Our Grade 8 boys football team has now played six games in the NHSSA Junior Football Roster, where the team is currently sitting second on the ladder with a 4-win, 2-loss record. The performances to date have been very encouraging and the boys have shown vast improvement throughout the six games; both individually and as a team. The best attribute the team has shown is their willingness to play different roles and bring their teammates into the game. With quite a number of boys who are relatively new to the game and our this ‘team first’ mentality has enabled all team members to feel confident and supported. The boy’s ability and willingness to listen to instruction and fulfil their role for the team has been a highlight.

Round 1:

Riverside High School 42 def by Queechy High School 100

A tough initiation to the year, coming up against a strong Queechy High team at our home ground. With some of our boys playing their first game of football ever, the team tried their best but were not able to stay with Queechy. Sully, Rueben and Jake were solid 4-quarter contributors throughout the game.

Round 2:

Riverside High School 149 def Kings Meadows High School 6

Again, playing at home, the team found their groove from the start of the game, jumping out to a big quarter time lead that steadily grew throughout the game. Jackson moved to centre half forward and had an immediate impact, and Ethan was excellent across half back. Sully had another very polished game playing through the midfield.

Round 3:

Riverside High School 70 def Prospect High School 46

In our first bus trip, we travelled to Prospect High to take on their strong junior team. In what was an excellent and hard-fought game, we were able to run away in the last quarter for an excellent win. Eden was superb all day, Thomas swung forward and kicked 3 goals, and Sully was again a prime mover through the midfield. All players showed great resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Round 4:

Riverside High School 152 def Brooks High School 10

Once again traveling away from home to Brooks High, our boys jumped off the bus and went ‘whoosh’! playing a superb brand of football. Rueben, Thomas, and Jackson stood out in an excellent team performance.

Round 5:

Riverside High School 28 def by Queechy High School 71

Coming back to play Queechy High at their home ground, our boys were looking for an improved performance from Round 1. Although our team worked hard and were competitive, the Queechy boys proved to be too polished, running out convincing winners. Jackson was strong all day, Jackson was moved into the ruck and did a fantastic job; and Rueben was once again a consistent performer across the game.

Round 6:

BYE

Round 7:

Riverside High School 86 def Kings Meadows High School 22

With another away trip to finish of Term 2, the team was looking forward to the bus trip and taking on the Meadows! In windy and cold conditions, our boys once again got the job done in a strong team performance. Sully jumped out of the blocks and had an excellent game, kicking 4 goals, Jackson N provided a strong target across half forward, and Rueben continued to be ‘Mr Consistent’.

With 3 roster games to go plus finals, our Grade 8 boys are looking to finish the year off strongly and hopefully head into finals chock full of confidence.

Adam Sanders