Should the South Delta Sun Devils qualify for next month's provincial "AA" high school football playoffs, they at least know they will have earned it.
With four of the five Western Conference teams getting post-season berths, it sounds like a simple enough task until taking a closer look at the latest provincial rankings. Each school is recognized in the top eight, with fifth ranked South Delta beginning its league schedule Saturday on the road against the number three Ballenas Whalers.
The Parksville school features a high powered offence that has averaged over 400 yards per game, including 300 through the air with 14 touchdown passes. Its most impressive result was a one point loss to "AAA" opponent Centennial in exhibition play.
"We're going to have to be on top of our game," said Sun Devils head coach Ray Moon. "Nobody is a pushover in our conference and it's definitely going to be a tough road, especially when you look at the other conferences. Still, I think we have a good shot at winning three, if not all four of our games."
South Delta is coming off its biggest win over the season, a 6-0 triumph over previous top five Seaquam. Mitchell Dino scored the game's only points on a 11-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Kyle Menzies. Matt Jutras and Danny Stanger, with an interception, led a terrific effort by the Devils defence.