Yantz impressive in milestone victory

It was the first time this season the Raiders had to leave the Vancouver Island for a game, having played their only other visiting game in the nearby Westshore area. Head coach Matthew “Snoop” Blokker thinks the road trip did wonders for the teams’ morale.

“It was great to be on the road and be together as a team,” Said Blokker of the trip to Kamloops. “We’re coming off a couple tough games, and I think the trip really brought us together and united our guys”

And it showed on the field at Hillside Stadium.

It was another impressive night by the B.C. Football conferences (BCFC) lead passer – Jordan Yantz – who led the Raiders offense with nearly 400 passing yards. The Raiders QB threw six touchdown passes, becoming the only player in CJFL history to have over 100 in his career.

“He delivered the ball with ease all around the field,” Blokker said after the victory. “He hit his targets, he was locked in: it was just a great game by a tremendous quarterback.”

In a game that was shortened by the BCFC’s mercy rule, the Raiders were able to spread the ball around and give some of their younger players an opportunity.

“Pretty much everyone got their reps in,” Blokker said. “A lot of young guys got to make some catches or make some carries, and just be in the game. It was a really good job all around, and we [coaches] were impressed.”

Wide Receiver Whitman Tomusiak had another big game with over 100 yards (109), catching one touchdown and setting up several more. Matt Sawyer had two TD’s and five catches, while Arthur Fabbro, Dustin Pederson and Mike Schaper also had touchdown catches, respectively.

In a game that saw the offense take over, the defense quietly went about their business as well – limiting the Bronco’s to just 10 rushing yards. Pre-season standout and defensive back newcomer Rockenson Angrand had five tackles, with a sac and forced fumble. Meanwhile on the defensive line, Ash Gayat had two and a half sacs, to go with three tackles and a fumble recovery.

Kicker Mark Mueller converted on a 40-yard field goal, giving him a league-best six on the year.

As for Yantz, who now has 104 passes in his CJFL career, head coach “Snoop” thinks the off-season’s B.C. Lions training camp paid dividends for the QB. His progression as the league’s all-time best has been impressive, but it’s the possibilities that have his coaching staff excited.

“He [Yantz] hasn’t even reached his prime yet, which is the impressive part,” said Blokker. “He continues to improve and will continue to improve the more experience he gets. Jordan Yantz has still got a lot of good football left in him.”

And that is good news for the V.I. Raiders.

The Raiders (3-0-1) now enter a bye week, and will spend the free time with their respective families before they get back on the field. Next game action will come on Saturday, September 8 as the Raiders host the Chilliwack Huskers (0-4) at Caledonia Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.