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Raiders add special teams weapon

The V.I. Raiders added to the punt and kick return units as specialist Andrew DeLeon practised for the first time with the Raiders on Tuesday night.
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V.I. Raiders return specialist Andrew Deleon runs back a punt at practice Tuesday at Comox Field.

The V.I. Raiders are off to a strong start this season, but they still see room for improvement in some areas.

The Canadian Junior Football League team will add to the punt and kick return units as specialist Andrew DeLeon practised for the first time with the Raiders on Tuesday night.

Raiders coach Matthew “Snoop” Blokker said DeLeon, from Halifax, will be immediately inserted into the lineup for the home opener Saturday (Aug. 13) against the Kamloops Broncos.

"He's going to be that guy," said the coach. "That's what he does."

The Raiders want to have DeLeon and Alex Jobson form a double threat on returns.

“The way our defence is playing, I think we’re getting 12 punt returns a game,” Blokker said. “That’s a lot of touches, so we want to do something about it and be really good.”

GAME ON … The Raiders and Broncos kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday at Caledonia Park. On Friday (Aug. 12), the V.I. Raiders will be holding a barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. at Harris Mitsubishi. Fans are invited to come out and meet the players, and the team will be selling season tickets … To read about the Raiders' most recent game, a 72-6 blowout over the Westshore Rebels, please click here … Check back at www.nanaimobulletin.com on Thursday (Aug. 11) and Friday for much more coverage on the Raiders.

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