The V.I. Raiders can’t rise or fall in the standings, but they know there’s still a lot to play for.
Nanaimo’s B.C. Football Conference team is preparing to play its final game of the regular season as the Langley Rams come to town Saturday (Oct. 7).
Final practice week of the regular season is underway for the @ViRaiders. They host the @LangleyRams on Saturday (Oct. 7) at 1 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/ppG2nhVAyu
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) October 4, 2017
First of all, the contest represents a late-season checkup. The Raiders and Rams opened the season way back in July, a 20-13 win for Nanaimo.
“Langley’s a good football team and they’ve dealt with a lot of adversity this year…” said Doug Hocking, Raiders coach. “They’re going to come in fired up and have a point to prove.”
V.I. has something to prove, too, as the franchise hasn’t had many winning streaks the past few years.
“We want to do something this team hasn’t done in a couple years and that’s win three games in a row, and go into the playoffs on a high note and just keep winning,” Hocking said.
While the coach wants to get all his guys into Saturday’s game, he doesn’t want it to be a week of rest or a time to ease up. Hocking said he plans to run the team hard in practice so they’re well-conditioned for playoffs.
Quarterback Jake Laberge, who missed the last two starts recovering from injury, will start Saturday.
“We’re healthy and we feel good…” the coach said. “We’ve gotten better every week when it comes to the way we play on all sides of the ball, all phases, and we’ll continue to do that.”
GAME ON … Saturday’s kickoff is 1 p.m. at Caledonia Park. An incorrect start time was published in the last issue of the News Bulletin. Tickets will be available at the gate.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
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