A Hurricane touched down in Hugh Boyd Park last Friday and the host Trojans were unable to stop it.

But the local high school AA football team’s effort against third-ranked Rick Hansen of Abbotsford was enough that, despite a 28-21 loss, Hugh Boyd coach Bruce Haddow had high praise for his players.

“We’re not happy we lost of course, but we played even against a good team, “ Haddow said.

What impressed him even more was the disappointment his players demonstrated after the loss, particularly quarterback Branden Rubinstein who thought he should have complete a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game.

The Trojans scored the first seven points of the game, a 65-yard quarterback keeper by Rubinstein. But the Hurricanes scored the next three touchdowns, two before the half and another in the third quarter. A safety cut the Hurricanes’ lead to 21-9 and the Trojans pulled even on a pair of TDs by wideout Sam Chichak and James Rafuse, but a missed convert prevented Hugh Boyd from taking the lead with about five minutes to play. Instead, the Hurricanes got the ball back and scored a touchdown of their own to seal the victory.

Besides praising Rubinstein for his heart and competitive spirit, Haddow also singled out Chichak, Ryan Reid, Aiden Docherty and Iolo Jimenez.

“Chichak (who caught four passes for about 150 yards) is deceivingly fast and has great hands, Reid and Docherty have done admirable jobs filling in for the injured Davery Roberts at running back, and Jimenez (only about 5-8) won his share of battles guarding a kid about 6-3 (against Hansen),” Haddow said.

The loss of Roberts to a high ankle sprain during the team’s opening-game win against the Ballenas Whalers has been a huge blow to the Trojans. Haddow still isn’t sure if the Grade 12 student will be able to play again this season.

“It’s not hyperbole, he is one of the best backs at any level—AA or AAA,” Haddow said of Roberts.

Without Roberts, Hugh Boyd is 3-2 overall (1-2 in league play). They will play host to the 0-3 Langley Saints this Friday at 3:45 p.m.