STM Knights vs West Vancouver Highlanders

Fri Nov. 18 at 5:00pm, Burnaby Lakes

The Fanatic spread line:

STM-14 vs WV+14 O/U 49

Final Score 35-13 for STM. Did not watch the game but I'm sure Carino had a big game for STM. For the Highlanders it was a breakout season with Coach Conn leading a 180 degree turnaround from laughing-stock of AAA West to the Quarterfinals. With a strong crop of Juniors coming up, the program should be in for a lot more winning seasons. As for the Knights, they move on as expected to the semis where they face WJM. Should be a fantastic showdown between 2 closely matched teams.


The Highlanders coming off a big emotional win over New West in the Wildcard round. They executed their offense and forced Davies to throw into coverage. The Highlanders face an even greater challenge this week vs the STM Knights. As for those Knights, they've won their last 6 contests easily against weaker opponents. A blowout win here will have many wondering how well they will fare against a formidable WJ Mouat team. The key to the game will be whether STM can control the clock with their running game and keep the potent pass attack of the Highlanders on the sideline. If Eker can break open for some big catches, the Knights could be in trouble. The edge goes to the Knights, the Highlanders have yet to prove they can stop a strong running game as evident in the Week 10 loss to Notre Dame.

STM Offense: RB Sam Carino has hovered low under the radar all season, but his contribution to the team's offense cannot be overlooked. Carino has quietly racked up a ton of yards over the last few games. When you factor in a soft D-line and LB core for West Van, it's easy to see where the Knights have a huge advantage.

West Van Defense: 2-way Standout Jesse Eker could be better on Defense than on Offense. He has a knack for the ball and has incredible speed. The Highlanders used a combination of an excellent pass rush and great coverage to shutdown the passing attack of New West. The Highlanders used Strength on Strength and won that battle. This time, they'll need their D-line and LB core to step up and make plays in the box or it could be a long game.

West Van Offense: QB Sonny Nelson and R Jesse Eker have the mojo going right now. The Knights secondary will be tested. Eker made the New West DB's look silly and Nelson was simply outstanding. If the Highlanders pull out the huge upset, Eker will certainly gain many votes as MVP.

STM Defense: Anchored by DL Brandon Tuason, LBs Desmond Singh and Nathan Pratrap the Knights have been solid in the box. Where they will need to be sharp is in the secondary to cover MVP candidate Eker. Late comer Denny Dumas will likely have that job.

How they got here:

Sun, Nov. 13 (3) STM Knights vs (14) Timberline Wolves Final Score (24-0)
Fri, Nov. 11 (6) New West Hyacks vs (11) West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (24-13)

Fri, Nov. 4 Burnaby Central Wildcats vs St. Thomas More Collegiate Knights Final Score (39-0) (Central+35 at STM-35 O/U 42)
Sat, Oct. 29 Pinetree Timberwolves vs St. Thomas More Collegiate Knights Final Score (33-2) (Pinetree+42 at STM-42 O/U 42)
Sat, Oct. 1 Cowichan Thunderbirds vs St. Thomas More Collegiate Knights Final Score (46-7) (Cowichan+40 at STM-42 O/U 49)
Sat, Sep. 17 St. Thomas More Collegiate Knights vs Holy Cross Crusaders Final Score (34-12) (STM-14 at HC+14 O/U 42)
Fri, Sep. 9 STMC Knights vs Notre Dame Jugglers Final Score (21-8) (STM-3 at ND+3 O/U 35)
Sat, Sep. 3 Vancouver College Fighting Irish vs STMC Knights Final Score (36-0) (VC-7 at STM+7 Over/Under 35)

Fri, Nov. 4 West Vancouver Highlanders vs Notre Dame Jugglers Final Score (28-7) (WV+7 at ND-7 O/U 35)
Fri, Oct. 28 Timberline Wolves vs West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (26-18) (Timberline +3 at WV -3 O/U 28)
Fri, Sep. 30 Vancouver College Fighting Irish vs West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (31-6) (VC-21 at WV+21 O/U 56)
Thu, Sep. 22 Sentinel Spartans vs West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (30-12) (Sentinel+14 at WV-14 O/U 42)
Sat, Sep. 17 West Vancouver Highlanders vs Hugh Boyd Trojans Final Score (14-7) (WV-7 at Boyd+7 O/U 35)
Fri, Sep. 9 North Delta Huskies vs West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (23-19) (ND-7 at WV+7 O/U 35)
Sat, Sep. 3 Moscrop Panthers vs West Vancouver Highlanders Final Score (27-6) (Moscrop-10 at WV+10 Over/Under 28)