BC Lions U8 Team battles to Provincial Championship victory

Members of the BC Lions U8 football team proudly display their provincial championship rings after capping off a season of hard work and determination with a title win in Cambridge. The team, part of the UA RISE Flag Football program in Brantford, includes Paris players Luke Larion, Lucas Pooley, Gabriel McGee and Owen Cecchetto, alongside Rowan Fleming, Cormac Monaghan, Myles Cobb, Isla Grant-Hose, Levi Morrison, and Richard Farrugie.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The BC Lions U8 football team capped off a remarkable season by capturing the provincial championship title in Cambridge. It was a victory made all the sweeter after a rocky start to their season.

The team, which is part of the UA Flag Canada program in Brantford, includes several Paris players – Luke Larion, Lucas Pooley, Gabriel McGee and Owen Cecchetto. They’re joined by fellow teammates Rowan Fleming, Cormac Monaghan, Myles Cobb, Isla Grant-Hose, Levi Morrison, and Richard Farrugie, who all showed grit, growth, and teamwork throughout the season.

Under the guidance of dedicated coaches Jonathan Pooley and Brent Farrugie, the Lions transformed early setbacks into a series of hard-fought wins. Coach Pooley focused on developing line combinations that played to each player’s strengths, while his post-game speeches, win or lose, inspired confidence and unity among the young athletes.

By the time playoffs rolled around in Brantford, the Lions were a force to be reckoned with. They battled their way to second place in the standings and ultimately secured the home championship title.

That success earned them a trip to the provincial finals in Cambridge, where they faced challenging winter conditions and tough opponents. Despite the falling snow and back-to-back games, the Lions’ determination never wavered. After a loss to Kingston in their first match, they bounced back with a win over Mississauga. When the schedule saw them face Mississauga again, they prevailed once more, setting up a rematch against Kingston in the finals.

In a thrilling championship game, the Lions delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Kingston in commanding fashion. Lucas Pooley earned MVP honours, while highlights included an epic catch by Luke Larion off a throw from his best friend and teammate Lucas.

Parents and coaches alike were bursting with pride as they watched the young athletes celebrate their incredible journey and it was all the more memorable as it was one that started with struggle but ended in triumph. 

“We couldn’t be prouder of all the kids,” said Lindsay Lario. “From a tough beginning of the season, we saw how hard they all worked to become champions - for themselves first, and for the province second.”