Skip to content

Sun hot, but so are Raiders

Nanaimo will host Okanagan this Saturday (Aug. 26) in junior football action at Caledonia Park
8241242_web1_football-raiders-IMG_9690
V.I. Raiders quarterback Jake Laberge throws during practice Tuesday night at Comox Field. The Raiders are getting ready for a game against the undefeated Okanagan Sun. (GREG SAKAKI/The News Bulletin)

One team will take a lot of momentum into mid-season.

The V.I. Raiders are about to play their biggest game of the season so far as they get ready to take on the undefeated Okanagan Sun this Saturday (Aug. 26) at Caledonia Park.

The Raiders have won their last two games by blowout scores and have a chance to climb into a tie for first place in the B.C. Football Conference. It will be a challenge, though, against a Sun team that is coming off a 71-7 dismantling of the Valley Huskers last weekend.

“It’s going to be our best competition of the year,” said Doug Hocking, Raiders coach.

He expects the well-coached Sun to come in ready to play, and believes his players and coaching staff will be ready, too.

“If both teams are prepared and both teams play physical, then it should be an outstanding day on Saturday,” Hocking said.

The Raiders are coming off a 51-10 victory against the Kamloops Broncos that turned some heads.

“Not really a statement, but it was definitely a big game for us, a confidence booster for sure coming into the next game,” said Brycen Mayoh, Raiders receiver, kick returner and BCFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

story continues below

Quinton Bowles, V.I. D-lineman and BCFC Defensive Player of the Week, said the preparation week doesn’t really change even against an opponent like the Sun.

“No, we’re more focused on ourselves and how to get better as a team…” he said. “Everyone’s a stepping stone in our way right now.”

He said the same things that worked the past two weeks should work against a tougher opponent. It comes down to guys trusting each other and trusting the coaching staff, he said.

Hocking said the Raiders need to stick to what they’ve been doing, but said that execution will be even more critical against the Sun.

“We have to be good tacklers on defence and execute our assignments and have no mental busts. I think physically, we’re there with any team,” he said. “Offensively, we need to be able to run the ball. We’re asking a lot of our O-line.”

So even though it’s standard preparation this week and a one-rep-at-a-time mentality at practice, it could all culminate in some great football on game day.

“It’s going to be live,” Mayoh said. “Hard-hitting and very live.”

Bowles predicts hard-hosed football.

“It’s just going to be Raider football, baby; that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

GAME ON … The Raiders and Sun kick off at 2 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 26) at Caledonia Park.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com