The Porter Creek Rams successfully ran the table to win the Yukon Grade 8 boys volleyball title over the weekend.

Matched up against the underdog Vanier Crusaders in the final Saturday afternoon at Porter Creek Secondary, the Rams’ No. 2 team bent, but did not break, eventually winning in three sets.

After the Rams took the first set 25-19, the resilient Crusaders fought back to take the second set 25-23.

After Vanier jumped to an early lead in the third set, the Rams settled down to take it 15-12, helped out by some timely spikes from Porter Creek standout Dylan Cozens.

Taking the gold medal away from the defending champion Crusaders was a special feeling, said Rams player Evyn Dinn.

“I can go brag more often now,” the 13-year-old laughed post-game.

“Being first – that feeling of being on top – is the happiest one.

“Most of us came from the same elementary schools – Jack Hulland, Holy Family and Hidden Valley. We just knew how to play volleyball, I guess.”

Determined focus and continuing to cheer each other on when they were down helped the boys rally, he said.

“In the second set, we thought we had it,” Dinn admitted. “We were getting really cocky ... we didn’t try as hard and focus. That’s what happened there.”

With the game on the line, emotions flickered across players faces as each point was won or lost.

Despite the eventual final loss, Crusaders star Arcel Siosan was named MVP by tournament organizers. Siosan’s teammate C.J. Dumadag also put in a stellar effort.

Vanier coach Ben Craigen was proud of his group’s effort.

The Crusaders denied the host Rams an all-Porter Creek championship final after defeating the school’s No. 1 team in the semifinals. Vanier had lost to both Porter Creek teams in the round robin schedule.

“They showed a lot of hard work and depth,” said Craigen of his 12-member squad. “They had their shot at redemption. They definitely pulled it together.

“It’s pretty amazing to see how far they’ve come in so little time.”

Porter Creek No. 1 went on to beat the F.H. Collins Warriors in the bronze medal game. Teams from Dawson City and Haines Junction finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

Rams coach Jerry Heal said the gold medal caps a great season.

“They are some very talented young men. We had senior boys coaching them,” said Heal. “We just all pitched in. That’s how we play volleyball here.”

Other members of Porter Creek’s gold medal team include: Wyatt Peterson, Aidan Adel, Garrett Kline, Teegan Quail, Grayson Turner and Tristan Snooks.

Heal said the squad did endure their share of hard lessons and losses throughout the season.

“Somewhere along the way, they learned focus and to stick with it, never give up on a ball,” he said. “But I can’t lie to you. They did have a lot of raw talent.”

He said both Porter Creek squads had similar talent levels.

“It was a heartbreaker,” Heal said of his second squad’s semifinal loss to Vanier. “I’m very proud of both teams.”