The ‘Battle of the Rock’ was a lively football game which saw the V.I. Raiders fall one score short.
The Westshore Rebels defeated the Raiders 22-17 on Saturday night in Victoria.
Nanaimo led 17-14 after three quarters, but wore down in the fourth quarter and Victoria was able to hold on for the win.
“We need to understand that every time we’re out there, it’s a critical situation. There are no times where it’s not,” said Doug Hocking, Raiders coach. “Every play means something, every situation means something and is critical to the outcome of the game.”
He pointed to fumbles and penalties that proved costly. The Raiders fumbled twice inside their 20-yard line and both led to Rebels points, including the game-winning touchdown.
Westshore used its run game to manage the clock and maintain field position late and Hocking said it wore down his team. He credited Westshore’s offensive line and backs.
“I thought we did a great job stopping the run, we just gave up big runs again at the end of the game when time was a factor,” he said.
As for his team’s offence, the Raiders couldn’t connect on a high percentage of passes.
“We gave up on the run a little bit too early,” Hocking said.
The game had its share of flags and unsportsmanlike conduct, with three Rebels players getting disqualified from the game.
“We kept our cool, none of our guys got thrown out, so I’m happy with that and I thought our players were very mature and did outstanding keeping their composure in those situations,” Hocking said.
Raiders running back Rhett Williams had 16 carries for 150 yards and a touchdown, while receiver Brycen Mayoh had 103 receiving yards and a 20-yard TD catch from quarterback Jake Laberge. James Parker kicked a field goal. Laberge was 11-for-28 for 169 yards, one TD and three interceptions.
Defensively, Shawn Arabsky had six tackles and an interception, Quinton Bowles had five tackles and a sack and Brody Taylor also had a sack. Andrew Hunt forced a fumble that was recovered by Brooks Miller.
For the Rebels, receiver Dusan Greenaway made six catches for 122 yards and a TD, tailback Trey Campbell gained 137 yards on 23 carries and quarterback Scott Borden was 14-for-26 passing for 225 yards, one TD, one INT and added 74 rush yards.
Defensively for Westshore, Malaek Wormack had two interceptions and Robbie Lowers had one. Marly Cliff-Delcy and Tanner Hayward recovered fumbles.
GAME ON … The Raiders host the Valley Rebels on Saturday (Sept. 23) at Caledonia Park. Fans are asked to take note that kickoff time has been changed to 1 p.m.