It has become one the Lower Mainland's best stadiums to watch a high school football game in. Mercer Stadium, in New Westminster, routinely sees some of the biggest and loudest crowds in BC High School football, all in support of their beloved Hyacks.

They don't have a long history like some of their counterparts, but this public school has found a way to not only begin creating a tradition in New West, they've also found a way to become one of the most competitive schools in the province over the last four years.

Farhan Lalji is the head coach of the Hyacks and it has been his efforts and those of his staff that have turned New West into one of the best programs in the Lower Mainland.

New West, even though it's a suburb of a big city, has a real small town community feel to it," Lalji says. "The support we get has been tremendous. I got out and started selling just an idea, and when it became real, the community has been there for us ever since."

This Friday the hard work will be on display again. It's New West's homecoming game against the Terry Fox Ravens and more than 1,500 screaming Hyacks fans will be there. So will the MEI marching band giving this game a true "Friday Night Lights" feel.

New West

The Hyacks were a veteran laden team in 2009 that flirted with a provincial championship.

2010 sees a team that has lost 20-plus seniors and is starting nine new players on offence and 11 on defence. As a result, the Hyacks will be a team made up of a lot of talented athletes, but ones who have never faced the pressure of starting before.

"Dealing with pressure and the expectations of starting is new for these kids. They have the ability, but they've never had to be ‘the man' before, and there is a certain amount of pressure that comes from that," Lalji says.

Yet, Lalji isn't discouraged and has told his team he believes with their talent they can remain in games late, no matter who their opponent is.

"If we can limit our mistakes and play disciplined football, we can play with the best this province has."

The Hyacks' strength will come from two linemen who have been best friends since kindergarten. Nick Adomat and Jamie Wandell are both 6'3" and both weigh in at more than 250 pounds.

Wandell has been described by Lalji as the best linemen in the province. He is a physically dominating player who finishes plays and has interest from 20 different colleges, both north and south of the 49th. His best pal Nick isn't too far off either.

Terry Fox

The Ravens are bringing back two-thirds of their feared "Three Headed Monster" running trio that dominated the opposition in 2009.

Jarred Soll and Jacob Patko, who combined for 689 yards and 14 touchdowns in ‘09, are again in the backfield for the Ravens in 2010.

Last week Patko sent a reminder to the rest of the province in case they forgot how good he can be. He scored two touchdowns and rushed for 129 yards against Vancouver College in an upset win for the Ravens.

On the defensive side of the ball, 2008 junior varsity MVP Ben Shape is back. In 2009, he amassed 13 tackles and 2 interceptions and last week against the Irish he grabbed two picks.

Terry Fox also has a lot of heart, as displayed last week by emotional team leader Cam Canales.

"When I step on the gridiron, I am willing to die for my team." The Ravens quarterback told reporters after an upset win over Van College.

It's that type of strong will and heart that makes Terry Fox a tough team to play week in and week out.

The Call 

Terry Fox is a very strong team running the ball and whenever a team is able to run the ball effectively, they can control the clock and dictate the pace of the game. If Fox is able to do this, I expect them to be able to win a hard-played game on both sides.

The city of New West has the reputation of a town filled with proud people who work hard and have a lot of heart. If Terry Fox underestimates the Hyacks, this is a team that reflects the image of the city they represent and they could upset the Ravens.