Main camp helped the V.I. Raiders get ready to play some football.
Nanaimo’s B.C. Football Conference team held camp this weekend at Merle Logan Field and the Raiders feel like they’re heading in the right direction.
“We’ve made a lot of progress,” said Doug Hocking, Raiders coach. “We still have such a long way to go before Week 1, but we did a great job, our coordinators did a great job, our position coaches did a great job getting these guys ready … We are ahead of where we were last year at this time.”
Hocking said players responded well to the physical challenge of camp, and also handled the mental side of the game.
“We didn’t overwhelm them with a lot of plays, we kept things fairly basic so that we could execute at a high level,” the coach said.
He said the defence seems to be picking up where it left off last season in some ways, the offence is beginning to mesh well and special teams has “high-level” potential.
Veteran players, too, were happy with how main camp went.
“I really liked it,” said Kaelan Botel, Raiders lineman. “Our team’s looking good this year. We’ve got a lot of depth everywhere.”
Brody Taylor, defensive end, said the Raiders came a long way over three days.
“Offence is looking good, defence is looking good,” he said. “I’d say this is probably the farthest we’ve been along on both sides of the ball in my years of playing for the Raiders during main camp.
“We’re leaning more toward a veteran team, lots of third and fourth years, so we’ve been here for awhile, we know the system … and the rookies can lean on a vet; the vets are more than willing to teach them as long as they’re willing to listen.”
Coaches were impressed by some standout players all over the field. Defensive end Quinton Bowles, a former Raiders team MVP, is returning to junior football after a stint in the CIS and he showed leadership and a consistently high calibre of play during camp.
Safety Shawn Arabsky demonstrated passion and excitement and has the ability to “win games” for the Raiders, Hocking said.
Also on defence, strongside linebacker Nathan Mayers has made great gains and Taylor was getting to the QB almost at will during Sunday’s intrasquad game.
At quarterback, Jake Laberge and Jamie Ybarra are “neck and neck right now,” said Hocking, adding the pivots complement each other because they’re different types of players and different types of leaders.
“We’re not going to announce a starter until we go into Week 1, but what’s exciting is that you see those guys supporting each other and encouraging each other and trying to make each other better,” he said. “That tells me ultimately in their minds it’s what’s best for the team and when that decision comes, they’ll go along with it and they’ll keep competing and working hard every day.”
Also on offence, running backs Rhett Williams and DéJon Lynch both had moments where they stood out and the Raiders have designs on bringing another tailback into the fold.
North Rainey was a playmaker in the receiving corps and Botel, who was asked to transition to offensive tackle, looked to be an immediate fit there with tenacious yet disciplined play. Hocking said he’s looking forward to seeing Botel line up next to Trystin Waters, another D-lineman being asked to play O-line.
Now that main camp is in the books, the Raiders will begin a regular practice schedule starting Tuesday (July 11) with an eye to being ready for Week 1 on the road July 29 against the Langley Rams.
“They’re excited for Tuesday night. We’re all ready to get going,” Hocking said.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com