W.J. Mouat Hawks Suffer Shock Loss in 3A Football Final

UPDATE: The W.J. Mouat Hawks faced a stunning defeat in the 3A provincial football final against the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers, falling 26-21 at BC Place on December 1, 2025. This loss marks the Hawks’ first of the season, despite their previous dominance throughout the year.

The game started with a fierce battle as Panthers’ Jerin Harinen scored an early rushing touchdown, giving Tweedsmuir a 7-0 lead. The Hawks quickly responded, with quarterback Elijah Black connecting with Santiago Llarena for a touchdown, bringing the score to 7-7. However, the Hawks struggled offensively in the first half, trailing 17-7 at halftime after another touchdown from Harinen.

As the second half unfolded, the Hawks’ offense ignited, with Black throwing a touchdown pass to Petrayus Lollar, narrowing the gap to 17-14. A pivotal moment occurred when Mouat’s defense forced a turnover on downs deep in Panthers’ territory, allowing Black to score again, giving Mouat a brief 21-17 lead.

With less than two minutes remaining, the Panthers executed a game-winning drive capped off by a touchdown pass with just 1:17 on the clock. The Hawks attempted to rally but ended their final drive with an interception, sealing their fate and the championship for Tweedsmuir.

Hawks head coach Andrew Harder expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “Our kids rose to the challenge, every single one of them,” he said. This season marked a significant achievement for Mouat, being the first team to reach the provincial final since 2011.

On the winning side, Panthers’ coach Michael Carter reflected on the monumental victory, the first provincial title in the school’s history. “These kids work so hard, and the community has been really behind them,” he stated, highlighting their struggle against Black’s formidable playmaking.

As fans digest this surprising turn of events, the victory for the Panthers signifies a historic moment in their program’s journey. The tension and excitement of the match captured the attention of a community that has rallied behind their teams, showcasing the passion and dedication that high school sports evoke.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as both teams reflect on their seasons and prepare for what lies ahead.