The danger is to (focus on Durant) while still paying as much attention to Kankolongo, who in my opinion is one of the top one or two backs in B.C.,” added Lalji.

The Hyacks pose their own set of problems for Centennial to overcome. In fact, the Hyacks have been the only team capable of stopping themselves.

Their offence has been among the most productive in the province, churning out yard after yard, but turnovers plagued them in their only loss, surrendering the conference championship to Vancouver College.

“New West is a well-coached team with a great tried and true system to fall back on,” said Centennial’s head coach Kevin Phillips. “We will need to play our best game of the season on Saturday to avenge our two-point loss earlier this season and move on to the finals. We are expecting a hard fought battle against a tough, gritty opponent.”

When these teams met in September, Phillips was disappointed with his team’s production on first and second down.

“Today we really shot ourselves in the foot,” said Phillips after the early September game. “I can’t count how many times we were in a third and 20 or second and 15 or more.  You just can’t win football games like that especially when you’re coming from behind.”

This time around should be just as fun for the fans and as has been the theme of this year, whoever limits their mistakes will win the game.