Ranked second in B.C., Westsyde has provincial high school football championship aspirations

Westsyde sits atop AA Interior Division standings, with a record of 3-0 that includes the Panthers win, a 15-0 forfeit victory over Kalamalka-Seaton (1-2) of Vernon and 63-44 triumph over Clarence Fulton (0-1) of Vernon.

The Whundas will host a provincial playoff quarter-final game if they win their two remaining regular-season contests.

Salmon Arm (1-1) is scheduled to host Westsyde on Oct. 31. The Whundas are slated to square off against Pleasant Valley (0-1) on Nov. 7 in Vernon.

Westsyde places emphasis on strong offensive and defensive line play.

“Everything kind of starts up there and I’ve been part of teams in the past where even just one spot on the O-line or D-line is not as strong as the rest and that can just ruin a play right there,” said Andrew Hyam, a lineman for the Whundas. “Everyone on O-line and D-line has kind of stepped up a lot this year and it’s great to see.”

Jackson Reid, the head coach’s son, is the team’s starting quarterback and free safety.

“He’s stepped up a lot as a leader in keeping everyone motivated and in high spirits,” Hyam said. “He’s a great running threat and passing threat. On defence, too, he’s been making plays.”

The Whundas were scheduled to host their annual United Rentals Friday Night Lights game earlier this month, but the Kalamalka-Seaton forfeit ruined those plans.

Westsyde called an audible and invited Nechako Valley of Vanderhoof to town this Friday (Oct. 16) for an exhibition game under the lights. Game time is 6:00 p.m.

“These community events are super important to our program,” Stefen Reid said. “We’re 52 years as a Westsyde program, so there’s a lot of tradition and a lot of hard work that goes into maintaining that tradition. A big part of that is having our community rally around us.”

Added Hyam: “Our parent council has done a great job. They got all these bleachers. They’ve got a chili cook off. I think we’ve got an artist performing at halftime.”

A Westsyde community Facebook page notes Kamloops rapper Heavy Jay will perform at halftime on Friday.

Stefen Reid said the goal for his team since spring has been to play post-season football in the dome at B.C. Place.

The Whundas are positioned well to achieve that goal – and they have championship aspirations.

“I think we have a great chance,” Hyam said. “After our last game where we beat the No. 1 team, everyone kind of realizes we could do it this year.”

by Marty Hastings

Ranked second in B.C., Westsyde has provincial high school football championship aspirations

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