D-man's award hat-trick

Photo: Contributed - BCFC

Derek Yachison (l) and Brennan Van Nistelrooy, walked away with a lion's share of BCFC hardware.

Okanagan Sun defensive back Brennan Van Nistelrooy scored the B.C. Football Conference trifecta, Wednesday.

Van Nistelrooy earned three honours as the league handed out its final player of the year awards.

The 22-year-old Lethbridge, Alta., native was named the BCFC's defensive player of the year, special teams player of the year and the top defensive back.

Van Nistelrooy had 14 tackles, four interceptions, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick. He also punted 56 times for 1,542 yards.

Three other members of the Sun walked away with season-ending hardware.

Cliff Crews was named the league's top offensive lineman, Jonas Gering was the top defensive lineman, while head coach Shane Beatty was named coach of the year.

Gering led the Sun defence with 13 tackles, 11 sacks and forced a pair of fumbles, while Beatty led the Sun to their first perfect regular season since 2004.

Kamloops receiver Derek Yachison walked away with a pair of awards, for top receiver and offensive player of the year.

Yachison caught 73 passes for 1,026 yards and 14 touchdowns. Teammate Jacob Palmarin, who led the league with 1,089 yards rushing was named the top offensive back.

Vancouver Island Raiders teammates Dexter Shea and Cole Virtanen were named top linebacker and rookie of the year, respectively.

The BCFC semi-finals are set for this weekend.

The Raiders will host the Langley Rams Saturday, while the unbeaten Okanagan Sun host Kamloops Sunday, 1 p.m. at the Apple Bowl.