The South Kamloops Titans punched their ticket to the BC High School Football Provincial Semi-Finals for the first time since the 2011 season, with a dramatic 49-41 road victory over the number 2 seed John Barsby Bulldogs of Nanaimo.

Playing in a standing room only, hostile environment at Harewood East Field, the 7 seed Titans stunned the heavily favoured Bulldogs by jumping out to an early lead. The Titans would not trail in the contest all day.

Quarterback Cole Rigler went 29 for 33, throwing for 380 yards and 5 touchdowns. Receiver Derian Dyck was the main benefactor, having 6 receptions for 123 yard and 4 scores.

On defense, Dyck chipped in with 10 solo tackles. Linebacker Devin Price led all Titans with 17 solo tackles, while safety Mason Gozda returned an interception for a touchdown.

Holding a 49 to 27 lead with 9 minutes left in 4th quarter, the Titans survived a furious Barsby comeback. After surrendering a touchdown and 2 point convert to see Barsby get within 8 points, the Titans leaned on their offense to grind out the remaining 2:58 of the game.

Next up for the Titans is a semi-final game against either North Vancouver’s Argyle Pypers, or Parksville’s Ballenas Whalers. This game will be played at a neutral site at McLeod Stadium in Langley.