Rebels quarterback Josh Gillespie takes a low tackle from South Surrey Rams No.16 Shane Poberznick at South Surrey Athletic Park, Saturday.
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ShareNo-quit Rebels end year with bang
By Travis Paterson - Victoria News
Published: October 09, 2008 10:17 AM
Out of the playoff picture but on a roll, the Victoria Rebels came full circle, ending their season with a inspired performance against playoff-bound South Surrey.
The comeback win, which saw the Rebels put up all of their points in the second half in a 25-21 victory over the Rams last weekend on the mainland, was a byproduct of the confidence Victoria players built in a 31-0 win over the Kamloops Broncos the previous week.
“We’ve worked to get better every week and probably came up against a team that had already thrown the towel in (in Kamloops),” said Rebels head coach Paul Orazietti.
It wasn’t the most ideal season, but after a 2-6 start, winning their final two games meant they had met some of their goals and gave themselves some expectations and momentum to build on for next season, Orazietti said.
“It was a real positive way to finish,” he added.
Helping cultivate the growth was a decision by Rebels coaches to thrust rush-oriented quarterback Josh Gillespie into the starter’s role for the last three games. In doing so, they moved Kyle Carson, who had split the duties with Gillespie for the better part of the season, into the receiving corps.
Gillespie appeared to settle into the role and guided the offence with confidence, as well as rushing for 80 yards against the Rams and a team-leading 62 against Kamloops.
Both players have expressed interest in returning, said Orazietti, admitting that the picture may change if highly touted midget star quarterback Taylor Gudgeon of the Victoria Warriors brings his arm to the program next year.
Having wound up their season on the field, the Rebels took care of some off-the-field business Monday, handing out their annual team awards.
Graduating defensive lineman Rhandeep Dhesi was honoured as the team’s most valuable player.
The local product was not only a force on the d-line, but did an admirable job filling in for a depleted offensive line and is said to be close to signing with a western Canadian university.
Fellow graduating defensive linemate Tyler Wellman, as well as Rebels’ defensive player of the year, linebacker Aaron Crawford, were also scouted this season by “every university in Western Canada,” said Orazietti.
Cornerback and kick return specialist R.J. Cornish won rookie of the year.
Offensive player of the year honours went to slotback Tyson Takasaki.
sports@vicnews.com
