V.I. Raiders blow out Broncos for first win in a long time

The Vancouver Island Raiders dominated the competition to capture their first victory since 2022.

After two narrow losses to open the season, the Raiders defeated the Kamloops Broncos by a resounding 48-12 score in the Interior on Saturday, Aug. 3.

The game began with a bold but unsuccessful onside kick attempt by the Broncos, which gave the Raiders excellent field position at midfield. Seizing the opportunity, quarterback Sadler Smith executed a perfect play-action pass, connecting with receiver Paul Romanoff deep down the middle of the field for a 55-yard touchdown on the very first offensive snap.

Following a poor punt by the Broncos, the Raiders next possession began at the Kamloops 40-yard line and V.I.’s offence quickly capitalized with a five-play scoring drive finished off by Smith finding running back Owen Giancola in the left flat for a touchdown. Smith then connected with receiver Silas Gardner for a three-yard touchdown. The Broncos managed to respond with a big kick return that set them up in Raiders' territory, culminating in a 20-yard passing touchdown to cut the deficit late in the first quarter. The teams then traded turnovers before Smith found receiver Blaze McCarty from 15 yards out for another touchdown. After each team turned the ball over again, Smith orchestrated another scoring drive late in the half, culminating in a short touchdown pass to Parker Moscrip.

After a relatively quiet third quarter for both teams, the Raiders found their rhythm again and on the first play of the fourth quarter, Smith connected with receiver Ruben Bonsu for a spectacular 40-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Smith and Bonsu teamed up again for another touchdown pass just a few minutes later, this time a 25-yard pass down the right sideline. Kamloops managed to score a touchdown with just over two minutes left in the game, but it was too little, too late.

Smith ended with some video game-type numbers, going 28-of-40 for 512 yards and seven passing touchdowns. The Raiders top two targets shined once again, led by Romanoff who hauled in seven catches for 161 yards and Bonsu who added six catches for 143.

There's still a long way to go this season and the Raiders will have to continue to prove they’re for real, but they have much to look forward to as they continue to rebuild the program.

GAME ON … V.I. is back at home next Sunday, Aug. 11, to face the Langley Rams in a 5:30 p.m. kickoff at Q'unq'inuqwstuxw Stadium. For ticket information, visit www.viraiders.ca.