CJFL: Raiders burn Sun in hard fought victory

“We’ve been looking forward to playing these guys for a while,” said Raiders head coach Matthew “Snoop” Blokker prior to Saturday’s contest. “They’re a good team, and they give us a chance to see how good we really are.”

For the Raiders, it was the second week in a row that a field goal attempt from the opposition would decide their fate. And, for the second straight week, the Raiders came out with the favorable outcome.

The scene was set after the two teams traded touchdowns for much of the contest, neither one willing to give an inch. Then, Sun linebacker Alexander Hupe’ seemed to turn the tide in favor of the visitors when he intercepted Raider QB Jordan Yantz late in the fourth quarter. Hupe’, playing in his first game with the Sun, returned the ball to the Raiders six yard line to set up another dramatic finish.

With just fifty seconds left, and the Raiders up by 2, the Sun sent kicker Steven McFadyen for a 10-yard field goal. Surely, McFadyen would feel confident putting his team ahead with such a short attempt. Unless, of course, he was given time to think about it – which is exactly what Coach “Snoop” Blokker was thinking when he called a timeout.

Whether it was luck, good coaching, or a combination of both, the Raiders got what they wanted as McFadyen’s attempt went wide left. The Sun would get the ball back, but time would run out, as the Raiders were handed a 30-29 victory.

“These games are a whole lot of fun to be in.” Blokker said after the exciting game.

It wasn’t the way the Raiders drew it up, but the coaching staff credited the players for sticking together and persevering through a tough opponent. Although they came away with the victory, head coach Blokker knows there is still work to be done.

“We’re playing with a lot of passion,” said Blokker after the victory. “But we got a lot of work to do.”

Receiver Michael Schaper led the charge for the Raiders offense, amassing 180 yards on seven catches. Veteran QB Jordan Yantz was 21-of-34 passing for 404 yards, two touchdown passes and three interceptions.  Dustin Pederson and Ashton Galloway also contributed touchdowns.

For the Sun, it was Alexander Hupe’ who ignited the rallies, collecting five tackles, one sack, an interception and also returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown. QB Cam Bedore was 13-for-29 for 252 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Next up for the Raiders is a visit to Kamloops to take on the Broncos on August 25. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at Hillside Stadium. The Kamloops Broncos (1-2) are coming off a 34-21 loss to the Westshore Rebels.

Gridiron Report
– After his impressive performance, Sun linebacker Alexander Hupe’  was named BCFC Defensive Player of the Week.
– Since 2005, the Vancouver Island Raiders have not lost at home