The landscape of high school football in British Columbia is showing promising signs of growth and vitality, a trend underscored by a thrilling championship weekend at BC Place and the emergence of a new generation of passionate leaders.
A Historic Victory for Lord Tweedsmuir
The spotlight shone brightest on the Triple A provincial final on Sunday, November 30, 2025, where the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers of Surrey made school history. The No. 2 seeded Panthers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the top-ranked W.J. Mouat Hawks of Abbotsford by a score of 26-21, capturing the program's first-ever provincial crown.
The game's climax was pure theatre. With just over seven minutes remaining and trailing 21-20, the Panthers' defense made a monumental stand. On a 4th-and-5 from the Lord Tweedsmuir six-yard line, defender Mekhi Mindigall chased down Hawks quarterback Elijah Black on a draw play, stopping him short and forcing a turnover on downs.
The Panthers then seized the lead for good with 1:17 left on the clock. Quarterback Chase Thurston connected with receiver Tristan Dominguez on a 25-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline. Defensive back Carter Gill sealed the historic win with an interception on W.J. Mouat's ensuing possession.
"I've been involved in this program since 2009 as a player and now as a coach, this is unbelievable," said an elated Michael Carter, the 29-year-old head coach and Lord Tweedsmuir alumnus. "It's a public school from Surrey... this is massive. These kids work so hard."
The Youth Movement Driving the Sport Forward
Coach Carter embodies a significant and encouraging trend within B.C. high school football: the influx of young, dedicated coaches giving back to their communities. Carter's staff features several young coaches, a pattern being seen across the province.
"The long volunteer hours and the commitment makes it tough. University, family, spouses all play a big factor in it," Carter acknowledged. "Generally, I'd say there's a willingness and a want to give back." This youthful energy provides a stark and positive contrast to challenges seen in other scholastic sports, such as budget-driven program cuts.
The commitment to providing a premier experience for student-athletes remains strong. Organizers continue to find ways to host championship games at the iconic BC Place, a venue that holds special meaning for the players. "It has a cool feel to it," said BC Secondary Schools Football Association (BCSSFA) vice-president Conrad Deugau. "It's where the pros play, but it also has that 'this is different.'" An estimated crowd of 1,500 attended the Triple A final.
Expanding the Footprint: New Programs and Participation
According to Jordan Abney, Executive Director of B.C. School Sports, the sport is actively expanding its reach. This season saw the introduction of five new junior varsity programs in Salmon Arm/J.L. Jackson, Valleyview (Kamloops), Seaton (Vernon), Kalamalka (Vernon), and Pleasant Valley/AL Fortune (Enderby/Armstrong). Furthermore, Chilliwack has plans to launch a JV team next fall, with ambitions for a varsity squad by 2029.
While overall player registration saw a slight dip this fall to 2,849 from 3,038 the previous year, the numbers remain significantly healthier than the 2,592 participants recorded in 2019. Advocates point to football's unique appeal. "Football is the ultimate team sport. There's a position for any kid," emphasized Coach Carter.
BCSSFA president Zac Kremler, whose sons played for Victoria's Mt. Douglas Rams, highlighted the sport's profound social impact. "There's something that happens with friendships in football. There's something you go through... I've never felt like what I hear my boys talk about."
In the Double A championship game earlier on Sunday, the Vernon Panthers dominated, claiming the title with a commanding 41-0 victory over the Argyle Pipers of North Vancouver. Vernon finished a perfect 11-0 season, outscoring opponents 287-47 over their final nine games.
The success of Championship Sunday, marked by Lord Tweedsmuir's breakthrough win and Vernon's dominant performance, coupled with strategic expansion and a dedicated core of young leaders, paints an optimistic picture for the state of high school gridiron in British Columbia.
