W.J. Mouat Hawks Fall to Lord Tweedsmuir in 3A Football Final

The W.J. Mouat Hawks senior varsity football team faced an unexpected defeat in the 3A provincial final, losing to the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers 26-21 on November 30, 2025. Despite a remarkable season, which included scoring a record 76 points in a quarter-final playoff match, the Hawks struggled to maintain their momentum against the Panthers at BC Place.

In a gripping contest, the Hawks found themselves trailing 17-7 at halftime after a challenging first half. The Panthers, based in Cloverdale, opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown by Jerin Harinen on their first drive. The Hawks responded early in the second quarter when quarterback Elijah Black connected with wide receiver Santiago Llarena for a touchdown, bringing the score to 7-7. However, the Hawks’ offensive rhythm faltered, allowing the Panthers to regain control and extend their lead.

While the Hawks managed to rally in the second half, their efforts were met with fierce resistance. A strong drive culminated in Black throwing a short touchdown pass to Petrayus Lollar, narrowing the gap to 17-14. The Hawks then took their first lead of the game at 21-17 after Black showcased his agility with a touchdown run, following a crucial defensive stop.

With the game on the line, the Hawks faced a pivotal fourth down situation on the Panthers’ six-yard line. After a timeout, Black scrambled but was unable to break through the Panthers’ defense, resulting in a turnover on downs. The Panthers seized the opportunity, executing a clock-consuming drive that concluded with another touchdown pass from Harinen, giving them a 26-21 lead with just 1:17 left in the game.

The Hawks’ final drive ended in disappointment as Black’s pass was intercepted, sealing the game for the Panthers. This defeat marked the Hawks’ first loss of the season, concluding an otherwise dominant year for the team.

Coaches Reflect on the Game

Hawks’ head coach Andrew Harder expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the season, despite the heartbreaking loss. He acknowledged the challenges the team faced and emphasized the resilience displayed by his players. “I was super proud to be a part of the ride with these ones,” Harder stated. He credited the Panthers for their strong game plan, noting that the Hawks struggled to stop their offensive drives in the first half.

Harder mentioned that his decision to go for the touchdown instead of a field goal in the fourth down situation was a vote of confidence in his offense. “I trusted our guys to score and I didn’t think a field goal was going to give us the game,” he said, highlighting the trust he placed in his players.

In contrast, Panthers’ head coach Michael Carter celebrated the victory as the school’s first senior varsity football provincial title. Having been involved with the program since 2009, Carter described the win as “unbelievable.” He acknowledged the hard work of the players and the support from the community, which has been instrumental in their success.

Carter emphasized the importance of limiting Black’s impact on the game. “We had a couple different game plans ready for him,” he explained, outlining the defensive strategies employed to contain the Hawks’ star quarterback.

Looking Ahead

As the season concludes, both teams reflect on their journeys. The Hawks, who last reached the provincial final in 2011, have established a strong foundation for future success. Harder noted the significance of this year’s team, emphasizing the contributions of every player, regardless of their on-field time.

For the Panthers, this victory signifies a turning point in their program’s history, marking their first appearance in a provincial final since 2013. Carter acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to remain competitive in the coming seasons.

As fans celebrate the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 BCSS 3A Football Championship, the legacies of both teams are sure to be remembered in the years to come. For further details and highlights from the game, visit bchighschoolfootball.com.