The 2013 high school football season might be the South Delta Sun Devils last chance at a provincial championship for the foreseeable future.
A motion was passed at the B.C. High School Football Association's AGM back in January that will see the enrolment (Grade 11-12 male students) threshold between 2A and 3A programs drop from 300 to 275 for the 2014 season.
That adjustment would send nine teams up to the higher level - South Delta, Seaquam, Argyle, Moscrop, Eric Hamber, Vanier, Handsworth, Mt. Baker and Spectrum.
"That's the way it looks right now but it could change again," said Sun Devils head coach Ray Moon, pointing to the decision being controversial and different leadership now overseeing the BCHFA.
"There definitely are some new programs that would have a hard time surviving if they are forced to move up."
Members also explored the possibility of introducing a hybrid regular season schedule that would have focused more on regional games between 2A and 3A programs before going their separate ways for the playoffs. It was defeated.
South Delta would at least be competitive in 3A but challenging the likes of perennial powerhouses Vancouver College, Mouat or Mt. Doug for a provincial title is another story.
For a number of years, the program played 3A under coach Brian Higgins even though it had the opportunity to move down. The Sun Devils made it as far as the semi-finals on two occasions - almost certainly missing out on 2A titles in the process.
The Sun Devils won their second B.C. championship last season and have enough returning key players to be a big factor again next fall.
Six starters will be back on defence, while the offensive unit will also have a number of familiar faces. The program should benefit greatly from the provincial champion South Delta Bantam Rams.
"I think we will be in a position to challenge for one of the top positions," said Moon. "Repeating is probably more realistic (compared to after the 2008 champion-ship."
The Sun Devils will begin work on the 2013 season after the Victoria Day Weekend in May with their annual spring camp.
