Two rival teams are now tied at the top of the B.C. division, each with a record of 3-1.
Adversity builds character and suffering a loss to the Okanagan Sun last weekend in Kelowna, then facing them again on Saturday at Nanaimo’s Caledonia Park was a character-building moment for this year’s edition of the Vancouver Island Raiders.
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Raiders coach Matt Blokker said he felt his team “dominated in just about all aspects of the game,” as his team avenged an eight-point defeat to the Sun last week by beating them 23-19 in B.C. Football Conference action.
“I was really proud and happy with how the team and coaches responded,” said Blokker.
He called last week’s loss, the Raiders first in 26 games, a wakeup call.
“We look at the loss as a pride thing. When you lose it takes away a little bit of confidence and when you lose that confidence, you may not play your best — which leads to more losing. It’s a vicious circle.”
On Saturday, the Raiders jumped on the Sun early. On the opening play from scrimmage, running back Jordan Botel took the ball to the Sun’s 10-yard line. The following play, the Raiders scored a touchdown but missed on the extra point.
The Nanaimo team stalled for a short time in the first quarter, giving away two interceptions and Blokker said his team “would have blown the Sun away if it weren’t for early turnovers.”
He was pleased to see the resurgence of the Raiders’ running game, which some had questioned after perennial all-star running back Andrew Harris moved on to be on the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.
“Our backs did a great job and I am especially pleased with the effort of our O-line,” said Blokker.
As for last week’s game in Kelowna, Blokker said that despite being outplayed, the Raiders were still within a position to win at the end of the game. However, he acknowledges his team didn’t play up to its potential.
“I knew we were a way better team than what we showed last week. The Sun are a great team and we’ve got a good rivalry going with them.”
The Raiders have played for the B.C. conference championship four of the last five years.
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